7 Best Facial Recognition Attendance Systems in 2024
Samson Kiarie
Last update on:
November 29, 2024 7:26 AM
Published on:
If you have not implemented a face recognition attendance system, buddy punching could be eating away at your company’s profits. According to the latest statistics, 75% of U.S. employers grapple with this tactic of time theft, losing up to 2.2% of their payroll costs. Surprisingly, many employers have no clue that time theft is taking place in their workplace.
If you suspect employees are engaging in buddy punching, installing a biometric time clock with a facial recognition feature may discourage the behavior. However, there are many facial recognition systems available on the market. Selecting the best for your business can be challenging, especially if you’re unfamiliar with this technology.
Thankfully, we’ve tested various apps and narrowed down the list to seven of the best facial recognition systems. In this guide, we’ll highlight each solution's strengths and weaknesses (if any).
Keep reading to find the best solution to curb time theft in the workplace and stop paying employees for work they never did.
Are you still trying to figure out how Timeero can help your company get rid of buddy punching?
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What Is the Best Facial Recognition Time Attendance System?
If you’re short on time, here’s a sneak peek of the best attendance management systems with facial recognition features:
Timeero — Easy-to-use app with AI face detection system
Fareclock — Face recognition with automatic photo capture
Jibble — Facial recognition with rich biometric data
QuickBooks Time — Requests employee consent during onboarding
Buddy Punch — Face recognition with webcam feature
FactoTime — Photo capture system without AI detection
Clockshark — Manual facial recognition with AI detection system
Note: These apps were tested when this article was written in April 2024. This article does not consider changes made in regards to app features or designs after that date.
These apps eliminate buddy punching but differ slightly in functionality and pricing. We’ll explore the details of how each solution works, but first, let’s define facial recognition technology.
How Does Facial Recognition Work?
The facial recognition system takes a photo (selfie) of an employee as they clock in or out. Using artificial intelligence (AI) technology and biometric systems, the facial recognition systems compare the captured image to an employee’s profile photo for authentication.
Each app takes a different course of action when there is a mismatch. For example, some facial recognition software prevents employees from clocking in or out. Others allow the employee to clock in and send a notification to the manager.
A few apps don’t notify the manager but flag the time card, making it easier to spot potential buddy punches during time card approval. The best facial recognition systems use a combination of reactions, such as blocking the punch attempt, notifying the manager and flagging the time entry.
The Top 7 Facial Recognition Attendance Systems
While the apps that made our list are feature-rich, we zeroed in on their facial recognition technology for testing purposes. In this section, we’ll highlight each apps’ performance levels and bring pricing into the picture to help you make an informed decision.
Timeero — Easy-to-use app with AI face detection system
If there is a face mismatch, Timeero lets the employee clock in, but notifies a manager immediately.
Pros:
Automatic face verification with advanced AI
Easy to install, configure and use
Flags suspected employee’s time card
Sends the manager instant notification in case of a mismatch
Works flawlessly without internet
Cons:
Compatible with iOS tablets only
Timeero pricing: 14-day free trial; paid pricing starts at $4 per user each month.
Timeero facial recognition snags the top spot because it’s affordable and easily used by all employees, including the non-tech savvy. Setting up the facial recognition system is also a breeze for managers.
Setting Up Timeero’s Facial Recognition System
Setting up Timeero’s facial recognition functionality is easy because you don’t have to configure the settings for individual employees. Timeero allows you to configure facial recognition under company settings and then apply the technology to all employees. Here are a few things you need to do to activate the feature:
Download and set up the Timeero Terminal (Kiosk app) on an iOS tablet.
Assign each employee a unique kiosk code. Employees will need the code when clocking in and out on the Timeero kiosk app.
Enable “require face recognition for users to clock in” under company settings.
Turn on “Flag potential buddy punchers and get notified of faces that don’t match” under company settings on the Kiosk app.
Upload the employee photo or use the first photo an employee takes during the initial clock-in attempt.
Timeero analyzes the general shape of the employee’s face (from the uploaded or captured photo) to capture multiple biometric points or facial features. It connects, aligns, and adjusts these reference points for different poses to create the facial template.
Detect Face Mismatch Automatically
Employees must take a photo when they clock in via the Timeero Kiosk. Timeero’s algorithm uses cutting-edge AI technology to compare the captured photo against the employee’s facial template.
You can install Timeero Kiosk app on iOS tablets to automate facial recognition.
The app's photo-matching accuracy has improved significantly and almost never delivers a false negative. For example, if an employee had trimmed hair in their original photo and then decided to grow long hair, Timeero would still recognize them successfully.
In case of a mismatch, Timeero still lets the employee clock in. However, it notifies the manager instantly and flags the employee’s timecard. The manager can investigate the issue immediately to determine if the employee in question is allowed to work.
If the manager is swamped with other tasks, they can investigate the case during timesheet approval. Suspicious timecards display a flag icon and are easier to identify. Timeero also attaches photos taken while clocking in to each timecard, making it easier for managers to pinpoint fraudulent timestamps.
Timeero Doesn’t Require Internet Connection
Timeero works just fine without an internet connection. The app allows employees to take photos as they clock in but will not be able to compare them immediately. When the device is reconnected to the internet, the app resumes comparing the images and flags suspicious timecards (if any).
Want to eliminate time theft and streamline payroll? Learn more about the benefits of facial recognition time clock apps in our detailed guide.
Fareclock — Face recognition with automatic photo capture
The Fareclock mobile app works flawlessly on Android and iOS devices.
Pros:
Works on Android and iOS mobile devices
Automatic clock-in when a face is recognized
Offline mode
Cons:
Doesn’t alert the manager in case of a mismatch
It has a base fee
No live GPS
Fareclock pricing: 30-day free trial, paid pricing starts at $16.25 per user each month plus a base fee of $10.
Fareclock has a sleek and clutter-free user interface, which makes it easy for all employees to use. The last time we reviewed Fareclock, we experienced glitches with the install code. The provider has since resolved the issue, but it’s still a hassle for managers with a large workforce to get the facial recognition system up and running.
Setting Up Fareclock Facial Recognition
With Fareclock, you can configure facial recognition from the employee tab. Each employee must be set up individually, which can be tedious and time-consuming for companies with large teams.
To set up Fareclock’s facial recognition system follow the steps below:
On the employee profile, open “personal device settings” and check the box “personal time clock — face or pin required”
You can upload an employee's photo in the “face model” tab which Fareclock uses as the probe image
Assign a unique PIN in the “basic information” tab
Send employees the install code
How Fareclock Facial Recognition Works
When an employee attempts to clock in, Fareclock performs an automatic photo verification. It captures the employee's photo and compares it to the baseline image. If the photo matches, it clocks the employee in automatically.
In case of a mismatch, Fareclock makes a second attempt, and if it yields the same results, it records the failed attempt under the “face recognition failure” tab on the web dashboard. Unfortunately, Fareclock doesn’t notify the manager if verification fails.
Fareclock compiles face recognition failures and other employee attendance records on the main dashboard.
The manager can click “Yes” to let the employee clock in or “No” in the case of buddy punching. If the manager cannot respond to failed attempts immediately, the employee can still clock in.
However, Fareclock does flag time entries with pending facial recognition. The manager can review each case when approving timecards.
On a positive note, Fareclock works just fine without an internet connection.
Jibble — Facial Recognition With Rich Biometric Data
Jibble doesn’t allow employees to clock in when facial recognition fails.
Pros:
Swift facial verification
Limited free plan
Easy to set up and use
Works on Android and iOS devices
Cons:
Doesn’t automatically clock in users when photos match
Jibble Pricing: 14-day free trial; Paid pricing starts at $3.99 per user each month.
Jibble is another facial recognition app perfect for startups and small businesses. Besides being free, this facial recognition software is easy to set up and use. You can use the facial recognition system on mobile apps (Android and iOS), shared kiosks, or any desktop devices equipped with a camera.
Setting Up Jibble Facial Recognition
Jibble lets you invite employees to use the software by email or magic link. Once the employee creates their account, they are automatically added to your team.
Here are a few things you need to customize when configuring facial recognition:
Assign employees a 4-digit PIN. When clocking in or out on the shared kiosk, they will need this PIN.
Set time clock restrictions to either “strict” or use the custom option to enforce the facial recognition requirement.
Unlike our top two picks, you don’t have to upload employee photos manually. Instead, Jibble requires employees to take selfies (probe photos) the first time they clock in. The app captures the image in four poses: facing up, down, left, and right. This enables Jibble to capture more facial biometrics than any other app on our list.
How Jibble Facial Recognition Works
The Jibble time tracking and access control system.
When an employee taps “clock in” on the Jibble mobile app, the camera pulls up, grabs a photo of the employee, and verifies it automatically. Because Jibble captures more biometric points, it verifies employees almost instantly.
If the photos match, the app doesn’t automatically clock in employees. It requires the employee to tap “confirm” to start tracking time. In case of a mismatch, the app blocks the clock-in or clock-out attempt.
QuickBooks Time — Requires Employee Consent During Onboarding
QuickBooks Time facial recognition system works on web portals and tablets.
Pros:
Compatible with tablets and web browsers
Flags time entry and alerts the manager in case of face mismatch
Integrates seamlessly with the QuickBooks suite
Robust offline mode
Cons:
Not the easiest to set up and use
Comparatively pricey with a monthly base fee
QuickBooks Time pricing: 30-day free trial, paid pricing starts at $8 per user each month with a $10 monthly base fee
Despite being a household name in the workforce management landscape, QuickBooks Time is fourth on our list. While it offers automatic photo verification, setting up the facial recognition time attendance system can be a hassle. The good thing is that QuickBooks Time facial recognition works on the web, Android, and iOS apps.
Setting Up QuickBooks Time Facial Recognition
Facial recognition is an add-on feature, meaning you must install it first. This extra step makes QuickBooks Time facial recognition more difficult to set up than the top three apps.
To install facial recognition, open the “featured add-ons” tab, select “manage add-ons,” and install facial recognition. Since this is a featured add-on, it’s unavailable on QuickBooks Time’s main features menu. Navigating to this extra tab does not contribute to the app’s ease of use.
Additionally, if you’re using the time clock kiosk, you must add the preferred clocking device, receive the authorization code, and set employee PINs.
How QuickBooks Time Facial Recognition Works
QuickBooks Time requires employees to give employers legal consent to capture their faces when clocking in or out.
Once employees enter the four-digit PIN when clocking in/out, QuickBooks Time prompts them to take photos. It then compares this photo with what is in their profile. If the photos match, the app allows employees to clock in.
In case of a face mismatch, QuickBooks Time lets the employee punch in, but it does flag the time entry and notifies the manager or admin via email. If the manager misses the notification, they will have an opportunity to review the suspicious entry during timecard approval. QuickBooks Time does work without an internet connection on tablets.
Buddy Punch — Face Recognition With Webcam Feature
Buddy Punch works on Android and iOS mobile devices.
Pros:
Easy to set up and use
Works on Android and iOS devices
Flexible facial recognition settings
Payroll processing integrations
Cons:
Manual verification
It has a base fee
Buddy Punch pricing: 14-day free trial; paid pricing starts at $3.99 per user each month, with a $19 monthly base fee
Buddy Punch removed the face recognition attendance system but still made it onto our list due to its webcam recognition tool. Unlike our top three picks, Buddy Punch doesn’t use biometric or AI verification technology. The app takes photos of employees as they clock in or out and attaches them to their timecards.
Since the app doesn’t highlight potential buddy punching cases, the manager has to cross-check each timesheet entry. This can be tedious for business owners and managers with a large workforce. These issues aside, the Buddy Punch webcam feature is easy to set up and use.
Setting Up Buddy Punch Facial Recognition
To configure and use the webcam feature for facial recognition, customize the following settings:
Check the “enable webcam on punches” box under “webcam settings”.
Set the webcam settings to “required” for employees you want to use facial recognition.
Check the “enable time card approvals” box under the time card approval settings. This is important if you want managers to reject suspicious timecards.
How Buddy Punch Facial Recognition Works
Even without a recognized facial recognition feature, Buddy Punch tracks time and attendance records better than Excel spreadsheets.
When an employee taps “take picture,” Buddy Punch pulls up the camera but doesn’t automatically take the photo. The employee has to press the camera button to capture an image. The app doesn’t compare the photo taken to the employee's profile. Instead, it adds the photo to the worker’s timecard once they tap “punch in.”
The employee then has to repeat the process again when clocking out. The manager must manually review an employee's timecards for the pay period and delete those with photos that don’t match the employee's profile. Manually tracking employee attendance can be a time-consuming process.
FactoTime — Photo Capture System without AI detection
FactoTime works on Android and iOS mobile devices.
Pros:
Easy to use selfie punch attendance
QR code punching
Automatic payroll calculations
Payroll software integrations
Cons:
Manual photo verification
Can take photos of anything
FactoTime pricing: 5-day free trial; FactoTime pricing details aren’t publicly available. Contact the vendor for custom pricing.
Like Buddy Punch, FactoTime doesn’t support automatic photo verification. However, it’s still a reliable solution for small business owners looking to stop buddy punching. Manual verification can be time-consuming, making FactoTime ineffective for employers with a large workforce.
Setting Up FactoTime Facial Recognition
Setting up facial recognition on FactoTime is as easy as toggling the “ selfie required at punch” button under the configuration tab. This simple toggle enforces facial recognition across your workforce, making it mandatory for employees to take selfies as they clock in or out.
How FactoTime Facial Recognition Works
FatcoTime pulls up the camera automatically when the employee opens the mobile app. To take the selfie, employees must tap “clock in,” select the applicable project and activity in the pop-up window, and click “add.”
However, FactoTime does not verify employees automatically. The manager’s job is to confirm whether the selfie matches the employee's profile. To do this, the manager has to open the employee’s timecard and click the “eye” icon. They’ll see a photo taken during clock in/out and corresponding details, such as punch location and time.
FactoTime doesn’t use computer vision or any form of biometric technology to detect human faces.
For managers with a sizable workforce, reviewing each time card to spot buddy punchers can be laborious. Some instances of buddy punching may slip through the cracks, which defeats the purpose of using the app in the first place.
Another issue is that FactoTime doesn’t use AI face detection technology. As a result, the app accepts any photo. We took a selfie photo of our office ceiling, and it still accepted it. Unless you have a clear photo verification policy, some employees may find loopholes around the system.
ClockShark — Manual Facial Recognition with AI Detection System
Activate the Kiosk Clock on the mobile ClockShark app to use facial recognition.
Pros:
Works on Android and iOS smartphones
Detects human faces only
Clock out questions
Cons:
Manual verification
Old-fashioned web app
ClockShark pricing: 14-day free trial; Pricing starts at $40 monthly base fee plus $8 per user each month
ClockShark is another facial recognition attendance app that supports manual verification only. Coupled with its complex configuration process, manual verification lands ClockShark in the last spot.
A positive feature of ClockShark is that it works flawlessly on Android and iOS devices so you don’t have to invest in expensive gadgets.
Setting Up Clockshark Facial Recognition
Setting up facial recognition on Clockshark can be time-consuming because you have to adjust the settings for each employee individually.
To adjust settings, the manager must first open an employee’s profile and check the box “allow clocking in from KioskClock.” This activates the Clockshark Kiosk on the employee's device, where the facial recognition feature is found.
The admin must also create the employee's kiosk PIN and enable “require photo with facial recognition to clock in and out with KisokClock” and then enable “KioskClock Admin,” and that’s it.
How ClockShark Facial Recognition Works
ClockShark attaches photos taken during clock in/out to employee timecards.
The Clockshark KioskClock presents a steep learning curve for first-time users. Once the employee launches the Kiosk Clock, they will be prompted to choose a job and tap “take picture and clock in.” The app instantly brings up a camera, requiring employees to capture a photo to clock in.
Unlike FactoTime, Clockshark is configured to detect human faces only, which is great for stopping buddy punching. However, the app doesn’t compare or verify the two photos. Instead, it attaches the photo to the corresponding timecard, requiring managers to verify the employee manually.
Find The Best App to Stop Buddy Punching
If you’re looking to end buddy punching and limit time theft in your company, find an app that ticks the right boxes. We recommend starting with an attendance tracking system that has automatic photo verification.
To best benefit your business, you should look for an app with employee time tracking, geofencing, and real-time location tracking features. Timeero offers these features in a single suite without breaking the bank. The app is easy for managers to configure, offering a flat learning curve for all employees.
Experiment with Timeero’s face recognition technology free for 14 days. No credit card is required. You can also book a free consultation with our excellent Timeero customer support agents to learn how to customize the app to meet your needs.
Face Recognition Attendance System: FAQ
How Accurate Is the Face Recognition Attendance System?
The best facial recognition systems boast high accuracy and accurately verify employees despite different poses and lighting. For example, Timeero accurately matches employees with their company profile picture, even if they recently trimmed their hair.
Wondering how Timeero facial recognition feature works?
Samson is a mathematician turned content marketer specializing in SaaS and Tech content. He focuses on the practical aspects of software systems while keeping abreast of the industry’s cutting-edge principles to create informative and engaging content. When he’s not writing, Samson spends time playing or watching soccer.
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