Přístupový systém / Attendance terminals

Attendance terminals and identification methods

The terminal is the cheapest and most easily replaceable part of the system, yet it is usually where selection begins. Here is how the different identification methods differ and when each makes sense.

Four ways a person can prove their identity

 Chip or cardFingerprintFaceMobile
SpeedImmediateOne to two secondsImmediateImmediate
Lending between individualsPossible; that is its weakness.ExcludedExcludedPossible but impractical
GDPRStandard personal dataBiometrics, special categoryBiometrics, special categoryStandard personal data
Operation with glovesOperationalNot workingOperationalInconvenient
What to do in case of lossBlock and issue a new oneCannot be lostCannot be lostRevoke device authorization
CostLowestHigher-end terminalTop-tier terminalLow, without carriers

In practice, most operations combine two methods: a chip as the primary method and a second method where there is a specific reason for it. Widespread biometrics is an expensive option that brings additional GDPR obligations and addresses a problem that some companies do not have at all.

Fingerprint reader installed next to glazed doors
The biometric terminal handles chip lending. This incurs higher device costs and GDPR compliance obligations.

Where to install the terminal

An attendance terminal and a door reader are not the same thing

The attendance terminal has a display, shows the status and offers reasons for leaving, such as a business trip or a doctor's appointment. The door reader simply decides whether to open. Both have their place in one system: the terminal at the entrance to the premises for attendance and readers on individual doors for access rights. We describe this division on the page about access system.

The terminal will likely be replaced in five years; your rules and authorisations will carry forward. That is why, when selecting a system, we first ask about operations and only then about the equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chip, fingerprint or face?

A chip or card is the cheapest and fastest option and sufficient for most operations. Fingerprint and facial recognition address only one specific issue: lending chips between individuals. However, these are biometric data, a special category under GDPR, requiring a legal basis and an impact assessment. We recommend them only where chip sharing actually occurs, not universally.

Does the terminal work outdoors and with gloves on?

Outdoor versions are available; they differ in protection rating and operating temperature range and are more expensive than indoor ones. For gloves, contactless reading at a longer distance or a fob is usually selected, as fingerprint scanning through a glove does not work. This is a typical issue identified during inspection that changes the design.

What happens if an employee forgets to clock in?

Nothing dramatic if the system has an approval workflow configured. The missing record is added, the correction is submitted to the supervisor for approval, and an audit trail remains showing who made it. It is important that this can be done from the application without needing to resolve it through payroll accounting at the end of the month.

Can a mobile phone be used instead of a chip?

Yes, with newer terminals. This makes sense where staff change rapidly and you do not want to issue and collect physical carriers, or for external workers. The disadvantage is dependence on a charged phone and the employee having it with them. Most operations therefore combine mobile with a chip, rather than replacing it.

Related

Attendance system for companieshow we build a delivery vanPřístupový systémdoors, locks and turnstilesTime and attendance recordswhat the law requires

Tell us what you need to cover

We only need the number of employees, the number of doors, and whether you operate shifts. We will contact you within 24 hours on working days to discuss details and arrange an on-site inspection. The inspection and proposal are free and non-binding.

Prefer to call?

Call on working days; we will go through it together in ten minutes.

277 278 919

[email protected]

  • The design is based on your operations, not a catalogue package.
  • Free property inspection and door measurements.
  • Integration with payroll software is handled as part of the delivery.
  • Installation by a trusted local team, handover with documentation.