How to Set Up a Biometric Time Attendance System

What you'll need

• Biometric time attendance terminal (fingerprint, face, or both)
• Network connection (Ethernet or WiFi) for the terminal
• Admin access to your payroll/HR software, if integrating

Step-by-step setup

1. Step 1 — Choose device placement

   Mount at the main entrance, at standing height (roughly 140–150cm from the floor works for most terminals). If using face recognition, avoid mounting facing directly into a window — backlighting significantly reduces accuracy.

2. Step 2 — Enroll employees

   Register each employee's fingerprint and/or face directly on the device or via its enrollment software. Always register a backup PIN or card at the same time — don't leave this for later, since it's the fallback for the rare misread.

3. Step 3 — Configure shifts and rules

   Set working hours, grace periods for late arrival, and overtime calculation rules. Most terminals or their companion software let you define multiple shift patterns if your office has staggered start times.

4. Step 4 — Connect payroll integration

   Link the system to your payroll/HR platform (e.g. Bayzat, ZenHR, Tally, SAP) so attendance data flows automatically into payroll calculations. This is the step most offices skip, and it's where most of the ongoing time savings come from — skipping it means you still have the device, but you're still manually re-typing hours.

5. Step 5 — Test and train staff

   Run a full test week before fully switching off the old system. Walk employees through clock-in/out once, confirm the reports match expectations, and only then retire the manual sheet.

Expert tips

• Register a backup PIN for every employee at enrollment time, not after the first failed scan.
• Test face-recognition accuracy at the actual mounting location and lighting, not just on a desk during setup.
• Keep the old manual system running in parallel for one full week before fully switching over.

Frequently asked questions