Most Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) place access control units inside dedicated staff entrances to protect sensitive hardware and ensure scanning accuracy. Retailers who prefer employees to clock in before entering the building need a rugged scanner designed to operate in South Africa’s harsh environment.
Wherever you install your facial recognition device, your business must comply with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and follow best practices for terminal mounting to ensure the system functions properly.
POPIA & Biometric Timekeeping
Staff biometric clocking data is considered ‘special personal information’ under POPIA. Strict compliance is compulsory and focuses on data breach protection and employee-informed consent.
- Place clear signage (‘intended use’- timekeeping data) next to the clocking device.
- Prevent chance viewing; locate scanner screen away from unauthorised passersby.
- Integrate terminals into a secure network.
- Encrypt transmitted data and store all data securely.
- Ensure biometric time clocks are vandal-proof.
- Report any data breach to the Information Regulator immediately.
Face Scanner Installation Best Practices
Follow environmental best practices to ensure hardware longevity and compliance with the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA):
- Protect terminals from harsh environments (weatherproof housed / rugged IP65+ rated encased).
- Mount biometric devices out of direct sunlight – heavy glare can affect scanner recognition speed.
- Install face scanners at main entry/exit points (staff break room) – capture accurate work hours.
- Avoid narrow, high-traffic corridors to prevent queuing-related scanning errors (duplicate clockings / ‘buddy-punching’).
- Place the biometric screen at waist to chest height (+/- 1.2m to 1.5m) for comfortable face scanning (adults standing or seated in a wheelchair).
Compare Indoor & Outdoor Face Scanners
Benefit from smart technology; prevent fraudulent access by dismissed staff and stop criminals from gaining entry. Face recognition biometrics capture accurate attendance data and deliver superior access control. Both compact scanners offer a premium workflow at an affordable price and scale for small to large concerns. Which biometric time clock meets your business needs?
External Biometric Device: ZKTeco ProMA
Boutique fashion outlets and custom jewellery studios in up-market retail parks have limited floor space and likely no dedicated staff break room. ZKTeco’s ProMA is a professional-grade, external-mounted, weather-proof, and vandal-resistant solution to back entrance clocking.
The multi-modal device is robust enough to withstand the Karoo heat, KZN’s humidity, and the Cape’s winter storms. A cost-effective choice for multi-location rollouts over several stores, e.g., retail distribution centres (main gate, loading bay) and high-value storage areas.
Internal Access Control Unit: Suprema FaceLite
Invest in the Suprema FaceLite ergonomic indoor access control unit. The compact design allows for flexible installation even in space-limited areas near staff room entrances.
Powered by advanced facial recognition algorithms, the FaceLite authenticates users in less than a second.
Contactless, fast, precise.
Perfect for hygiene-sensitive sectors like busy supermarkets with high-volume shift changes, especially during the holiday season.
Patented optical engineering ensures operational efficiency in a wide range of lighting
conditions (complete darkness to bright internal lights).
Smart technology prevents spoofing using printed images or LCD screens, effectively
eliminating time theft due to buddy-punching.
Hover your mouse over the images and reveal technical specifications.
ZKTeco ProMa
- 30,000 faces &10,000 fingerprints (hybrid identification)
- visible light face recognition
- verification speed < 0.3 seconds
- TCP/IP layered transmission (TLS 1.2, AES-256, end-to-end encryption)
- PUSH protocol for real-time data sync with management software.
- -26°C to 55°C operating temperature
- Accurate in a wide range of natural light (0lx to 50,000 lx)
- IP66-rated aluminium-alloy casing
- IK07 vandal-proof rating
- Connects to a lock relay output and triggers an alarm if the door is left open.
Suprema FaceLite
- 3,000 users & 30,000 cards
- infrared-based live face detection (LFD)
- authentication speed <1 second
- face template encryption
- secured communication with TLS 1.2
- operating illuminance 0lx to 25,000lx
- supports multi-RFID card (e.g., MIFARE Plus & FeliCa) and mobile credentials (NFC & BLE)
- tamper-detection switch
- includes a door lock relay for either Fail Safe or Fail Secure lock types
Install Biometric Clocking – Stop Retail Time Theft
Along with retail property rental prices, wages are the biggest expense for SA businesses, no matter the size. Prevent staff time theft and invest in a modern time and attendance system.
If neither the Suprema FaceLite nor the ZKTeco ProMA is what you need, no problem, just send us an enquiry form detailing your workflow requirements. One of our expert team members will contact you to discuss a suitable biometric clocking solution.
For seamless integration from clock-in to payroll processing, CTSTime also offers South African designed T & A Software packages, and through our group services, payroll outsourcing. Partner with local timekeeping professionals: indoor or outdoor biometric time clocks for SA’s retail sector.
CTSTime wishes all Mzansi businesses a prosperous year.
Indoor or Outdoor Biometric Clocks, Related Links:
- Time and Attendance Hardware | CTS Time
- South African Information Regulator | eServices
- ZKTeco ProMA Datasheet PDF | CTS Time Hardware Products
- Suprema FaceLite Brochure PDF
- Product or Service Enquiry Form | Contact CTSTime
- Seamless integration: Clock-in to Payroll Processing – 4 Benefits | KZN
- South African Clocking Software | CTSTime
- CTSTime Group Services | Payroll Outsourcing for SA Business | Contraserv