Mobile fingerprints

July 2009 Access Control & Identity Management

Convenient mobility and excellent reporting facilities were the biggest motivators for Capacity Outsourcing to replace existing time and attendance control and on-site card clocking devices with Beget’s biometric fingerprint recognition T & A system.

Capacity Outsourcing is part of the Adcorp Group, a provider of temporary employment with a database of 40 000 assignees of skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled workers, servicing around 300 companies. There are 23 branches operating in 11 business units throughout South Africa.

In March of last year, IT specialist André Fourie joined Capacity as access and automation manager with the mandate to improve and upgrade the time and attendance system as well as to integrate it into payroll and database management systems.

“We had a biometric fingerprint system in place, but the major drawback was the lack of Internet connectivity. We could not carry out essential corrections ourselves and had to rely on the service provider to make changes in their own time, and the reports generated did not suit the requirements of some of our major clients.”

Willem van Tonder, head of branch administration for Gauteng Business Unit 3, adds that he deals with around 4000 employees in remote areas particularly on construction sites, “Most important was that the on-site devices were not mobile and it was difficult to centralise worker registration. On the sites where biometric fingerprinting was not feasible and card clocking devices were used, we experienced high incidences of ghost workers and buddy clocking.”

Web-based

Extensive research on various product offerings was carried out. “Some mobile units were big and cumbersome and many did not fulfil our reporting requirements. Beget’s advantage is that the Web-based system allows instant access to data and reporting structures are flexible.

“The only problem experienced was that the Beget devices were damaged on site, but much of that can be attributed to rough handling and harsh working conditions. When devices need replacement, generally we can depend on service within 24 hours from Beget. This can be avoided by making site managers responsible for their sites’ devices.”

Van Tonder further points out enthusiastically that technology which allows systems integration improves efficiency. “Previously we had to rush to fill in timesheets to meet payroll deadlines. Now it takes a few hours for each branch to compile and submit information.”

Double security

Workers are identified by both a PIN number and fingerprints. The double security ensures that if fingerprints cannot be registered properly for temporary reasons such as abrasions on the finger, the T & A system will still recognise that a worker has tried to clock in or out.

“Beget’s new finger vein recognition system has exciting possibilities in some of our harsher environments that play real havoc with workers’ hands,” says Fourie.

To conclude, Fourie relates that when a Beget competitor was considering integrating Capacity Outsourcing’s payroll system with its time and attendance system, it was stated that Beget is the only company in southern Africa that has the design of both the fully mobile fingerprint device and the Web-based software right. “We had not disclosed that we use Beget’s products.”

For more information contact Delmé Hawkins, Beget Solutions, 086 112 3438, info@beget.co.za





Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

Controlling access for people and vehicles
IDEMIA STid Security Technews Publishing Editor's Choice Access Control & Identity Management Asset Management Industrial (Industry) Mining (Industry)
When it comes to access control, the security requirements of mines and the industrial sector are similar, requiring a layered approach that combines physical barriers, digital authentication, and continuous monitoring to protect personnel, assets, and operational continuity.

Read more...
Paxton launches new phone-based security system: Solo
Paxton News & Events Access Control & Identity Management
Paxton has officially unveiled Solo, a phone-based, cloud-hosted access control system. As part of the launch, installers can claim a free Solo starter kit from Paxton, allowing them to trial the system and see how it can work for their business.

Read more...
Taking control of IAM in the AI era
Access Control & Identity Management AI & Data Analytics
AI and Shadow AI are proliferating, creating a series of new risks for organisations. To gain control over who and what has access to corporate data, organisations need unified control over their entire environment.

Read more...
Impro announces Primo update
News & Events Access Control & Identity Management Integrated Solutions
Impro Technologies recently held a launch event in which it introduced a series of new products, from new readers through to its updated Primo access management software.

Read more...
If you cannot prove identity, you cannot claim security
Access Control & Identity Management Information Security
Cybersecurity planning for 2026 is a structural change in how attacks are executed and how trust is exploited, demanding that companies stop layering tools on top of infrastructure and instead prioritise intelligence and identity.

Read more...
Paxton set to launch game-changing new system
Paxton Access Control & Identity Management News & Events
Access control is evolving fast. Installers and end users are looking for systems that are simple to install, easy to manage remotely, and flexible enough to scale. In response, Paxton is exploring how emerging technologies can reshape access control.

Read more...
NEC XON secures mobile provider’s hybrid identities
NEC XON Access Control & Identity Management Information Security Commercial (Industry)
For a leading South African telecommunications operator, identity protection has become a strategic priority as identity-centric attacks proliferate across the industry. The company faced mounting pressure to secure both human and non-human identities across complex hybrid environments.

Read more...
Cloud security in visitor management and access control
SA Technologies Access Control & Identity Management Infrastructure Residential Estate (Industry) Commercial (Industry)
Cloud has become the default platform for modern security operations, from visitor management portals and remote access control to incident logging, reporting, analytics, and integrations. But “in the cloud” does not mean “someone else is securing it for us”.

Read more...
Centurion raises the bar at HomeSec Expo
Centurion Systems News & Events Access Control & Identity Management Residential Estate (Industry) Smart Home Automation Commercial (Industry)
Centurion Systems unveiled its latest product lines at HomeSec Expo 2026, introducing SMART+, a simpler way for installers and end users to manage their Centurion installations - as well as a few new products.

Read more...
What’s in store for PAM and IAM?
Access Control & Identity Management Information Security
Leostream predicts changes in Identity and Access Management (IAM) and Privileged Access Management (PAM) in the coming year, driven by evolving cybersecurity realities, hybridisation, AI, and more.

Read more...










While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd. | All Rights Reserved.