Biometric Readers Are Slam-Dunkin'

Apr 1, 2007 12:00 PM

Alliance Management, Avanel, N.J., a Dunkin' Donuts franchisee with 30 stores in Middlesex, Mercer and Cherry Hill counties in New Jersey, is using HandPunch biometric readers from Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies, Campbell, Calif., to record time-and-attendance information from their 300-plus employees.

The HandPunch readers — deployed in 27 of the stores with three more pending — are automating time recording and controlling labor costs.

“We were using timecards but had numerous problems with them, including employees losing their cards,” says Margaret Hanna, office manager for Alliance Management. “Plus, our time clocks were old and had to be replaced. The new HandPunch readers have made payroll much easier. We were able to eliminate one employee whose job it was to gather and review payroll records.”

“This Dunkin' Donuts franchise wanted more accurate, automated record keeping and to control labor costs,” adds Fred Overbeck of Automated Time Concepts, Glen Head, N.Y., the integrator. “The stores have lower-paid employees with a high turnover and were concerned with buddy-punching, in which one employee clocks in or out for another.”

Now, instead of filling out or punching timecards, employees simply place their hands on the HandPunch. It automatically takes a three-dimensional reading of the size and shape of the employee's hand and verifies the user's identity. Employees use the units twice a day, to punch in and out. Store managers edit the punches and forward pay files to the company's in-house payroll department.

“Problems we were having with the timecard system have been alleviated,” Hanna says. “The first and last thing an employee does each day is go to the HandPunch. All employees use it, including office administration.”

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