Frequently Asked Questions

We've never met anyone who didn't have a a question to ask us about biometrics. So we've compiled this list of frequently asked questions for all of those who want to know more about this revolutionary technology.

Time and Attendance Questions Frequently Asked by Users

1. What happens if I forget to clock on or off?
2. If the power stops will the fingerscan lose all of my time records and will I still get paid okay?
3. Will the fingerscan capture my finger print?
4. What happens if I forget my pay / PIN number or use the wrong number?
5. Can I use any of my fingers, after all they are all mine?
6. What if I have a plaster on my finger because I hurt it?
7. Is there a health risk with me putting my finger on the same place as all the other staff?
8. Do we need to clean the scanner glass?
9. What if my fingers are covered in grease or dirt?
10. Will I still get paid if the scanner can’t read my finger properly?

Questions Frequently Asked by Companies

1. What are the warranty and after sales service arrangements?
2. Are you able to check (audit) systems once installed off site?
3. What is the response time should a device or equipment problem arise?
4. Are we able to deal directly with you?
5. What is the compatibility of the biometric finger scanning system with other I.T. hardware, software, and existing security systems?
6. In the future, can this system be upgraded?
7. If a company or organization is geographically located on more than one site, can the system be linked and downloaded to all sites?
8. Are there ‘add ons’ to your system, such as fire alarms or alert mechanisms such as power failure, unwanted person on premises during business hours, etc.?
9. What are the advantages of the PeopleKey System, as apposed to others?
10. What are the disadvantages of this system, if any?
11. Once the system is installed, how does on-going programming work?
12. While costs will be determined on each requirement, are you able to give some general advice based on your experience to date?

Time and Attendance Questions

User FAQ’s

There are often questions regarding the fingerscan system and how this works with the payroll system. Below are answers to frequently asked questions. Please contact HR or your supervisor if you wish to know more.

1. What happens if I forget to clock on or off?
This is the same as forgetting to use the time sheet or the Bundy clock. Just let your supervisor know.

2. If the power stops will the fingerscan lose all of my time records and will I still get paid okay?
The fingerscan system keeps all of the clocking records in its memory even when the power stops. They will still be there when the power comes back on again. A backup copy is also sent to the Payroll PC each time the PeopleKey system is used.

3. Will the fingerscan capture my fingerprint?
The PeopleKey System never captures a fingerprint image. The PeopleKey System works by capturing mathematical measurements of a person’s unique finger patterns and turning them into a template. It uses lines and angles to check that your measurements match the template originally stored when you enrolled.

(There is a separate document provided to HR that covers this in more detail.)

4. What happens if I forget my pay / PIN number or use the wrong number?
The PeopleKey System will tell you if the number you entered is incorrect. It will also not let you accidentally use someone else’s number because your fingerscan template won’t match theirs. Ask payroll or your supervisor what your number is if you do forget.

5. Can I use any of my fingers, after all they are all mine?
Every one of your fingers is different. You must use the same finger that you enrolled with. You can enrol several different fingers if you want to but you must use the finger that the scanner asks for. Eg “Right index”

6. What if I have a plaster on my finger because I hurt it?
The fingerscan cannot read through a plaster. You can enrol a different finger in the mean time or see your supervisor to record your attendance.

7. Is there a health risk with me putting my finger on the same place as all the other staff?
The health risk is less than shaking hands, less than using a door knob and certainly less that many activities we do when we interact with people on a day to day basis.

8. Do we need to clean the scanner glass?
Not normally. The glass keeps itself clean.

9. What if my fingers are covered in grease or dirt?
Wipe off any excess grease or dirt before using the PeopleKey System. The scanner should still function correctly.

10. Will I still get paid if the fingerscan can’t read my finger properly?
There are a very small percentage of people that do have difficulty in registering on the fingerscan. Check to make sure that your finger is clean and unobstructed and that you are placing your finger correctly onto the scanner. If you are still having trouble please contact your supervisor as there are several things that can be done to help.

The PeopleKey System records every type of transaction, even when you attempt and fail to register. Let payroll know that it happened and they can manually adjust your pay.

Company FAQ’s

1. What are the warranty and after sales service arrangements?
PeopleKey Systems all come with a 12 month warranty, covering manufacturing defects or component failure.

PeopleKey also offers support agreements which most clients take advantage of. The standard support agreement covers the following:

• Unlimited phone or modem support for operators.
• Free on-site support where an electronic hardware component failure is identified as the cause of normal wear and tear.
• Free firmware upgrades for system hardware.
• Free software upgrades as required.
• Repairs to faulty equipment

PeopleKey Support Agreements can be customised to suit your needs. Just give us a call on 1800 015 458 to discuss your needs.

2. Are you able to check (audit) systems once installed off site?
Yes we can. There are a number of possible methods. Perhaps the best method is using a wide area network (WAN) if you have one in place. The scanners use TCP/IP and can be located across the world if you need to. PeopleKey can also dial in via broadband or cable modem.

If necessary, PeopleKey’s Support Team can visit you and access the systems using a notebook computer.

3. What is the response time should a device or equipment problem arise?
PeopleKey provides phone support within one hour and on-site support within 48 hours in all major cities around Australia. On-site support for regional areas varies depending on location.

4. Are we able to deal directly with you?
Of course you can! We’d love to hear from you. In fact, we like to keep in touch with all of our clients and will probably call you from time-to-time just to see how things are going.

You can also call us if your PeopleKey System was purchased from a third-party supplier. Our number is 1800 015 458. We hope to hear from you soon.

5. What is the compatibility of the biometric finger scanning system with other I.T. hardware, software, and existing security systems?
PeopleKey Systems are designed using the Microsoft Windows platform. The systems are compatible with Windows 95, 98, 2000, ME, XP, NT, Vista and Server 2003. Since the Windows platform is subject to so much change, please check with us for compliance.

* Please note: Some older computer operating systems will not be able to run the most current fingerscanner software.

All PeopleKey Systems are designed to run on PC based systems only. Linux, Mac, UNIX and AS400 are not supported.

When it comes to access control, the PeopleKey System is compatible with any security system that uses Wiegand technology (almost all systems use Wiegand technology). The PeopleKey System is capable of seamless integration to your existing security system.

When it comes to Time and Attendance, the PeopleKey System is compatible with most Microsoft Windows based payroll programs. Call us on 1800 015 458 to find out if the PeopleKey System is compatible with your system.

6. In the future, can this system be upgraded?
Yes. PeopleKey Systems are designed to grow with your company. In fact, it’s very common for customers to add additional units and features to their original system. We find that many of our new clients realise the true potential of biometric technology once they have experienced it firsthand. Many of our clients start off with a simple Time and Attendance System and just months later are planning for the installation a full Biometric Access Control System.

For example, Dapto Leagues Club added 3 Access Control units to their original single Time and Attendance unit.

7. If a company or organization is geographically located on more than one site, can the system be linked and downloaded to all sites?
Yes. Multiple sites are no problem at all. In fact, many of our clients operate nationally, requiring multiple systems to be linked to a head office or central point. Qantas and Woolworths are such examples.

On a smaller scale the Twin Towns Services Club own a second venue called “Club Benora”, located approximately 15kms away. The two sites are linked and all of the payroll data from Club Benora is sent back to the main Twin Towns Club for processing.

8. Are there ‘add ons’ to your system, such as fire alarms or alert mechanisms such as power failure, unwanted person on premises during business hours, etc.?
“Add-ons” are available and the range is quite large. There are many hardware integration options as well as software reporting options available. Some of the more common options include:

• Door alarms – triggered when a door has been held open too long.
• REX (request to exit) switches.
• Multiple verification options – e.g. integration with a card reader.
• Real time reporting options – e.g. listing who is on-site.

If you have a particular add-on option in mind, call us on 1800 015 458 to find out if it’s available.

9. What are the advantages of the PeopleKey System, as apposed to others?
PeopleKey Systems use superior products that are tried, tested and proven in many fields.

In particular, the networking software is very strong compared to other systems. This allows for more integration options with existing systems.

The PeopleKey System also has higher match verification rates than most systems. This means there is lower rate of FTR (failure to register).

Another distinct advantage is that the PeopleKey System continues to work if the PC fails. Many systems are dependant on external systems making them less reliable than the PeopleKey System.

10. What are the disadvantages of this system, if any?
Biometric access control is marginally slower (fractions of a second) than card based door access but the advantage is that it is more secure and people don’t lose their fingers.

Communication to remote sites can be difficult unless the customer has a wide area network (WAN).

Cabling cost can become high depending on your requirements.

11. Once the system is installed, how does on-going programming work?
On-going programming is rarely required. However, if it is necessary it can be completed quite simply via phone support with PeopleKey®.

12. While costs will be determined on each client’s requirements, are you able to give some general purchasing advice based on your experience to date?
With hundreds of clients around Australia, we’ve found some common reasons for purchasing PeopleKey systems are:

• To reduce operational costs by installing systems that improve operational efficiency.
• To protect a high risk or high value area or item.
• New corporate policy dictates the use of biometric technology
• To replace existing biometric systems that have not met expectations.

We have found that the use of Biometrics in Time and Attendance has proven to be highly popular, because of the large cost saving benefits.

Time sheet “problems” are most prevalent where rotating shifts occur or where varying finish times are common. Companies typically save at least 2% off their previous payroll figure. We frequently hear of savings in excess of 5% following the installation of a PeopleKey Time and Attendance System.

Based on these figures, it is quite common for the PeopleKey System to pay for itself in the first year of use.