What is a fingerprint clock?
A fingerprint clock is a biometric time clock that uses a fingerprint scanner to identify employees and record their work hours when used with time and attendance software. Fingerprint clocks are normally installed at a staff entrance and can also be used with access control<How does fingerprint clock work?
When the fingerprint clock system is set up, employees using their fingerprint biometrics are enrolled by initially scanning their fingerprints. Using this scan, the system identifies sections of the fingerprint where ridges and grooves intersect or terminate. The product of this enrolment process is an employee’s biometric template. Once the biometric template has been created, the original scan of the employee’s fingerprint is discarded, and only the template is saved for future reference. This enrolment process is detailed in the following diagram:
First, an employee’s fingerprint is scanned into the system.
Next, the system identifies intersections and terminations.
Finally, an employee’s unique biometric template is created.
When an employee uses a fingerprint clock, their fingerprint is quickly scanned and cross-referenced with the fingerprint templates that are saved in the system. If there is a match between the fingerprint and the template, the system accurately identifies the employee and allows them to clock in or out. If there is no match between the fingerprint and any template in the system, access to the fingerprint clock is denied.
Why is fingerprint clocking useful?
Fingerprint clocking time management systems, such as fingerprint time clocks, are on the rise for many reasons. These specialized timekeeping devices help manage/control employee access, eliminate time theft, improve business security, and make clocking in and out faster and more efficient than any other time and attendance system.
How does fingerprint clocking help productivity?
Fingerprint time clocks use a unique physical attribute to confirm employees’ identities and provide an unparalleled time and attendance solution. The benefits of fingerprint time clocks can be broken down into four categories:
1. Controlling Workplace Access
Fingerprint time clocks offer a quality of workplace access control that is impossible to achieve using other technology. If you’re planning to pair access control with your employee and attendance solution, Fingerprint time clocks are the perfect fit. With the press of a single finger, an employee can confirm their identity, clock in for work, and open the door. Fingerprint time clocks can be configured by your business to only allow certain employees into certain rooms. This sort of solution is ideal for businesses that value efficiency and ensures your employees are at the right place at the right time.
2. Eliminating Time Theft
Traditional time clocks are easy for employees to abuse, intentionally or by mistake. Fingerprint time clocks prevent “buddy-punching” (where one employee uses the PIN or ID card of another employee to clock them in when they aren’t working) by requiring any employee to be physically authenticated by the time clock system. Additionally, fingerprint clocks make it quicker and easier for employees to clock in and out, which means your employees are more likely to follow time tracking procedures and reduce any potentially wasted time spent figuring out how to clock in or out for a shift or a break.
3. Improving Business Security
There is no greater security than immediate physical security, and there is no better way to ensure that physical security than fingerprint authorization. Not only are they the best option for controlled access and employee authentication, but fingerprint time clocks also ensure your business remains secure. Fingerprint biometric technology can keep your customers out of spaces designated for employees, track employee movement, and even prevent trespassing and theft. If your business uses fingerprint biometric security measures, your employees and property are always safe. While a lock key, access code, or security cards could be stolen or misused, fingerprint time clocks cannot be bypassed this way. The use of fingerprint is logged and recorded, so you will know exactly who is using any device, any time it is used.
4. Increasing Employee Efficiency
Fingerprint time and attendance systems vastly improve employee efficiency compared to traditional time clocks. These systems are easy to set up, easy to use for your employees and managers, and save your business time and money. Fingerprint time clocks work best with automated time and attendance software to minimize employee error and increase individual efficiency. The less time your company spends verifying time cards and employee work hours, the more money you save. Plus, since fingerprint clocking systems are reliable and easy to use, your employees will save time clocking in and out and be able to focus more on their work.
