Top Fingerprint Time Clocks
Employee Time Clock Buying GuideSelecting and buying a time clock involves very different processes for different companies. On top of that, when you’re tasked with finding the best time clock for your business, you suddenly have to become the subject-matter expert for management.But for such niche products, the selection process can be tough without a guide.
Employee Time Clock Software and Fingerprint Scanner, Time Attendance Tracker, Unlimited User Profiles, No Monthly Fees, Incl. Support and Updates, Digital 4500 Series Scanner, TimeDrop by LotHill. Totals hours for up to 100 employees ( expandable ) with a full range of reports- time card-tardy-who is in as well as interfaces with payroll - ADP,QuikBooks,Paychex etc. Two forms of connectivity - ethernet and usb cable. Software is client server enabling multiple clocks and locations all using the same software for central control!
Luckily, that’s exactly what this article provides you with: a time clock buying guide.Time clock selection can be relatively easy when the desired system is a standalone time clock that uses paper time cards, but the selection process for networked time clocks, biometric time clocks, and innovative solutions is not as straightforward.This article will discuss purchase criteria for both standalone time clocks that use paper timecards and advanced time clocks that integrate with time and attendance software. Time Clock Integration OptionsBefore we jump into the purchase criteria for each time clock type, let’s review the different types of time clocks and timekeeping methods commonly implemented today: Manual, Paper-Based Time ClocksPaper-based timekeeping systems have existed for over 100 years. Employee labor is recorded by a tamper-proof timekeeping device that imprints each punch onto a paper timecard. Time Stamps. Time stamps provide the most basic form of time tracking, using paper forms (typically not time cards). Basic, tamper-proof timekeeping can achieved with time stamps, though they are truly designed for time-stamping and date-stamping forms such as applications, contracts, and so forth. While certainly the most basic form of timekeeping, time stamps can sometimes cost more than other solutions that are better-suited for employee time and attendance.
Standalone Time Clocks: Mechanical Time Clocks. Mechanical time clocks are very rugged standalone time clocks that print on paper timecards. Though they’re called mechanical time clocks, they still require electricity. The mechanical elements are the type wheels that imprint the time and attendance information on employees’ timecards. The primary reason a company would choose a mechanical time clock over any other time clock is the heavy-duty construction and reliability of the time clocks for years in harsh elements. Standalone Time Clocks: Electronic Time Clocks. The next step up from a mechanical time clock is a fully electronic time clock.
Electronic time clocks are largely the same and work the same way as a mechanical time clock, only the printing mechanism and date advancement is electronic and automated. Standalone electronic time clocks are typically relatively rugged and reliable, which is why many companies continue to use them today. Standalone Time Clocks: Calculating Time Clocks. Calculating time clocks feature all of the functionality of an electronic time clock, but will also calculate the total amount of time an employee has worked each day. These time clocks will automatically deduct breaks and lunches to reduce payroll errors and speed payroll processing.
Calculating time clocks are ideal for small businesses that do not require advanced time and attendance features, companies that only require basic rollouts involving one or two time clocks, and organizations that prefer paper timecards but want some processes automated.Automated, Networked Time ClocksModern timekeeping systems automate calculations to eliminate payroll errors and speed processes. They are integrated with time and attendance software and other time clocks to provide advanced functionality and protection against buddy punching. Networked Time Clocks. Networked time clocks use Serial, Ethernet, or another type of networked communications to synchronize data between time and attendance software and one or more time clocks.
Networked time clocks typically offer several options for clocking, including:. PIN.
Magnetic Stripe Badges. Barcode Badges. Proximity Badges.
Hand Geometry Biometrics. Fingerprint Biometrics. Facial Recognition Biometrics.
Iris Biometrics. One of the goals inherent to networked time and attendance systems is to inhibit buddy punching – one employee clocking another employee in or out to receive undeserved pay.
Instead of using paper time cards, which any employee could easily punch for another employee, most networked time clock rollouts require input from the employee that is unique to that employee such as a PIN or biometrics. The only exception is an implementation where badges are kept in a rack next to the time clock, much like the way paper timecards are typically kept. Of course, this could result in the same buddy punching problems seen in standalone time clock implementations. Networked time clocks are ideal for managing larger workforces, implementing advanced time and attendance rules, adding benefit accruals to the employee timekeeping process, and achieving other advanced time and attendance functionality that automates processes and eliminates payroll errors. Biometric Time Clocks. Almost invariably networked, biometric time clocks require unique, personally-identifying input from the employee that prevents buddy punching outright.
By requiring biometric data such as a fingerprint or facial scan, for instance, biometric time clocks help you achieve the best return on investment for any time and attendance system rollout. Implementation simplification and a significant drop in cost have make biometric time clocks ideal for any sized company looking to eliminate buddy punching and achieve the best ROI.Time Clock-Free ImplementationsIt may seem odd to have a section on Time Clock-Free Implementations in a Time Clock Buying Guide – but, to some, a web-based time clock is a time clock nonetheless. After all, we’re still implementing best practices, holding employees accountable for their time, and ensuring accurate recordkeeping. Web-Based Clocking. Many time and attendance software developers offer web-based or software-based employee clocking to eliminate the need for time clocks altogether. Depending on the application and company need, sometimes a kiosk is used at a central location or entryway to serve as a surrogate time clock.
Other times, when appropriate, employees are permitted to clock in and out directly from their computers. Web-based clocking can also support advanced implementations such as mobile time and attendance. Acumen’s time and attendance software, for instance, supports smartphones for real-time web-based employee clocking. Interactive Voice Response (IVR) Clocking.
Telephony and IVR systems can also be synchronized with time and attendance software for reliable and automated time and attendance for mobile workforces.
For decades, businesses have used to track the hours that their employees work. Traditional systems have included manually recording arrival and departure times and using punch cards or computers to clock in and out, but biometrics are coming to the forefront methods of tracking time and attendance. While they have numerous potential advantages over lower-tech methods, the introduction of also raises some legal concerns.Introduction to Biometrics for Time and AttendanceBiometric data are based on characteristics of the body of an individual.
Top 10 Fingerprint Time Clock
They can include direct images, such as a fingerprint or photo of the face, or encrypted data, which are generated from particular characteristics. Software and hardware recognition of an employee’s voice, fingerprint, iris, and face when the employee arrives at work or gains access to a secured area are examples of the use of biometrics in the workplace.Potential Benefits to Employers and EmployeesA significant potential benefit of the use of biometrics over punch cards is a decrease in fraud related to time worked. With punch cards, “buddy punching” can be rampant; one’s coworker can simply scan one’s card to clock in and thus cheat the employer. Biometrics makes buddy punching impossible; the employee must be present to clock in. The employer also gains because of better workplace security due to more stringent control over who gains access to the work area.by reducing the amount of uncompensated hours that are worked. Furthermore, biometrics time clocks can be more convenient because there is no need to carry a key or card or fumble for one in a purse or pocket.Legal Questions RaisedHowever, the discussion of biometric time clock legal issues raise several concerns.
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One is whether the practice is legal. Fingerprint recognition is a standard method of identifying employees for recording time and attendance, but employers may not take employees’ fingerprints in the state of New York unless they are required as part of a background check. Another concern is the ability of employers to fire employees for their refusal to undergo biometric analysis, since this right is not expressly protected by current labor laws.Privacy Concerns Related to the Use of Biometrics Time ClocksEmployees may express privacy concerns as arguments against the use of biometrics.
Since biometrics involves measuring and recording body characteristics, it can uncover employee health conditions that the employee did not want to disclose. For example, certain changes to the iris are indicative of diabetes. Another issue can arise when individuals of certain religious beliefs refuse to have their photos taken as part of the company’s shift to a biometrics system.Potential for Lack of Full DisclosureEmployees may feel a lack of confidence regarding limits on the use of their biometric data. The fear of lack of transparency may be greater among government workers, whose concern might be that their biometric identification data are being used not only at their work sites, but also at other government agencies to aid in identification and tracking of private activities.
A comprehensive policy with full disclosure is essential to calming employee fears.SolutionsA might be more widely accepted when it is used not only to monitor employee attendance, but also to increase workplace security by limiting access to secured areas of the site. These tips can help your company implement better and related policies.
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Inform employees in advance of the shift to biometrics and why it is necessary. Detail your policies regarding rounding, tardiness, and overtime. These can be programmed into the software program that you are using. Let your employees know that you are not storing any retrievable information. Explain how you will protect employer safety; for example, some employees might erroneously fear radiation exposure from a fingerprint recognition system. Prepare alternative systems for individuals who may have religious objections.Sources provided –.