Timekeeping has taken a huge leap forward in recent years with biometric security. Timekeeping used to be done using a time clock or a sheet of paper where employees would simply write down their names. This led to quite a bit of buddy punching and stealing of company time.
As companies began switching over to biometric security systems, many employees worried about the security of those systems and their personal data. Biometric security is the future of timekeeping and we have the reasons why in this post.
Easy to Customize
A major reason why biometric security is the future of timekeeping is because the software is easy to customize. When using the old manual time clocks, a timed stamp was made when an employee clocked in or out of work. This did not permit the company from doing any customization and provided very little security. Biometric time and attendance systems allow companies to customize schedules, analyze data and determine what times employees clock in and out of the office.
Improved Management and Scheduling Options
Biometric systems offer companies improved management and scheduling options. With so many employees to manage, it can become difficult to figure out scheduling on a daily basis. For example, one employee might not be able to work on Monday and Wednesday nights, while another can only work on Wednesdays. Scheduling conflicts prop up constantly but are easier to organize when using biometric security systems. These systems make it easier for managers to schedule employees for shifts and rearrange assignments.
Stronger Security
Biometric absence management software provides stronger security when compared with previous forms of timekeeping software and products. The software does not record any personal information of employees, provides restricted access when assigned and ensures employees clock in on time without stealing time from the company.
Most systems allow employees to clock in no more than two minutes early and no more than five minutes late. You can even program messages that ask the employee why he or she is clocking in late. The employee will then be able to submit an answer.
No Passwords or ID Cards to Steal
One of the reasons why the future of timekeeping is biometric security is that there is nothing for criminals to steal. No longer do your employees need to carry an ID card that has swipe access, a keyfob, or need a password to log into an online timekeeping system. The use of biometrics allows companies to get rid of these such things and use fingerprint recognition for timekeeping and employee access. This eliminates the threat of password stealing and employees using other employees ID cards to steal company time.
Facial Recognition
Not only can companies use fingerprints to recognize their employees, they can also use facial recognition to get the job done. This is being done more often in casinos, especially when a customer is banned from a casino for card counting or any other infraction. Before the customer is asked to leave, the casino security team can scan their face into the system. Then, if the person tries to gain access, the system will recognize the face and alert the team.
This can be done with employees and restricted areas of a company. Any employee who has access to a restricted area might need to have their face scanned in order to gain access. Any employee who does not have access would not be in the system.
How to Prepare the Office for Biometric Security
If your office uses an outdated timekeeping method, and are considering changing to biometric security, you will need to prepare the office for this major change. Follow these four steps and your company should make the change quite easy.
- Notify employees in writing of the change to a PTO tracking software system that explains what safety procedures will be in place, how it works, where employees can direct questions and more.
- Double and triple check the laws in your area regarding privacy and anything else you see fit to protect your company.
- Implement tough security measures that govern how data on the biometric system will be stored and protected.
If your company has a union, be sure to notify the union prior to switching the system. Also, make sure there is nothing written in the collective bargaining agreement that would prevent the installation of such a system.
Employers must make it known that they are not storing any personal information that can be retrieved by employees or hackers. Consider having alternate options to use if employees refuse to use the biometric system. This can prevent any legal ramifications against the company.
Biometric security systems, which also includes FMLA tracking software, is easy to install and very user friendly. Any and all questions from your employees should be answered truthfully and in a timely manner when switching to a new biometric system.
