Q: How new is this technology?
A: With the release of the HandPunch 2000/3000/4000 this is the fourth generation of hand geometry readers from Recognition Systems. Each generation has meant an increase in accuracy and functionality, and a reduction in price.

Q: How many hand templates can be stored?
A: Up to 32,512. HandPunch 2000 handles 512 users and cannot be upgraded. The 3000 starts at 512 users and can be upgraded to 32,512. The 4000 has 512 as a baseline and can be upgraded to 3500.

Q: What is the template size?
A: 9 bytes. This is important because other biometrics have much larger templates, so they can’t handle as many users with a single device.

Q: Do rings or Band-Aids have an effect?
A: Not usually enough to reject a valid user. Just make sure the ring is in the upright position and hand placement is proper.

Q: What happens if I injure my hand and have it bandaged or in a cast?
A: You can be enrolled with you left hand, palm up while the right hand is disabled. It’s not as comfortable but will work fine.

Q: What is the false reject rate (authorized person can’t get in)?
A: Sandia Laboratories, Inc. documented Recognition Systems’ products as having a false reject rate of 0.1% (1 in 1000), the lowest of any biometric device. This is an extremely important statistic. Rejecting authorized people creates unhappy users.

Q: I have a card system and want to add a biometric solution. Is this a problem?
A: No, it’s easily done. The HandPunch 4000 has a built in bar code swipe which can read the most popular bar code types. The HandPunch 3000 offers as an option the BC 100, an external bar code reader.

Q: How many digits can I use for an ID?
A: Up to 10.

Q: Can you interface to commonly used access control systems?
A: Yes, our system architecture allows us to interface to most commonly used access control systems. We just need to know the format required. In some cases, there is an additional charge.

Q: How is your throughput; we have a lot of people to go through?
A: Typically the verification is less than 2 seconds. As people use the HandPunch they process faster. Typically, a HandPunch will Process 15+ people per minute.

Q: My employees are concerned about hygiene issues. How do I address this concern?
A: Compare hand placement on the platen to using a door knob/handle, money handling, telephone use, or shaking hands.

Q: How often do I need to clean the HandPunch, and how?
A: Typically, if the unit is so dirty that you don’t want to put your hand on it, it should be cleaned. In most office environments the HandPunch platen would need to be cleaned once every two to three weeks. The HandPunch should be cleaned with glass cleaner and a soft cloth.

Q: Why would my employees want to use the HandPunch system?
A: In a card based system, if the employee’s card is missing or stolen from the rack, they can’t punch in. If they forget their card at home, they can’t punch in. Finding the supervisor to solve the problem will probably cost that employee time and therefore money. By using the HandPunch, the employee is in complete control of punching in.
Their hand cannot be lost, stolen or forgotten. Secondly, if any fraud is occurring it is usually a small number of people abusing the system. That small group is inflating overall labor costs making everyone, both honest and dishonest, look less productive.
The HandPunch makes sure that if you’re there, you will get paid!

Q: How fast is the HandPunch? We have a lot of people to clock in.
A: Typically the verification time is 1 to 2 seconds. As people start using the HandPunch, the process becomes second nature.

Q: Are there any privacy issues?
A: Hand geometry technology cannot be reverse-engineered to identify people. It does not store the image of the hand, but instead stores a 9-byte template which is a mathematical representation of the hand image. This mathematical value is meaningless to other devices. In addition, no fingerprint or palm print information is gathered.

Q: Is the HandPunch safe?
A: The infrared lights used in the hand reader are similar to those used in remote controls for TVs and VCRs. The light’s power level is 100 mill watts – less than the amount produced by natural sunlight or microwave ovens. Recognition Systems has been contacted by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and has supplied all requested information. No reports of hazard have been generated by OSHA.