In the past, businesses used time cards, RFIDs, and manual timesheets for time tracking. But, these techniques were highly inefficient, as HR departments were spending copious amounts of time verifying the accuracy of data.
Over the years, we’ve seen that facial recognition technology is becoming more popular – especially when it comes to time tracking.
Facial recognition software automates the process by which companies manage employee attendance, leading to more accurate records and efficient timekeeping processes.
In this article, we’ll take a close look at how facial recognition technology works, along with its benefits and what features you should look for when choosing a facial recognition system.
Struggling with inaccurate timesheets?
Timeero automates time tracking and prevents buddy punching.
A facial recognition time clock is a system that uses facial recognition technology to track and record employee attendance and working hours. This system works by analyzing a person's facial features and matching them against stored data.
Timeero’s facial recognition software uses an employee’s profile photo to generate a unique digital template. When employees clock in or out, they simply stand in front of the camera while Timeero’s facial recognition software captures their facial profile, and compares it to the digital template created for accuracy. If the profile photos match, their attendance is logged in real time.
The recorded attendance data is then integrated with the payroll system which processes and verifies the data automatically. This verification method takes mere seconds! And to top it off, the data recorded cannot be manipulated by employees.
How does facial recognition technology work?
Facial recognition technology is a biometric verification technology that uses a person’s unique facial features and mappings. It relies on machine learning and advanced algorithms to process a person's facial features into a unique digital ID.
The technology works in several phases.
First. the user provides a photo of a person’s face through a photo or a live stream.
Second. This phase is most commonly known as “face detection”. Here techniques such as computer vision are used to detect a face and isolate it from other objects and the background.
Third. Facial recognition technology then analyzes key features to create a unique digital mathematical representation, known as a “face print”.
Fourth. The employee’s face print is then compared to the original profile photo. If the two images match, the user is verified and granted access to your company’s timeclock.
Benefits of using time clocks with facial recognition technology
Your company can benefit in many ways from using a time clock with facial recognition technology.
Facial recognition technology benefits your company by…
Preventing time theft
Improving accuracy
Enhancing security
Enhancing compliance
Increasing employee accountability
Reducing administrative burden
Providing valuable reports
If you’re running short on time and would like to learn how facial recognition technology will improve your business operations, watch our short video below.
1. Preventing time theft
Your time clock system can not be easily manipulated because attendance logs are taken in real-time. Employees can not clock in for one another because they must be physically present to record their own attendance.
2. Improving accuracy
Employees are clocked in and out based on real-time facial scans. Your company’s payroll system can be integrated with your facial recognition system to automate data processing and eliminate the risk of reporting errors.
3. Enhancing security
Time clock systems can be integrated with your access control system, ensuring that only people with authorized access can enter or change time entries. Facial recognition systems help your company keep track of who enters and exits the workplace.
4. Enhancing compliance
Facial recognition systems help businesses stay compliant with applicable labor laws and regulations, preventing legal disputes. Time clocks with facial recognition software provide managers and administrators with detailed attendance logs to prevent employee burnout and underpayment.
5. Increasing employee accountability
Employers receive detailed attendance reports to ensure fair performance evaluation. When employees know that their work hours are being monitored for accuracy, they are more likely to fulfill their work responsibilities and take ownership of their actions.
6. Reducing administrative burden
Time tracking systems can be integrated with your payroll system to eliminate manual data entry, reduce excessive corrections, and streamline your payroll processes.
7. Providing valuable reports
The data obtained from facial recognition systems is detailed and very insightful. These reports can be used to measure productivity, track overtime, identify areas for improvement, and tailor work hours to meet organizational needs.
Time clock with traditional time tracking vs. facial recognition
To help you decide which time tracking method is right for your business, we’ve compared how well traditional time tracking methods and facial recognition systems help you meet operational standards.
Factor
Traditional Method
Facial Recognition
Accuracy
Prone to human errors and can be easily manipulated
Highly accurate as records are taken in real-time, with employees physically present
Security
RFID cards and PINs can be stolen, compromising the system
Only authorized people can clock in or access certain workplace areas
Efficiency
Labor-intensive for administrative staff as data must be manually verified
Can be integrated with payroll systems to automate data processing
Hygiene
Requires physical contact
Completely contactless
Cost
Relatively low initial cost but higher long-term costs due to lost productivity, fraud, and administrative overhead
Higher initial investment but reduces long-term costs by eliminating fraud and streamlining payroll processing
Provides real-time data to generate detailed reports for better decision-making
Features to look for in a facial recognition time clock
When deciding which facial recognition time clock to adopt, ask yourself the following questions as you narrow down your choice to software options.
Facial Recognition System Checklist
Does this facial recognition system have a history of low error rate?
Can it quickly identify employees without significant delays during peak work hours?
Can the system integrate with your current business systems, such as payroll software?
Does the facial recognition system leave room for scalability as your business grows?
Can the system access control features to prevent unauthorized access into your time tracking system?
Will your employees be able to navigate the system’s interface with ease?
Can the software distinguish between live faces and photos?
Can the system recognize and adapt to employees’ facial features that may change, including hairstyles, glasses, hats, etc.?
Most importantly, facial recognition systems have access to sensitive employee information. The system that you choose should encrypt data to prevent breaches of privacy, while complying with regional privacy laws.
Timeero: The best face recognition time clock for mobile teams
If you are looking for a face recognition time clock app, Timeero is the solution for you. Timeero’s GPS time tracking software provides a comprehensive facial recognition feature that transforms the way you track employee time and attendance.
Timeero’s facial recognition system.
How to enable face recognition
Enabling Timeero’s face recognition is easy. Follow the steps below to activate this technology on your company’s mobile device.
Note: Timeero’s kiosk app is currently only available for iOS devices.
Download the Timeero Terminal (Kiosk app) on an iOS tablet and proceed to set up.
Assign every worker a distinct kiosk code. Employees will need their code to clock in and out on the Timeero kiosk app.
In your Timeero app company settings, enable "require face recognition for users to clock in."
In the Kiosk app's company settings, enable "flag potential buddy punchers and get notified of faces that don't match."
Either upload the employee's photo or have them take one as they make their initial attempt to clock in.
Installing the Timeero Kiosk app on iOS tablets.
Timeero’s biometric facial recognition technology
To record several biometric points or facial features, Timeero uses biometric facial recognition technology to examine the general shape of the employee's face (from the original profile photo). It then joins and aligns these reference points to produce the employee’s unique facial template.
In the event there is a face mismatch, administrators are immediately notified and the time entry is flagged. However, employees are still allowed to clock in and begin working.
Timeero flags time entries when facial mismatch occurs.
If a manager is not able to investigate the time entry immediately, they can look into the matter during timesheet approval. Timeero also attaches employees’ pictures taken during clock-in to each timecard, making it even easier for administrators to identify fraudulent activities.
One of the best things about Timeero’s facial recognition feature is that it still works without an internet connection. Once internet connection is restored, all time clock entries will be uploaded to the cloud.
Curb time theft with facial recognition technology
Companies that choose to use facial recognition technology experience…
Reduced instances of time theft
An increase in the accuracy of time tracking data
Optimization of business operations
Improved employee performance
When choosing a facial recognition system, look for software features that promote accuracy, security, scalability, and integration capabilities. Timeero’s facial recognition system does all this and more.
Can Timeero’s facial recognition software really optimize your business operations?
Emily Maina is a tech-savvy writer with a passion for creating content. With years of experience in the industry, she is well-versed in the latest trends and developments in the tech industry. When she’s not working, Emily enjoys exploring the great outdoors or watching her favorite shows.
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