Fingerprinting prevents ‘buddy clocking’

‘Absenteeism and punctuality are major cost factors’
Clive Emdon
FINGERPRINT AUTHENTICATION of staff is now part of a system analysis of labour offered by Staffataclick to prevent ‘buddy clocking’ and to stop absenteeism and unauthorised overtime payments. “Our software system enables us to establish in real time whether an employee has clocked in or is absent within 15 minutes of the commencement of duty. It also prevents ‘buddies’ or friends from clocking in for one another,” says MD Stefan Botha. The fingerprint is a snapshot means of immediate identification, he told FTW. “It speaks to the online server confirming access and job allocation.” Between 8% and 20% of unnecessary labour costs are due to ‘buddy clocking’, says Botha. “Absenteeism and punctuality are huge cost factors especially in the employment of casual labour. “The other big cost factor is overtime payments. Supervisors must now use specific authentication codes to provide the reason why overtime is applicable. It’s also a measure of control.” He demonstrated to FTW how any one of 11 criteria for overtime can be applied for and decided on. He says the methods used by labour brokers of casual labour need to be standardised in the key areas of recruitment, attendance in real time and defining the specific role of workers. “Currently there is a lot of risk involved in these processes,” he says. “The sector needs a rational system in which there is compliance with ethical criteria. This will provide proper security for both the employer and employee.”