RETURN TO BLOG LISTINGSWhenever we talk about biometric recognition, we generally think of either high-security access control applications or sci-fi blockbusters. Hollywood has been portraying the use of biometrics in sci-fi films for decades. Star Trek, which aired as a show in 1966 and was made into its first movie in 1979, used biometrics such as voice ID, retina scanning, and facial recognition. 1982's Blade Runner used the Voight-Kampff machine to measure dilation of the iris to determine if a subject was human. Of course, our devices are still utilized to this day to protect some of the world’s most secure facilities and assets, but more recently our readers are commonly installed in facilities that you would not associate with high security, such as gyms, restaurants, hotels and construction sites.
One of the most significant increases in demand for biometric systems is in workforce management, primarily used for time and attendance. We have to go back nearly a whole century before the first Star Trek episode to discover the first time-clock patent, the Bundy Clock (pictured right). Today, many organizations have chosen to replace antiquated punching-in machines with reliable biometric devices. So let’s look at some of the advantages that implementing biometric time and attendance can bring to your organization.
Accurate Data
Touchless Biometric Systems (TBS) supply the world’s most reliable and accurate biometric devices. Whether you install fingerprint or iris recognition, you will know that the identity of every individual is certain. Traditional methods of identification such as cards or fobs can easily be shared or stolen, leaving the system open to abuse. A US study in 2017 suggests that a staggering $373 million per annum was lost to ‘buddy punching’ (having a co-worker clock-in on your behalf).
Easy to Use
TBS’ biometric terminals have been designed with the user in mind. Touchscreen user interfaces provide real-time feedback to ensure reliable biometric recognition, without the need for complicated training.
Flexible Integration
The TBS system architecture has been designed to enable time and attendance, workforce management, and payroll providers to easily integrate our hardware. APIs allow user and event information to be securely exchanged between 3rd party systems. Behind the scenes, we take care of all of the complexities of database encryption, database synchronization, and algorithms.
Increased Efficiency
Save on the cost of manual processes by automating employee time and attendance, from the first clocking-in event right through to payroll.
Fairness and Equality
Adopting a biometric time and attendance system levels the playing field for all employees. Your organization will have real-time information of exactly when employees arrived and left, as well as how many hours were worked. Those who work under their contracted hours can easily be identified, but just as importantly, those who consistently go above and beyond their expected hours can be recognized and rewarded. Fairness for all!
Digitizing and automating time and attendance within an organization negates the possibility of duplicate entries and allows for accurate, reliable information on employees' hours and job codes, as well as information about breaks and paid time off (PTO). This works not just for organizations with hourly-paid staff, but also for salaried staff, as it provides an effective and efficient way of tracking the length of time spent working on specific projects and helps to manage PTO.
