Facial & Fingerprint Recognition Time Clocks- Benefits & Differences

New technologies have provided various ways for businesses to improve their operational efficiency, avoid labor law breaches, and improve payroll accuracy. Biometric systems are part of this revolutionary technology that measure a person's physical characteristics ) to confirm identity. Businesses utilize biometric time clocks to provide accurate, reliable, and secure timekeeping.

Here's a look into how fingerprint scanning and facial recognition differ and the benefits that can be gained for utilizing either for track employee time and attendance.

What is a Fingerprint Time Clock?

Fingerprint time clocks are timekeeping devices that rely on biometrics, or unique physical characteristics used to verify identity when clocking in or clocking out for a shift. Businesses frequently use them in place of punch cards, passcodes, or key/ swipe cards.

Biometric time clocks utilize imprint identifiers to match a scanned fingerprint by comparing it to a previously stored image of that same print in the employee database.

What is a Facial Recognition Time Clock?

Facial recognition systems are timekeeping devices that also rely on biometric technology. Unlike fingerprint time clocks, they rely on a human face to verify one's identity.

Facial recognition software reads the geometry of a face, focusing on the distance between eyes as well as the distance from the forehead to chin.

Similar to fingerprint time clocks, facial recognition tech compares facial features with a pre-stored digital image.

Differences Between Fingerprint & Facial Recognition Time Clocks

Both types of recognition technology utilize algorithms to verify a person's identity. However, there are some differences between the two, including-

1. Vary in Efficiency
Facial recognition takes longer to process, as there are more features to scan compared to a fingerprint.

This may lead to longer lines to punch in in the morning unless there are multiple facial recognition time clocks available for use.

2. Touch vs. Touch-Free
An employee is required to touch a fingerprint recognition time clock to clock in. This also means that the scanner will have to be sanitized more frequently to prevent germ-spreading.
Facial recognition time clocks are touch-free and typically mounted on a wall near the front of the office. Because of this, they don't need to be sanitized as frequently.

3. Recognition Capabilities
Fingerprint time clocks may be slightly more reliable than facial recognition time clocks. A person's fingerprints are so unique that they cannot be mistaken for another's, even among twins. Facial characteristics, however, can.

Facial characteristics also change as people age. Though unlikely, it's possible that a facial recognition system may not recognize a person.

4. Industry Usage
An employee must have a clean enough thumb or finger for the device to register a reading and match it to a pre-stored image. This may not be feasible for those who work in manual labor positions, such as construction.

Though mainly used in office settings, facial recognition technology may be more useful for those who work in manual labor.

As long as the facial recognition interface is stored in a safe, dry place, it will be fully functional. Unless a person is covered in thick residue, like mud, the technology can easily read a slightly smudged or less-than-clean face.

Benefits of Facial & Fingerprint Recognition Time Clocks

1. Eliminate Time Theft
Traditional time cards and passcodes make it easy for coworkers to clock in for a friend because there's no way to verify the identity of the person clocking in.

Facial and fingerprint recognition time clocks virtually eliminate the possibility for buddy punching because a person's fingerprints or facial identifiers are uploaded into a database, and the time clock software can automatically match the current scan with what was previously stored.

2. Saves Time & Frustration
Old-fashioned employee punch or swipe cards can be easily forgotten or misplaced, and it's not uncommon for employees to forget their passcodes to clock in/out.

In either scenario, in order to find a resolution, managers must verify, fix, and adjust an employee's timekeeping records, resulting in wasted time and resources.

With fingerprint and facial recognition, there's no need to worry about lost timecards and forgotten passcodes.

3. Easier to Accommodate Temporary & Remote Employees
It can be difficult to track and manage the time of temporary, seasonal, and contract workers who are employed for a short time and have varied, irregular hours.

It can also be complicated to manage and track the hours of remote workers; many employers rely on the honor system to do so.

Biometric time clocks automatically record the punch-ins of temporary employees. Managers won't have to sort through complicated timesheets or punch cards to verify his/her hours.

Fingerprint and facial recognition systems can easily integrate with mobile phones. This makes it easier for remote workers to track and manage their hours worked. Managers can also rest assured that a remote worker is on-site when he/she is supposed to be.

4. Automates Payroll
Biometric time clocks automatically store punch-ins in a database, making it easier to perform payroll.

Instead of sorting through timesheets and punch cards to check for overtime hours or approved bonuses, payroll staff has all of the data available to them in one, secure timekeeping database. This helps to prevent human error, while also ensuring the company is complying with labor laws.