Fingerprint readers combine with point-of-sale software to reduce transaction and payroll fraud

Fingerprint readers combine with point-of-sale software to reduce transaction and payroll fraud

Restaurant and bar chain Hooters has deployed biometric fingerprint readers at its points of sale (PoS) to strengthen its loss prevention efforts.

The U.are.U fingerprint readers from specialist authentication and access management technology provider DigitalPersona and PoS software from restuarant IT specialist ITWercs to enable nearly 4,000 Hooters employees to authenticate transactions, as well as clock in and out for their shifts.

Hooters IT staff found it challenging to manage and track unauthorised voids using their previous personal identification number (PIN) and swipe card security system.

Transaction and payroll control

As a result they wanted to implement new technology that could tie individuals to each transaction and ensure manager oversight was provided when necessary. The fingerprint authentication is also used for ensuring accurate time-and-attendance system for all employees.

“With thousands of employees across a large area, the costs of managing and replacing swipe cards and PINs became significant. However, the real problem was that they didn’t give us the insight we needed into each transaction,” said Wes Marco, Hooters director of information systems.

“DigitalPersona fingerprint readers have yielded immediate results. We reduced both transaction and payroll fraud, and eliminated the cost of constantly replacing lost or stolen swipe cards.”

Hooters operates over its  restaurants and bars in 27 countries worldiwde in addition to its 440-strong US chain.