Should Your Business Be Using a Biometric Time Clock?
Ready to embrace the future of payroll software, reduce time theft, and enhance security? Then your business may benefit from a biometric time clock. These advanced systems aren’t just for high-security institutions and organizations anymore. Biometrics have become increasingly popular for even SMBs searching for a cost-effective alternative to traditional time clocks.
Wondering how these tools can fit into your ecosystem? This guide covers what you need to know, including how biometric time clocks work and what the advantages are for tracking employee attendance and working hours.
What is a biometric time clock?
Biometric time clocks are technological devices that use employees’ unique biological traits to clock in and out of work. Here’s a closer look at the technology:
How does a biometric time clock work?
Employees use their fingerprints or a facial scan to clock in and out, which the time clock then uses to process as unique biometric data. The data from the fingerprint or facial scan is then converted to a digital template or mathematical representation and saved on a secured server.
The device scans the same feature each time an employee clocks in or out, which it compares to the original sample for verification. These devices sync automatically with payroll software to calculate hours worked, overtime, and attendance.
Types of biometric characteristics
Biometric time clocks can use a number of identifying features, including:
Fingerprints
Facial recognition
Iris or retina scans
Hand geometry
Voice recognition
What types of businesses use biometric technology?
These devices are used in a wide variety of fields, including:
Manufacturing and warehousing
Healthcare
Retail and hospitality
Construction
Corporate offices
Government and education
Related: How Many Hours Is Part-Time Employment?
What are the benefits of a biometric time clock for businesses?
It’s one thing to understand how biometric technology works. But how do you know it will benefit your business? Consider these advantages:
Improves accuracy
In addition to intentional manipulation, manual time tracking systems are also subject to human error. Whether mistakes are made by employees or managers, the effects can cost your business tons of money over time and create a hassle for staff who simply want to be fairly compensated for their work.
A biometric time clock can lead to fewer payroll disputes and increased trust in the system, creating a domino effect that enables enhanced employee satisfaction, greater productivity, and a boost to the bottom line.
Enhances security
Naturally, biometric time clocks also serve as an added access control measure, since they require much more than a simple PIN to grant access to your company’s sensitive data. This is especially true of systems that require facial recognition, iris scans, or fingerprints to enter different physical locations or online portals.
Streamlines workforce management
Once the initial setup process is complete, data will automatically flow to your payroll system for seamless integration. Features like real-time reporting and intuitive dashboards help managers spend more time strategizing and less time laboring over timesheets.
Prevents time theft
Unlike traditional timekeeping systems that use a PIN, timesheet, or badge, biometric technologies rely on each employee’s unique biological features to clock in and out. This makes it much harder to “buddy punch,” where one employee clocks in or out for another, inflating their hours and draining company resources.
When you know that time sheets are correct, you can look for patterns that suggest other forms of time theft, such as extended breaks or unauthorized overtime.
Read more: Time Theft: What It Is and How To Prevent It
What to consider when integrating a biometric time clock
Keep the following considerations in mind as you transition from traditional punchcards to a biometric time clock:
Compliance with biometric laws
While Florida does not currently have state-specific biometric privacy laws, these statutes are becoming more common across the US. However, employers must follow best practices and maintain compliance with federal laws through company policies regarding sensitive data, written consent before biometric marker collection, and transparency about data retention and deletion.
Maintaining secure and reliable infrastructure
An uninterrupted power supply and stable network connection are essential for your biometric time clock to function properly. For instance, businesses in the construction or marine industries may require weather-resistant devices built to withstand heat, humidity, and outdoor use.
Safeguard your system with backup methods like PIN or card access that employees can use in the event of biometric system malfunctions. It’s also important to work with a company that offers great customer support when things go wrong.
Protecting employee data
If a traditional timeclock system is hacked, managers may have to reset passwords for every employee, which is time-consuming but feasible. However, a security breach regarding biometric data can be much more complicated because you can’t just change your fingerprints or facial features.
This makes encrypted storage solutions, regular system audits, and strict data policies vital. Failing to protect against data breaches can lead to fines, lawsuits, and even damage a company’s reputation.
Related: Workers' Comp Insurance in Florida: What You Need to Know
At Clearpalm, we have the solutions to keep your business on track!
If you’re ready to streamline your time management system with hands-free iris scanners or facial recognition software, the Clearpalm team can help! Clearpalm is an award-winning partner of Swipeclock technology. Contact us to learn more about biometrics for your business and how you can make the switch.
