Biometric attendance systems have transformed attendance management in many organisations across industries. From fingerprint to face, and iris recognition, the attendance software leverage biometrics to record clock-in/out of employees efficiently.
Biometrics in HR Departments
Biometric systems provide HR teams with a powerful tool for managing not only attendance but various HR functions. By integrating biometrics, HR can streamline critical tasks such as shift scheduling, managing access control, and ensuring workplace security.
For instance, HR departments can limit entry to sensitive areas, ensuring only authorized personnel can enter. Additionally, biometric data syncs seamlessly with payroll systems, reducing time fraud and human error in payslip generation for a quick salary calculation process.
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Biometric For Attendance – Overview
Biometric attendance systems have been the most popular devices in the business landscape. The transformation of attendance management started with the launch of biometric devices only. Previously, paper-based clock-in/out systems were followed. Technology’s intervention remained the need of the hour for more convenient and accurate attendance tracking in the HR industry. This is why biometric attendance gained instant popularity after the launch.
Biometric attendance systems use advanced technology to monitor and record individual attendance records. This technology has been implemented in diverse industries, including workplaces, educational sectors and more. From fingerprints to facial recognition systems and IRIS scans, a wide range of methods are used for attendance systems. The incredible benefits of implementing this system in an organisation pull the decision- makers/ people managers and business owners.
Why organisations need biometric employee attendance?
- Reduce errors that occur due to manual entry and human oversight
- Decrease hours spent on manual calculations
- Minimise buddy punching & time fraud
- View real-time records
- Track attendance patterns
How biometric attendance systems work
A biometric attendance system uses a device to scan facial features or other unique attributes like fingerprint, retina, voice, face, etc. Once the attribute is scanned, it is stored in the database. When verifying attendance, the device compares the new input with the existing data stored. The attendance confirmation completely depends on the data comparison.
- Enrolling employee data
The first step is to set up the employees in the system. At this stage, their biometric details, such as fingerprints, facial features, or other biometric attributes, are captured and stored in the database. Every employee will have a unique identifier that links to their biometric data.
- Capturing attendance
Employees use a biometric device to clock in or out and input their fingerprints or faces. This device captures their biometric information on the spot and compares it with the existing data in the system.
- Advanced matching algorithm
The system executes advanced algorithms to analyse staff’s new biometric data and compare it with the digital templates. These complicated algorithms consider diverse factors, including fingerprint, facial, or iris patterns.
- Identity verification
If the system discovers an acceptable match between the new data and the existing digital template, the employee’s identity is verified, and the system timestamps the entry into the workplace. All these instances happen quickly for accurate time tracking.
- Recording attendance
The system stores the clock-in/out information of every employee with timestamps, generating a comprehensive digital record. This attendance data will integrate with payroll and HR software to make HR tasks like payslip generation effortless.
Types of biometric attendance systems
Fingerprint recognition system
Employee attendance will be recorded based on the unique thumb impressions on the device installed at the office entrance. Workers will register the fingerprint for the first time which converts into a digital template. When an employee marks attendance, the device compares the stored and scanned fingerprints to verify.
Facial recognition systems
The system determines the authenticity of an employee’s attendance based on facial features. Similarly, the workers’ facial attributes, like the distance between eyes, nose and jawline for attendance verification.
Iris recognition systems
IRIS systems for attendance analyse the unique patterns of employees’ irises. Initially, a camera will scan the iris of every individual. The real-time data will be verified with the stored template to mark attendance.
Similarly, for voice recognition attendance, palm scanning attendance and retina recognition systems, the user’s input will be stored in the specific device. Of all these systems, face and fingerprint scanners have been dominating the industry.
Also Read : Why Is The Face Recognition Attendance System Far Better Than Other Biometrics?
Top industries swiftly switching to biometric attendance systems
IT
As hybrid work models are on the rise, IT companies find it difficult to track employee attendance. Cloud-based attendance systems let employees’ clock in and out from any location. Face recognition in a mobile attendance app with GPS tracking and Wi-Fi restriction capabilities makes it easier for the management team to monitor productivity.
Manufacturing
Companies in manufacturing industry might have complex shift patterns regardless of the company’s size. Also, the shift timings will continuously change for workers. Only HR departments can emphasise on the hassles of handling time tracking systems. This is why management teams will prefer using cloud-based attendance systems in manufacturing plants.
Attendance accuracy can be a major factor in biometrics. The work environment in a manufacturing plant is subject to dirt, oil, and other debris, which results in failed scans and longer clock-in times with fingerprint scanners. Face recognition systems will be the ideal option in such situations.
Healthcare
A large healthcare facility, including a hospital with multiple departments and high patient turnover, struggles with managing staff attendance and secure access to restricted areas. The facility has been using fingerprint scanners for attendance tracking but faces several issues. To address these challenges, the facility is considering transitioning to a face-recognition biometric system. A contactless attendance system like a face or iris scanner would be suitable for healthcare sectors.
Education
With a diverse workforce including teachers, admin team, and other staff, keeping track of attendance can become complex. Staff management software with face recognition technology is gaining traction in schools and colleges rapidly. These advanced systems simplify the clock-in process, enabling teachers to mark their attendance quickly and efficiently without the hassle of manual entry.
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Wrapping Up
With options like fingerprint, facial recognition, and iris scanning, organizations can significantly reduce errors, minimize fraud, and streamline their HR processes. If you’re looking for a reliable HRM software solution that incorporates advanced biometric attendance technology, consider DigiSME , utilising state-of-the-art face recognition systems to track employee attendance tracking and also securely storing the records effectively.
