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KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Biometrics scan an employee’s hand, fingerprint, face, or eye
- Biometric time clocks are faster, more accurate, and more secure than older timekeeping systems
- Time clocks with biometrics prevent time theft “buddy punching” and improve overall efficiency
- Biometric technology has become faster, cheaper, and more reliable as a standard technology feature
Once-futuristic technology like biometric clocks are becoming standardized in everyday businesses. Many of today’s biometrics came straight out of sci-fi movies like Star Trek and 2001: A Space Odyssey. Learn more about biometric time clocks and how they can help a business like yours.
What are Biometric Time Clocks?
Biometric devices scan the measurements (or “metrics) of a person’s biological characteristics. Fingerprints, hands, facial structure, and eyes can be used to identify employees when they’re clocking in (or out).
Past generations of punch clocks stamped a piece of paper and newer models scanned an employee badge. Biometric clocks allow for timekeeping that’s both reliable and convenient without the need for a paper record or badge.
Types of Biometric Time Clocks
Several different biometric systems have been developed. Only a few are practical for time clocks.
- Fingerprints
- Facial recognition
- Palm or finger vein patterns
- Hand geometry
- Iris recognition
Others, such as voice recognition, aren’t the best way to verify employee IDs, but some hardware does respond to voice commands for touch-free use.
Benefits of Biometric Clocks
Traditional punch clocks have earned their place in history, but there’s a reason you aren’t asking workers to write their hours on a legal pad. Biometric clocks are the latest step toward making timekeeping as efficient and accurate as possible.
More Accessible & Easier to Use
Workers make mistakes. Pin numbers are easily forgotten and badges get left at home. Biometrics bypass those problems by letting employees use their thumbprint or face. Fingerprint scans take one to two seconds to verify–certainly faster than hunting-and-pecking seven digits on a keypad.
Reduces Time Spent on Payroll
Manual timekeeping is a time-consuming hassle. Biometric clocks automatically connect with scheduling and timekeeping software. Don’t burden your HR department with the tedious chore of copying information between systems every pay period or manual corrections. Connecting a secure, biometric punch clock with automation software is one of the fastest ways to prevent payroll errors.
Ensures Accuracy & Reduces Human Errors
It’s too easy for employees to make mistakes when punching their codes into a keypad. One or two wrong digits could mean entering in someone else’s employee ID number. Biometric clocks are designed for reliable accuracy, and nobody has to remember their punch code. Use an error-proof timekeeping system to ensure payroll accuracy.
Eliminates ‘Buddy Punching’ & Time Theft
16% of workers have admitted to punching the time clock for a coworker. The BLS estimated that employers lose $373 million every year because of ‘buddy punching’. As we’ve seen in spy movies, elaborate tricks can occasionally trick biometric systems, but they’re a lot more secure than alternatives.
Enhances Employee Accountability
Biometric time clocks remove the temptation to try ‘buddy punching’. For new hires, your timekeeping system shows whether or not your company takes tardiness and absenteeism seriously.
Supports Compliance
HR’s role in compliance includes keeping accurate, accessible records of employee work hours. Employees will always have questions about pay stubs and overtime, but you can have more confidence in your record keeping with biometric clocks and automated HR software.
Reduces Overall Cost
Quality biometric systems are designed for long-term efficiency. You don’t need to replace all those lost employee badges or RFID fobs. Buddy punching and missed punches take time to investigate and resolve. Eliminate all of that hassle with a reliable, automated timekeeping system that saves time and money for your business.
Improves Efficiency & Productivity
Employees will quickly get frustrated if they’re stuck waiting for their turn at the time clock. Wasted time is bad for employers, even when workers aren’t yet “on the clock.” Set the tone for an efficient, productive workday with a biometric system for faster shift changes.
Improves Data Security
Biometric data is harder to replicate than PINs or barcodes. Protect your data by verifying the identities of remote workers as well as on-site staff. Timekeeping systems should use encryption and secure data storage to prevent tampering.
Discover how Netchex can help your improve your time and attendance recordkeeping with biometric time clocks and more:
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