• Unique: biometrics are based on the unique characteristics of individuals
• Cannot be shared: minimal risk of "buddy punching" as a biometric characteristic cannot be shared or stolen
• Cannot be copied: biometrics are impossible to forge or guess
• Cannot be lost: biometrics can never be mislaid and do not need to be stored safely.
• Human Rights: biometric identification improves security while protecting the individual from the risk of identity fraud or invasion of privacy.

Practical

Using biometrics for identifying individuals offers some unique advantages. Tokens such as smart cards, RFID cards, photo IDs or physical keys can be lost, stolen, duplicated or left at home. Passwords can be forgotten, shared, or observed. In today's electronic world people must remember numerous passwords and PIN numbers - the result is that most people either write them down or use the same password for multiple applications - neither approach maintains security.

Biometrics are fast, easy-to-use, accurate, reliable, inexpensive and suitable for many applications. There is no one "perfect" biometric that fits all needs. All biometric systems have their own advantages and disadvantages.

Return on Investment

An automated system gives a quick return on investment through reduced fraud and "buddy-punching", faster payroll processing, accurate calculation of time worked and reduced management time. It simultaneously offers the benefits of improved security and consistent application of policies and procedures. An unbiased, reliable system benefits every employee level.

Terminals are inexpensive, and can easily be added to extend the automated network. Data on the terminal can be transferred via a USB stick, or by linking it to a standard TCP/IP computer network. The data can then be importing into a current HR/Payroll software package, or analysed in MS Excel.

Although low capital outlay is important, the initial cost of the sensor is not the only factor. With a large workforce, a complex and slow enrolment procedure can increase ongoing costs. If payroll must be imported often, good (or preferably automated) importing will be important for productivity. Good local support and the availability of an upgrade path should also be taken into account.

Convenient & User-Friendly

User-friendliness is a key aspect of a successful implementation. The process should be quick and easy, such as having a picture taken by a video camera or touching a fingerprint scanner.

The advantage biometric authentication provides is the ability to require more instances of authentication in such a quick and easy manner that users are not bothered by the additional requirements.

Biometric Recognition Systems for Labour Management

The following technologies have proven their suitability in Time & Attendance and Access control applications worldwide in terms of accuracy, cost-effectiveness, security and maintainability. Biometric systems are often supplemented by RFID cards or PIN numbers to provide alternative methods or for high-security zones.

• Biometric Fingerprint Recognition
• Biometric Hand Geometry Recognition
• Biometric Face Geometry Recognition
• Biometric Vein Scanning Recognition