Fingerprint reader

These days, it is becoming common to have digital fingerprint readers for use as timekeeping devices. Analog bundy clocks are still widely used but biometric fingerprint readers offer an additional advantage in security. They're also good for a few other uses.

Distributors of digital fingerprint readers tend to market them solely as timekeeping devices for the purpose of automatically calculating payroll. Digital Persona seems to have taken the extra step beyond this market limit. Recently, I was able to sell a U Are U 4500 fingerprint reader. Unlike a lot of biometric devices which look a lot like boxes, this is a small device with a USB cable attached to it. This also means that it is permanently attached to a PC. The boxy biometric devices are usually accessible via a LAN or downloading its accumulated data via USB port.

The distributor of this particular product in the Philippines is Mustard Seed Systems. As part of the product's package, they bundled it with their payroll software named Payroll Pro. Curiously, the fingerprint reader did not come with a box or manual so we'll just assume it was shipped in a big OEM box.

My customer happened to be creating an application for police stations to use in creating clearance records. For this purpose, he cannot use just any software to create the application. He will also need a Software Developer Kit (SDK) to create applications beyond payroll use. This kit is downloadable from Digital Persona's website. Demanding for this software kit  from your reseller/distributor is not necessary as it is made to be license-free. You need only fill up an online form and then you will be given a link to download from. Mind you, this is an additional service by Digital Persona. You may want to make inquiries if you happen to use a different brand of fingerprint readers.

Besides payroll, fingerprint readers could be used as additional identity authentication; security access; a substitute for passwords and a few more others.