Security Systems Technology installs biometric hand scanning terminals at Heathrow hospitality lounges

02 March 2010

Security Systems Technology (SST) are offering a biometric time & attendance (TNA) solution that can operate on a standalone basis or fully networked (LAN/WAN). The product allows live multiple-site integration and is particularly suited to applications in the leisure sectors.

The TNA system has recently been installed at London Heathrow Airport in a hospitality environment where it is helping senior management monitor their staff movement and working hours in a carrier’s executive passenger lounges. Five hundred employees working on a shift basis clock in and out by scanning their hand, a solution that avoids the problems of 'buddy' punching as well as inaccurate or fraudulent timekeeping and unauthorised absences.

TNA is distinct from fingerprint reading since the whole hand is scanned from above, so avoiding many data protection issues and logistical difficulties notably for staff in the hospitality sector. The system is an alternative to non-contact proximity cards or fobs which are commonly abused, and the technology has reduced client payroll costs by up to 5% as only precise hours worked can be claimed by shift workers. Users report that return on Investment (ROI) is almost immediate.

TNA will perform detailed calculation of employee hours including incremental overtime rates as well as documenting lateness, early exits and sickness. The equipment is particularly suited to staff at leisure destinations and sports venues who may have split and rotating duty hours.

At the Heathrow hospitality lounges, SST have installed a number of biometric hand scanning terminals and have avoided intrusion into the client's corporate IT network by using a data transfer process that relies solely on SIM cards via a GSM over TCP/IP solution.

TNA can raise an alert by text or email if employees clock in later than scheduled, with the application having a health and safety role as well as a commercial focus when it is used to monitor the timekeeping of security staff. An immediate application will be stewards at sports stadia who are required only on match days but whose documented presence is vital if the venue is to comply with safety legislation.

The reporting power of the software is considerable, with scope for sophisticated tracking covering user-defined absences, flexi-time and automatic compliance with EC working time directives. At the simplest reporting level, a head count is invaluable during fire mustering.

The time & attendance technology is not limited to major organisations and a scaled-down version, Handswipe Lite, is suitable for single hotels and leisure locations that are not part of a chain. There are packages for 25 or 50 employees with software capability that is comparable with TNA.

SST have broad expertise in time and attendance as well as related disciplines such as CCTV, access control and people counting, with significant recent applications in the hotel and hospitality sector including restaurants run by Jamie Oliver at Canary Wharf, Guildford and Oxford.