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The rise of biometrics in workforce management

​Punch cards are out; biometrics devices are in – and with good reason. Simple to install and extremely accurate, biometric time and attendance systems are an easy way to increase accountability and productivity in work forces of all shapes and sizes.

Not that long ago, fingerprint, finger vein and palm vein biometrics were sci-fi effects seen only in movies. Today, however, the application of statistical analysis to biological data is very much within our reach.

Here are some of the key benefits that drive businesses to use biometric systems for workforce management:

Time theft prevention

‘Buddy punching’ and time theft remains a legitimate concern for employers. Workers unintentionally overestimating time on the job, or deliberately misreporting overtime, cost Australian businesses millions of dollars annually. Fingerprints are unique to each person and with the accuracy of an automated digitalised system, it’s nearly impossible for workers to reverse-engineer or falsify time attendance information in a biometrics-based system.

Increased productivity

Manual time and attendance recording requires payroll staff to collect time cards, reconcile paper timesheets, and re-enter data in the payroll system. With many businesses already stretched for resources, the automation and digitisation of timekeeping means personnel can be cut down, or reallocated elsewhere.

Accountability

Biometric technology ensures a clear audit trail for POS transactions, and removes problems traditionally associated with new identification cards, passwords and PIN numbers. Employers can also track when and where employees are working, making staff accountable for their time and, in turn, their output.

Tracking mobile workers

Biometric technology can be app-based, using geo-location to track where and when staff clock-on -off. With no paperwork, it’s a convenient solution for employers with a mobile workforce, including those working from remote locations and from home.

Labour analytics and reporting

Biometric systems also collect and report on real-time labour analytics. Better insight into what workers are doing and when they are doing it helps employers more accurately bill clients and external stakeholders. Real-time access to big data analytics also makes the workforce more visible to key decision makers who, in turn, can use the data to increase efficiencies.

Compliance with labour laws

Calculating penalty rates and allowances can be time consuming, and failure to do so correctly has serious legal consequences. Biometric technology, however, tracks start and finish times with up to 99 per cent accuracy. What’s more, it can be synced with payroll systems to calculate wages, including overtime and penalty rates, along with sick leave, annual leave and unpaid leave.

Efficiency

Because biometric time and attendance software uses biological data, employees don’t have to worry about remembering to bring in a punch card or keying in a PIN. This means payroll and security staff spend less time recovering lost passwords and manually inputting employee clock-in times.

Security

This type of technology doesn’t match images of employees with security codes as traditional ID cards do. Instead, it scans fingerprints and corresponds encrypted binary data with a specific employee code. Without an associated picture, the scans can’t be used to track an individual or steal their identity.

Labour Solutions Australia (LSA) has added biometric time and attendance technology to its suit of workforce tools. If you’re looking to identify efficiencies through sophisticated IT and software systems, ask the LSA team about how biometric software can be integrated into your business.