Better than putting pen to paper, and certainly more advanced than automated time-tracking software solutions, biometric attendance systems and devices work to capture the daily attendance of employees via fingerprints.
Sounds simple enough, right? But how do they work? Are there different kinds available? What are their benefits and are there any additional features? Read on for all your questions answered in the article below.
An Overview of Biometric Attendance Systems
As we know, time is money in the world of business, so the amount of time your employees allocate and actually spend at work should equate to what they earn. Thus, the practice of time-tracking is crucial.
Although spreadsheet-based time-tracking and automated software tools are effective means of collecting attendance data, they’ve never been entirely foolproof. That’s where the benefits of biometric attendance systems come in.
How does a Biometric System Work?
As mentioned above, biometric attendance systems use employee fingerprints to track and monitor employees as they clock in and out of the workplace.
When setting up any standard biometric attendance system, each employee’s fingerprint has to be scanned and mapped out based on a variety of coordinates that are defined within the system. These are then plotted against a graph and stored within the system. Then, whenever an employee enters or leaves the workplace, their finger is scanned against the stored fingerprint data and the entry is clocked.
The system of biometrics makes it near impossible to duplicate an entry or ‘pose’ as someone else, and this is the most significant advantage of using a biometric attendance system.
Types of Biometric Attendance Systems
Because of the nature of biometric attendance systems, they can be built around any number of human features. The most common of which include:
1. DNA – Analyzing segments of individual DNA
2. Ear – Identification by ear-shape
3. Eye – Using features of the Iris, or patterns of the veins and retina to identify an individual
4. Face – Analyzing facial features or patterns to authenticate or recognise an individual
5. Fingerprint – Using the minutiae ridges and valleys of an individual’s finger to identify them
6. Finger Geometry – Analyzing the 3D geometry of a finger to determine the individual’s identity
7. Hand Geometry – Analyzing the geometric features of the hand, including finger length and hand width
8. Odor Recognition – Using an individual’s natural odor to identify them
9. Voice – Identifying, verifying and authenticating a speaker based on their voice
10. Signature Recognition – Using an individual’s signature and handwriting style to authenticate their identity
Benefits of a Biometric Attendance System
Taking your attendance tracking to the next level with a biometric system is beneficial in a good number of ways. Our favorite benefits include the following:
Data Accuracy
Easily accessible and more accurate than other attendance systems, the data collected through a biometric system is reliable and can be used for creating quick reports and problem alerts.
Automated Rules
When you install and set up a biometric system, you can configure it to administer certain specified office rules. For example, you can set it up to track working hours and generate reports so that you don’t have to do it manually.
Improves Employee Accountability
For employees, knowing that they have to clock in and out of the office improves their transparency about attendance, capacity and contribution as they create verifiable audit trails of attendance.
No Buddy Punching
Biometric attendance systems only accept a punch-in from an enrolled employee. This means that one employee cannot punch in for another employee without it becoming a situation of time fraud.
Advantages of Biometric Attendance Systems for Security Companies
For companies operating within the security industry, there are a few specific advantages of employing a biometric system for tracking attendance. These advantages include but are not limited to the following:
- Eliminating time theft
- Boosts team and employee morale
- Provides good return-on-investment
- Simplifies payroll
- Improves scheduling across teams and locations
- Physical contact isn’t required
If you’re looking to improve the management of your workforce and track the attendance of your team via a software system, then EasyRoster may just be the software tool for you. Book a demo with one of our experts today for an in-depth showcase of all the ways EasyRoster can work to improve the inner workings of your security business.
As a Senior Product Manager at Adapt IT, I lead the division responsible for one of our flagship products, EasyRoster. Our primary focus is to empower organisations with top-tier Workforce Management Software, enabling them to optimise operational efficiency and streamline processes.
With over 12 years of experience in the industry, I have collaborated with clients across 25+ countries, delivering training sessions and offering labor efficiency consultations to diverse groups of professionals.
In my capacity as Senior Product Manager, I oversee a multidisciplinary team that together, strive to create innovative solutions and maintain our commitment to excellence in the realm of workforce management.
