Biometric time clocks are improving the way businesses track employees.

As technology continues to improve, so can the organizational process of a business. An investment towards strengthening organizational skills in a business by efficiently tracking employee hours results in saving time and money. Now, who would turn that down?

Biometric time clocks are a supportive implementation of a workforce management system. Employees can punch in and out of work using only their hand. This is what separates traditional time clocks from biometric, no extra instrument is needed. Employees do not have to worry about remembering a code or losing a swipe card, rather, they simply must scan their hand and they are ready to begin work. The technology stands in stark contrast to traditional systems, making it near impossible for buddy-punching to survive, and closer to eliminating the potential for fraud.

Despite the various benefits for both employers and employees, skepticism remains concerning the use of biometric employee time clocks. Most of this fear is rooted in misinformation, or a lack of understanding. So, below is a brief compiled list of damaging myths concerning biometric time clock technology, in attempt to debunk them and improve any workforce.

Myth 1: Biometric Time Clocks Muddle the Process 

Verification through biometric identification only takes a few seconds, requiring the same amount of time that it takes to punch in with a pin or swipe a card, or less. Biometric hand-scanning is fast and reliable. There are best practices to ensure that the finger is scanned properly the first time. Having a dry, clean finger will speed up the process.

Myth 2: Biometric Time Clocks Suggest Employers Have Zero Trust in Their Employees 

While this may be a reasonable assumption, biometric time clocks were created for more than just buddy-punching prevention. Biometric technology can help to eliminate employee-punching errors, such as punching in by mistake or misplacing a timecard. They track time and attendance data down to the minute, so employees can be reassured they are being paid appropriately for all hours worked. In addition, some biometric time clocks provide additional employee services such as employee portals that offer employee’s the ability to print pay stubs when needed, view approved PTO and watch training videos to improve performance.

Myth 3: Enrollment for Biometric Time Clocks Is Arduous and Difficult to Manage 

It is all too often assumed that a task is more difficult than it truly is, simply because one has not experienced the requirements of the task. Biometric enrollment, however, is generally a one-time activity, that can be managed remotely. In fact, employees are enrolled into the system from the first time they punch in using a biometric terminal—without administrative assistance.

Myth 4: Biometric Time Clocks Store Employee Fingerprints 

It is quite reasonable for employees to be skeptical and have concerns regarding the security of their private information (and a handprint is as private as it gets). However, most biometric time clocks do not actively store handprints; rather, they capture a mathematical representation that summarizes a handprint’s defining characteristics. After registration, the representation file is stored, yet the file cannot be used to recreate the actual handprint.

VCS Software Intelligent Workforce Management 

Traditional workforce management systems – which are still widely used today – clock employee hours proceeding the shift that has just taken place. This reactive approach breeds overspending and inefficiencies for companies. VCS’ software systems compute data prior to shift work, so that the planned hours and positions are properly staffed. Proactive scheduling promotes a productive, compliant, and fiscally responsible workforce.

COVID-19 

With the Coronavirus now at the forefront of every decision, it is important to consider the safest technology. Reducing the risk of contracting the virus by implementing the right technology will ensure a more consistent workflow and above all, give staff a peace of mind. VCS Intelligent Workforce Management offers a variety of contactless time clock hardware that tailors to the needs of any business, small or large. The contactless feature scans the hand of an employee without the need for a prolonged touch or other contaminated devices to be used in conjunction with the time clock. This enhanced machine will record employee time with utmost efficiency and safety.

For more information about our software and time clock hardware, visit https://www.vcssoftware.com/