---
title: How to Use a Biometric Fingerprint Scanner
description: Find out how biometric fingerprint scanners work and how they can benefit your business!
image: https://blog.synerion.com/hubfs/Purchased_Images/CB8PFQR6E9_2-636122-edited.jpg
---

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## Synerion Blog

# How to Use a Biometric Fingerprint Scanner

[Team Synerion](https://blog.synerion.com/author/team-synerion)

 Dec 7, 2015 9:35:00 AM

![CB8PFQR6E9_2-636122-edited.jpg](https://blog.synerion.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Purchased_Images/CB8PFQR6E9_2-636122-edited.jpg?width=420&name=CB8PFQR6E9_2-636122-edited.jpg "CB8PFQR6E9_2-636122-edited.jpg")Biometric fingerprint scanners not only offer businesses accurate time keeping, but also added security. For healthcare, government services, and a variety of other industries, this double duty scanner is an attractive option to pair with workforce management or timekeeping systems. Learn more about how to use and implement biometric fingerprint scanners in your workplace. 

**The Basics**

Anyone with an iPhone has at least some understanding of how a biometric fingerprint scanner works. The software takes pictures of the user's fingerprint in a variety of shots and from different angles. The software then uses those images to create a unique sequence of binary code that matches the fingerprint to that user. After the user is set up in the system, the system can link the fingerprint to that code, allowing access to information or space. 

Biometric fingerprint scanners are more secure than badges or passwords because there is no way for that employee gain access without being physically present in the workplace. They require additional time for set up because each employee needs to be entered into the system, but once the system is in place, it requires no more updating than a badge or employee ID system. 

**Set Up**

Implementing any type of timekeeping or [workforce management software](http://www.synerion.com/ca-en/workforce-management-solutions) can be daunting. Between the training and the personnel needed to maintain that system, many business owners choose the path of least resistance, relying on outdated and inadequate timekeeping and workforce management systems because they're simpler to implement. However, in the long run these time-savers become money-wasting software. They leak information and allow [buddy punching](https://blog.synerion.com/buddy-punching-and-employee-time-theft-statistics) and other forms of time theft. 

Biometric fingerprint scanners require the same amount of training for staff running the system and employees, but with much more usability and security after implementation. Unlike other systems where employee badges or numbers can be generated by a single employee, each employee who uses the fingerprint scanner needs to be present to be entered into the system. This lengthens the physical time needed to implement the system but creates a much more secure workplace, saving money on time theft and lost productivity.   

**Granularity **

Information is power. Business owners and managers know that proprietary information separates you from your competition. Allowing that information to fall into the wrong hands or allowing access to someone who doesn't understand why that information is important can severely damage your business. Biometric fingerprint scanners are a great option for businesses because they not only offer security but granularity. Employees can be restricted to certain information or places within the company through fingerprint scanners. 

**Reliable Data**

There's a lot of danger when relying too fully on data when managers can't control the security of that data. It's easy to say that an employee was in the building when they clocked in but if that employee gave their badge to a co-worker because they were running late or called into a phone time management system while still at home, that data isn't accurate. Biometric fingerprint scanners provide a built-in validity to your data. By requiring the presence of a worker to access information and workplaces, managers can gain more value from their data.

Biometric fingerprint scanners are a secure and easy to ensure accurate data and restrict unnecessary information access. While the system requires additional set up time, that cost is gained by reducing time theft and added security for the company. Setting aside time for training both employees and managers can help ease the transition to a biometric workforce system. 

 

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[Biometrics](https://blog.synerion.com/topic/biometrics), [fingerprint scanning](https://blog.synerion.com/topic/fingerprint-scanning)

## Read On

### [How Does a Biometric Fingerprint Scanner Work? Companies employing a biometric fingerprint scanner aren't just the stuff of sci-fi movies...](https://blog.synerion.com/how-does-a-biometric-fingerprint-scanner-work)

### [Do I Really Need an Automated Fingerprint Identification System? An automated fingerprint identification system has been touted as the future of business and a...](https://blog.synerion.com/do-i-really-need-an-automated-fingerprint-identification-system)

### [How to Accommodate Employees Caring for a Sick Family Member As the workforce ages, so do many family members of your managers, hourly employees, and management...](https://blog.synerion.com/how-to-accommodate-employees-caring-for-a-sick-family-member)

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