Palscience

A new device could replace clocking in and out in the company, this device will be installed on the front door of the company and when the employer comes to the office would press a hand or finger to a scanner that logs the precise time of their arrival and departure, and the information is automatically reflected in payroll records. This is actually happening at at Dunkin’ Donuts, at Hilton hotels, even at Marine Corps bases. Employees are starting and ending their day by using this machine.

Manufacturers say these biometric devices improve efficiency and streamline payroll operations. Employers big and small buy them with the dual goals of keeping workers honest and automating outdated record-keeping systems that rely on paper time sheets.

“They don’t even have to hire someone to harass you anymore. The machine can do it for them,” said Ed Ott, executive director of the New York City Central Labor Council of the AFL-CIO. “The palm print thing really grabs people as a step too far.”

Almost $635 million worth of these high-tech devices were sold last year, and projects that the industry will be worth more than $1 billion by 2011.