Are Biometric Time Clocks Worth the Money?

As a business owner, you know that time is money. And with a growing team, manually keeping track of everyone's time and attendance can be a hassle. That's why more and more businesses are turning to biometric time clocks for a faster and more accurate way to track their employees time off and hours worked. But you might be thinking, "Are biometric time clocks worth the money?".

The short answer is… maybe.

It depends on the needs of your business.

And by the end of this article, you'll know the pros and cons of biometric time clocks so you can decide what's best for you and your business.

What are the Different Types of Biometric Time Clocks?

Two types of biometric devices include:

First, the finger reader works by scanning your employees finger to clock in/out.

It can be a great option, but one flaw is that not all ten fingers are enrolled in the clock.

And in our experience, employees may purposely use the wrong finger to bypass the system.

Face recognition, on the other hand, is a more foolproof method. Because employees only have one face to clock in/out.

And while it does come at a slightly higher cost (but still under $1000), it is more accurate and efficient.

What are the Pros of Biometric Time Clocks?

The pros of the time clocks include:

Your employees can clock in/out within seconds.
You can use the multi-language options.
You can save money by eliminating "Buddy Punching".

One of the most significant advantages of biometric time clocks is their speed.

With a quick face or finger scan, the clock records an employee's clock in/out time within seconds.

This is much faster than punching in codes or using paper time sheets, minimizing employee time spent on this task and ensuring accuracy.

Also, biometric clocks often come equipped with multiple language options, allowing you to provide instructions in your employees' preferred language.

For example, if you have some employees that speak Spanish and some that speak English, you can get two separate clocks, one in each language. This makes the process of clocking in/out a breeze.

And last but not least, it's virtually impossible for employees to commit "buddy punching" by clocking in/out without being present since the system requires a physical characteristic to clock them in/out.

What are the Cons of Biometric Time Clocks?

Despite the many benefits, there are also some cons to consider.

There are legal limitations depending on your state.
The clocks aren’t weatherproof.

One of the most significant cons is the legal requirements.

Some states have laws that regulate the use of biometric data, requiring employers to obtain employment authorization before using this technology.

For example, Illinois law requires authorization from employees, while New York law does not.

So, it's important to familiarize yourself with your state's legal requirements before implementing a biometric time clock system.

Another consideration is the location of the time clock.

Finger readers don't work well outdoors and require a sheltered space.

And with face recognition, ambient light can affect the clock's accuracy.

So, if you have employees that clock in/out outdoors, you need to ensure the clock is protected from the elements.

That being said when it comes to tracking employee time, biometric time clocks offer great benefits to employers in terms of increased accuracy and efficiency.

And although they require an initial investment, they can save time and money in the long run.

So, all in all, biometric time clocks could be an excellent tool for any business with in-house employees that want to save money and streamline time management.