For the company still trying to get the most out of traditional timesheets and punch cards, a biometric time clock system is waiting to save the day. In addition to better accuracy in tracking employees’ hours, this system comes with a unique way of verifying identities.
Using a fingerprint, employees clock in and out for their schedule shifts. This is in stark contrast to traditional systems that are ripe for acts of buddy punching and other potentials for cheating time.
As an employer, you are not the only one to reap benefits. Employees can clock in without having to remember a code or losing their swipe card. All that is needed is a scan of their fingerprint for the system to recognize their identity.
Despite these exclusive benefits, skepticism about the use of biometric time clocks remains. Most of it is fear rooted in a lack of understanding of how the system works.
The following seven myths about this technology are debunked with the value you will find in improvements to managing your workforce.
Myth #1: Biometric clocks store employee fingerprints.
Fact: Devices used for biometric time tracking do not store images of employees’ fingerprints. Similarities to traditional fingerprint scanners stop at appearances. The multi-spectral scanner captures characteristics of the fingerprint.
Recorded scans are done as a numeric string, which makes this system more advanced than other fingerprint scanners that are subject to being easily compromised.
Myth #2: Time clocks are the only way employers can use biometrics to track time.
Fact: Biometrics can be used with different applications including desktops and any device that has a USB port. By adding biometric readers to a computer or device, employees do not have to clock in or out at one centralized place. They can log their start time from their work stations.
Peripherals that support biometric time clocks gives you the flexibility to also allow log-ins from online time and attendance systems.
Myth #3: Cold or dirty environments are not conducive to biometric time clocks.
Fact: One thing that is important for companies is to have time tracking options that are suitable for any work environment. Workers on construction sites or at other work conditions where dirt and cold temperatures can interfere with technological devices require a durable time system.
Biometric readers can withstand any type of environment including, but not limited to:
- Moisture
- Bright ambient lights
- Topical contaminants
The concept of allowing employees to begin work shifts from anywhere holds true with these time clocks.
Myth #4: Frequent buddy punching is the only reason employers should get biometric technology.
Fact: There are multiple benefits to using a biometric time clock system. At least 75% of companies across different industries lose money from employees punching in for their coworkers.
Not only does biometric verification prevent intentional misuse, but it can also prevent accidental punching. This was always a possibility with other systems for keeping time.
If you have areas of restricted access, a biometric time system is a perfect way of keeping secured areas secure. Door access controls grant permission for authorized employees to enter these areas.
Myth #5: Use of biometric time clocks suggests employers do not trust employees.
Fact: Buddy punching might have prompted you to begin the search for the perfect time clock system. However, biometric technology brings a lot more to the process of ensuring the hours that employees work are recorded accurately.
Time and attendance data is tracked down to the minute. Employees have the reassurance of being paid properly. Managers have a better way to meet labor costs without going over department budgets.
In addition, some time clocks provide services for employees to view their paid time off accruals and other information related to their employment.
Myth #6: Biometrics has to be used by everyone in the company.
Fact: With a biometric time clock system, you have the flexibility of deciding which employees and/or locations need this for time entering and tracking. You might have one department working on a project that requires security clearance.
There is no need to give every employee the same access level.
Myth #7: Enrollment is arduous and difficult to manage.
Fact: Typically, enrollment is a one-time activity. Managing biometrics is easily handled onsite or remotely. Employees can be enrolled automatically from the very first time they use the system.
Additionally, managers can remove or add enrollees at a separate location while sitting at his or her computer.
Introducing change to workplace processes will be met with a level of opposition. Some employees may think they are being placed under scrutiny; others might believe that their fingerprints will get in the wrong hands.
When changes involve biometrics, it is important to communicate clear facts. Misinformation breeds resistance and can cause something that should make timekeeping and pay easier to track a source of diminished morale.
If you want to adopt biometric time tracking, make sure you select technology that supports your company’s culture and business needs.
