Are Biometric Fingerprint Clocking IN Machines Secure?

Are Biometric Fingerprint Clocking IN Machines Secure?

Biometric Time & Attendance machines are proving more popular as a secure way to track workforce data, especially when there is a suspicion of time fraud and ‘buddy punching’, where one employee attempts to clock for someone else.

What is a Biometric Clocking IN Machine?

Biometric Clocking IN Machines require employees to use their fingerprint to clock IN / OUT to record working hours. This is an effective method for managing your workforce as a fingerprint is unique to the individual.

How Secure are Biometric Clocking IN Machines?

One of the main questions we are frequently asked is – Are Biometric Clocking IN Machines Secure?

The short answer is YES. With a Biometric Clocking In machine, an employee’s fingerprint is not stored as an image within the database or on the actual device. Instead, a unique code is created that is then stored against each employee’s finger enrollment as a mathematical algorithm. When a fingerprint is presented, it compares the print to the code on file in a matter of milli-seconds, before storing the clocking record.

Can Fingerprints Be Copied?

The code stored cannot be accessed from the devices or any other storage locations and cannot be used to recreate the image of a fingerprint. Each staff member would enroll on the fingerprint machine which would automatically generate the code mentioned above and link that to their finger template. Other staff members will not be able to replicate the fingerprint. Every time an employee clocks, the system checks the records for any anomalies or differences. Any slight variation in the fingerprint will be detected and the clocking attempt would fail. This makes it impossible for staff to use other fingerprints to circumvent the system and clock for someone else.

How can I alleviate Staff Concerns?

If you are looking to introduce a biometric system in your workplace, then the best advice would be to communicate with staff regularly about the system and how their data will be used. The more you can empower your team, the easier it will be to bring them on board. Share the benefits of the system, show them how the data is going to be used across all business functions but importantly, you need to listen to and address any concerns they may have.

The team at Data Time Systems regularly collaborate with Employers to deliver training and mentoring for companies to promote biometric systems to their workforce and have seen first hand the power of team meetings where everyone is given the chance to ask questions and hear from the management team about the benefits and reasons why the system is being implemented.

If you are interested in finding out more then please contact the team - Contact us