What is a biometric time clock?

Biometric time clocks use physical features of a person, such as fingerprints, eyes or facial structure, to identify them and track their time at work. When someone arrives at work, they step up to the time clock, which scans the specified feature and verifies it using sophisticated software. It automatically tracks the time that employees work. Other electronic time clocks use ID cards, codes or similar inputs to clock employees in and out.

Types of biometric time clocks

You can choose from different types of biometric time clocks based on which feature they use. Common options include:

• Fingerprints: A fingerprint time clock requires employees to register a fingerprint in the system. When they arrive or leave, the time clock scans that finger to determine whose fingerprint it is.
• Irises: When a biometric time clock scans your eye, it’s looking at your unique iris patterns to recognize you.
• Facial recognition: Facial recognition technology is used in many ways, including time tracking. This type of time clock checks for defining facial features to tell people apart. Some systems use security cameras to recognize employees as soon as they walk into the building rather than going to a specific time clock station.
• Voice recognition: With this option, employees record themselves saying a phrase. When they arrive at or leave the office, they speak into the time clock so it can recognize their voice.
• Combination: For added security, you can get a biometric time clock that requires multiple features, such as facial recognition and a fingerprint.

Pros of biometric time clocks

Biometric time clocks might seem a little intimidating to some people, but they offer your company several perks, including the following.

1. Stops buddy punching

When your time-tracking system doesn’t require biometrics, it’s possible for buddy punching to happen. Simply put, buddy punching is when an employee clocks in for someone else.

With biometric systems, employees can’t clock in for someone else. While you can scan a badge or enter a PIN for someone else, you can’t fake a fingerprint or iris patterns, which could make biometric time clocks a great preventative measure.

2. Easy to use

Biometrics are quick and easy for employees to use. They don’t have to dig through their bags to find a badge or memorize a code to enter into the system. These systems can process several employees quickly, which is helpful if you have lots of people starting or ending a shift at the same time.

3. Less time wasted

This method can also save your HR team time, as they won’t have to reissue lost cards or look up codes if employees forget them. Compared to manual time-tracking methods, biometrics could also potentially save time when calculating pay and overtime.

4. Accurate timekeeping

Biometric time clocks offer accurate time tracking. The system automatically tracks and records the time each employee spends at work. As long as they remember to clock in and out, the software does the rest. You don’t have to worry about inaccurate reporting on a paper timesheet or miscalculations with manually calculated working hours.

5. Effective documentation

A related perk is the ability to document everyone’s hours easily. It keeps an electronic record of time for payroll, tax or compliance purposes.

Cons of biometric time clocks

Using biometrics to clock in and out of work can come with challenges. Explore the cons of this type of time-tracking system.

1. Security and compliance issues

Biometric technology is relatively new, but some states may have laws regulating how you handle and store the data. Even if your area doesn’t have any regulations, it’s important to prioritize employee privacy. Staying compliant and keeping data secure can create more work for your team. Choosing a secure biometric system and keeping the software updated can help.

2. Equipment failure

This type of recognition software isn’t fail-proof. The machine might not read a fingerprint accurately if the person’s skin is dirty, wet or sweaty. Changes to facial features could affect the way the equipment reads someone’s face. It’s possible for mistakes to happen. However, buying high-quality equipment and keeping it up to date should eliminate most of these malfunctions.

3. Accessibility for employees with disabilities

Employees with disabilities or limited mobility could face challenges when using biometric systems. Someone in a wheelchair might not be able to reach the scanner, depending on how high it’s mounted and what features are scanned. Vision loss can make it challenging to know where to scan the features or whether or not they’re positioned correctly for the scan. A fingerprint time clock doesn’t work for an employee who is a double hand or arm amputee.

You can overcome these challenges by considering the disabilities your employees currently have and other potential barriers. Consider choosing a system that’s accessible for all types of abilities. Offering alternative time-tracking options can also work for employees who need accommodations to improve workplace accessibility.

4. Lack of employee trust or buy-in

When you switch to biometrics, you can expect some employees to be a little hesitant. They might not want their personal biometrics stored in your system, or they might worry about the security of using this type of tracking.

Being transparent about the switch and explaining how you keep their data safe can help alleviate some of the worries. It can also help to write a formal policy for your employee handbook to cover how the system works and how you protect their data.

5. Hygiene concerns

Some biometric time clocks could present hygiene concerns. Take a fingerprint time clock, for instance. Everyone touches the same scanning area with their finger, which could potentially spread germs quickly. Even if you use an iris or facial recognition system, employees might stand close to the time clock and breathe, cough or sneeze germs onto it. This can also happen with other types of electronic time clocks, especially ones that require a code. Other alternatives include key card tracking or software tracking on personal workstations.

6. Costs

Replacing your current system with a biometric time clock could come with a big price tag. The specific cost depends on the type you choose and the additional features you want. You also have additional costs with keeping the software updated and ensuring data privacy compliance.

FAQs about biometric time clocks

What are some alternatives to biometric time clocks?

You can continue using traditional methods, such as paper time sheets. Other electronic systems that use badges or number codes save time over manual methods and may make employees feel more comfortable.Time-tracking and activity-tracking software can monitor what your employees do on their computers. This can be especially helpful for remote employees who can’t clock in on a time clock.

Will biometric clocks work without power?

Whether or not your equipment works during a power outage depends on its power source. You can add a battery backup to many time clocks so they continue to work if the electricity is out. Without a battery, the machine will likely turn off with no electricity. However, your data should be safe even if the machine loses power. It just won’t be able to process new clock-ins or clock-outs until the power is restored.

Should I use a biometric time clock?

Choosing time-tracking equipment for your company depends on your needs. A biometric time clock could be a good fit if you need accurate time tracking and worry about buddy punching. It doesn’t work as well if you have a remote work team or a hybrid team that isn’t always in the office to use a time clock. You also might not need it if down-to-the-minute time tracking isn’t necessary for you.