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Update outdated card systems

Fingerprints deliver improved admin processes.

There are many businesses that have not converted their management of time and attendance or access control functions to fingerprint technology, still making use of the outdated RF Card system. The key advantage of biometric identification as opposed to cards is that it allows the implementation of tighter controls of both working hours and movement of staff within the company environment.

Positive identification

Unlike cards, fingerprints cannot be used by fellow employees to clock in or out or to gain entry into restricted areas. A consistent drawback of cards is the ease of buddy clocking which allows one employee to clock for another. The problem of ghost employees is also obviated as a physical presence is required on site in order to receive a pay cheque.

Security

From the perspective of increased security, restricted areas are far better protected as only authorised and positively identified personnel will be granted access. This reduces the possibility of pilfering and other illegal activities. Cards can be passed through even the most sophisticated turnstiles enabling more than one employee access to the business on one card.

Administration cost savings

Unlike cards, fingers cannot be lost, stolen or misplaced. The replacement of cards has a cost and time implication for a business. By restricting access to an employee who has lost his/her card also has a negative effect on productivity which is not taken into account.

Cards are often clipped onto key rings and not always carried with employees. The employee may gain access to various areas of the business premises with the assistance of someone else, defeating the purpose of any access control system, making any audit trail nigh impossible.

One of the first companies in South Africa to introduce wireless fingerprint identification systems for access control and time & attendance, Centurion-based ERS Biometrics, has embarked on a nationwide drive, offering trade-in discounts on redundant card systems when replacing with top-of-the-range biometric technology. Existing network infrastructure can be used with Power over Ethernet an option as well, or a more sophisticated GPRS communication protocol can be adopted.

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