Until recently, biometric time clocks were seen as a futuristic concept. Today, these clocks are now a reality and are quickly replacing traditional time clocks in the workplace. No matter whether this is used for security purposes, access control or to prevent others from clocking their friends in at work, businesses are seeing a huge return on this simple investment. Incorporating biometric time clocks into the workplace is easy to do and will save a business money in the long run.

There are two major biometric hand punch technologies available today. Businesses can choose from biometric hand readers and biometric finger print. Biometric hand readers are also known as hand punch readers. Facial and iris recognition is also highly effective, but the cost of these technologies is still out of reach for most businesses.

Each form of biometric technology has its own negative and positive characteristics. A biometric fingerprint is the most common form of technology used in biometric time clocks.

If you have decided to implement a biometric time clock into your workplace, there are some things that you need to consider. The first thing you need to think about is the environment of the workplace. Harsh and dirty environments, such as kitchens and garages may want to consider a hand punch clock rather than a finger print clock. For an office environment, finger print clocks should work just fine.

A biometric hand reader, or hand punch, will use geometry to verify the employees when they punch in or out. Geometry refers to width, length, surface area and thickness of the hand. Hand punch clocks can also grow with employees. When employees punch in and out each day, the geometry of their hands are tracked. If they gain or lose weight over the years, the clock will make adjustments automatically. The latest punch is compared to the template that is on file and creates an average.

The biggest issue with hand punch time clocks is that they are not always accurate. When employees wear accessories in the workplace, such as rings or other pieces of jewelry, the geometry of their hands may change. This can produce a false reading of the hand.

This is not to say that fingerprint clocks are not without fault either. Fingerprints can be altered for a number of reasons. In some cases, fingerprints change because they have been burned or melted. Those who work in the culinary industry work with heat on a regular basis. Mechanics and those who work in industrial environments may have dirty fingers, which can alter the fingerprint reading. This is why it is essential to choose the right technology for your needs.