CAMPBELL, CALIF. - December
7, 2006 - Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies today announced that the Hilton
Waterfront Beach Resort, a AAA four-diamond rated Hilton waterfront beach resort
that offers 290 rooms with luxurious accommodations situated in Huntington Beach,
Calif., is using its biometric HandPunch reader to input time and attendance
for tracking more than 330 employees. As a result, the Hilton has better controlled
payroll costs by eliminating all buddy punching, in which one employee clocks
in or out for another.
"With more than 300 employees, buddy punching had become a challenge a
couple of years ago," reports Romy Robb, Payroll Administrator at the Hilton
Waterfront Beach Resort. "So, instead of using old magnetic stripe ID cards,
we switched to the HandPunch reader in 2004."
The HandPunch reader automatically takes a three-dimensional reading of the
size and shape of a hand and verifies the user's identity in less than one second.
"Since employees can't lose or forget their hands, these biometric readers
eliminate the need for employees to carry a badge, thus purging the problem
of lost or forgotten badges. This also saves us time and money," explains
Robb.
When reviewing which biometric to use, the resort's staff did not accept fingerprint
scans because the process was too similar to fingerprinting. The HandPunch reader
was accepted as much less intrusive. Because it plugged right into their system,
the HandPunch provided a smooth transition from the old ID card system.
"We are very happy with the HandPunch," continues Robb. "It is
easy to operate. With its help, we can produce all types of payroll reports.
Right now, we are using the HandPunch for five different pay rates, but our
possibilities are unlimited. The HandPunch is also helpful in tracking employee
meals, which we need for tax reporting purposes."
At the resort, the reader is conveniently located at the employee entrance,
across from the security office. Such proximity increases facility security
because everyone who goes in and out is screened at the entry and exit points.
The payroll is done from a different location because data from the HandPunch
is transferable and accessible via the Internet.
Employee Management Solutions in Laguna Niguel, Calif. implemented the resort's
time and attendance solution. The HandPunch interfaces with NOVAtime time and
attendance software.
Ingersoll Rand Recognition Systems was named a recent recipient of the Application
Market Penetration Leadership Award for access control and time and attendance
applications in Frost & Sullivan's study, World Biometrics Market. Website
is www.recognitionsystems.ingersollrand.com.