A fingerprint scanner is a biometric authentication device that identifies and verifies a person’s identity based on the unique patterns of their fingerprint. In workforce management, fingerprint scanners are commonly used for employee time and attendance tracking, helping businesses ensure accurate payroll, reduce time theft, and streamline clock-in/clock-out processes.
Fingerprint scanners are especially popular in industries like hospitality, retail, manufacturing, and construction, where reliability, accountability, and speed are essential.
Fingerprint scanners capture an image or map of the ridges and valleys on a person’s fingertip. The data is then matched against stored records to verify identity. There are several types of fingerprint scanning technologies:
When used in workforce settings, employees clock in by placing their finger on the scanner, which identifies them and logs their attendance in real-time.
One of the primary advantages of fingerprint scanners is their ability to eliminate "buddy punching", a form of time theft where one employee clocks in or out for another. Since fingerprints are unique and non-transferable, this method ensures the person clocking in is physically present.
With biometric clocking, every entry is tied to an individual employee’s fingerprint. This reduces payroll discrepancies, ensures accurate time tracking, and strengthens compliance with workplace agreements and Fair Work requirements.
Fingerprint scanners used in conjunction with time and attendance software like Microkeeper feed clocking data directly into automated timesheets, payroll processing, and even award interpretation, saving administrative time and reducing errors.
Once installed, fingerprint scanners generally require minimal upkeep. There are no swipe cards to replace or PINs to reset, which means long-term cost savings.
While fingerprint scanners offer numerous benefits, there are situations where they may not be the best fit:
For more hygienic or touchless alternatives, explore Facial Recognition Clocking.
Microkeeper integrates biometric hardware with its all-in-one workforce platform. If you use a compatible fingerprint scanner with Microkeeper, you’ll get:
Microkeeper also offers alternative methods, such as facial recognition, mobile app clocking, and NFC key tags, giving businesses flexibility based on their industry and workplace needs.
Learn more about Microkeeper's clock-in methods
Yes, reputable systems encrypt fingerprint data and store it in a hashed, non-reversible format, meaning it can’t be reconstructed or used outside of the system.
Yes. Some devices can store clocking data locally and sync once back online, ensuring reliability even during internet outages.
Yes, but under Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), you must obtain informed consent from employees and handle biometric data securely. A clear biometric privacy policy is highly recommended.
Some systems allow secondary clocking methods (e.g. PIN entry or supervisor override) if fingerprint scans fail.
Fingerprint scanners offer a reliable, secure, and cost-effective method for managing employee attendance, especially in industries where fraud prevention and accurate time tracking are paramount. While newer technologies like facial recognition provide touchless convenience, fingerprint scanners remain a solid, proven option for many Australian businesses.
With Microkeeper, integrating biometric attendance into your workforce management is simple, compliant, and customisable.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or privacy advice. Please consult a legal expert for guidance specific to your organisation’s obligations under privacy laws.
