The use of biometric solutions, which measure employees’ physical characteristics, is becoming more common in workplaces, offering benefits for both the company and its workers. The implementation of these systems can result in a reduction in annual payroll processing expenses and the prevention of time theft.
The benefits of using biometric time attendance systems
If you are considering integrating a biometric system into your organization, here are some of the benefits you can expect:
Elimination of Time Fraud – Around 75% of payroll losses incurred by companies is due to employees clocking in for their colleagues. This action, known as “buddy punching,” may seem trivial, but it can add up to significant financial losses for companies. This practice is no longer possible with biometric employee time clocks that read fingerprints, hand prints or recognize facial features.
Attendance Compliance – While clocking in from a remote location may seem like a good idea, the reality is that such attendance systems can result in non-compliance. A biometric attendance system requires attendance at the worksite and ensures employees are present during working hours.
Increased Security – Biometric devices restrict access to only those who are physically identified and authenticated. The device can also be programmed to restrict access times, enhancing the security of a company’s sensitive locations.
Increased Accuracy – Biometric attendance systems provide accurate attendance data on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis, minimizing the occurrence of errors in time tracking.
Cost Savings – Although the implementation of biometric systems requires an initial investment, it provides a quick return and is cheaper to maintain than traditional timekeeping systems. With reduced labor costs, increased efficiency, and fewer errors, a biometric attendance system saves money by streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency.
Environmentally Friendly – Using cloud-based time cards eliminates the need for paper timesheets and reduces energy consumption, lowering a company’s carbon footprint.
To get a better understanding, try going through this case study where a Nigerian company implemented a biometric attendance system in their warehouse. This update in the biometric system improved their operations and workflow.
Problems with Mismanaging Employee Identities
Wage theft is so prevalent that business consultants regularly recommend that employers account for it in their labor budgets. Intentional time fraud includes clocking in or out at incorrect times, buddy punching, or not clocking out for unpaid breaks and meals. Human error can also cause labor costs to inflate unintentionally.
The Financial Cost of Time Theft
When employees pad their time cards, it can cost companies an extra two to four hours per employee per week. Assuming that you are paying an extra three hours a week per employee, the annual cost of overpayment can be significant. For example, with an average hourly wage of $18 and 30 employees, the total cost would be $84,240 per year.
Swipe Card Inefficiencies
Swipe or proximity cards, which were introduced to solve the issue of time theft, are often problematic. They can be lost, damaged, or lent, making them unreliable.
Biometric Time Clocks for Small Businesses
To eliminate time theft, biometric employee time clocks are a suitable solution, as they identify employees in a way that cannot be exploited.
Finally
In conclusion, the use of a biometric attendance system in workplaces offers several benefits, including the elimination of time fraud, attendance compliance, increased security, increased accuracy, cost savings, and environmental friendliness. Implementing a complete biometric system can provide a quick return on investment and streamline operations by enhancing efficiency. While traditional timekeeping systems, such as swipe or proximity cards, may be problematic and unreliable, biometric employee time clocks identify employees in a way that cannot be exploited.
In today’s fast-paced and competitive work environment, implementing a biometric system can help companies stay ahead by ensuring accurate attendance data, reducing labor costs, and improving overall security. Therefore, businesses looking to increase efficiency and cut costs should consider integrating biometric time and attendance systems into their workplace
