NEC NeoFace time clock keeps workers in line

Think you've got it bad at work? Be glad your boss hasn't installed one of NEC's NeoFace time clocks. The system replaces the classic punch-card reader with facial recognition software, so that old canard of getting someone else to clock in for you is useless. For the ultimate in worker subservience, the time clock can also control access to the company locker room. Try to leave early, and you can forget about grabbing your street clothes; you'll have to sneak out wearing your grubby uniform, letting the whole world know you're pwned.

[joe @ Mar 2nd 2006 11:10AM]

George Orwell lives on...

[hollerf @ Mar 2nd 2006 11:15AM]

We are well on our way to George Jetson/Mr. Spacely interactions at work.

[arie Grapa @ Mar 2nd 2006 11:19AM]

So instead of a punchcard, your friend can use a picture of you to trick the system. Cool!!

[Joe @ Mar 2nd 2006 11:19AM]

I think we need that device here at my job since everyone comes and goes as they please althought it could break very quickly because there are some folks here who's face could stop a clock.

[Tom Kelman @ Mar 2nd 2006 11:31AM]

Why would they show this running on a Dell monitor and not an NEC one?

[Paranoised @ Mar 2nd 2006 11:38AM]

This is just all too funny, Im dying to see this in action.

[Steven @ Mar 2nd 2006 11:44AM]

You think they would just use the hand scanners, much cheaper and gets the job done just as good.

See here: http://www.infinitime.com/scout.htm

[snapa @ Mar 2nd 2006 12:42PM]

#8...way to make a racist comment :hsugh:

[gnome @ Mar 2nd 2006 12:42PM]

1984. Great.

[Aaron @ Mar 2nd 2006 1:03PM]

Yes it is so scarey when an employer wants to pay you for ACTUAL work done. It is so scarey that I can't cheat my employer anymore. I hate it when I have to be honest and not a lying thief.

[Locutus of Borg @ Mar 2nd 2006 1:37PM]

Just one step closer...

[TexasFoldem @ Mar 2nd 2006 1:42PM]

>> For the ultimate in worker subservience,
>> the time clock can also control access
>> to the company locker room.

And the restrooms, cafeteria / break rooms, water coolers, ....

[Geebus @ Mar 2nd 2006 2:06PM]

#11 = killjoy. I didn't see any of the previous posts mention anything about cheating, lying or being a thief. Just another blow hard undeserving of a computer and Internet connection.

[Aaron @ Mar 2nd 2006 3:16PM]

#14 from #11,
I was merely commenting that most people who complain about better security are those who like to do dishonest things. E.g. I did #3 writing about having a coworker clock in for you. That is dishonest. A way to get paid for work when you were not there. Or to lie about when you arrived. The fact is that we are becoming more dishonest as a society, which requires more security.

#13-
If you have an employer who is using this as a way to keep you from the locker room, restroom, cafeteria, break room, water cooler etc... I think they could do that with a lock and key also. The problem is your employer not the device they use.

[DW @ Mar 2nd 2006 4:58PM]

How many of you read the article, or posted your comments, while on the clock? huh? (yes, I happen to be on vacation, recorded as such)

[ThePete @ Mar 2nd 2006 5:16PM]

Hey, if they just paid us what we were worth I'm sure most of us wouldn't mind having our picture taken every morning. Of course, what happens if your twin brother works at the same place? Or how about if the computer screws up because, well, because it's a computer? Do we really expect that something like this won't make a mistake every now and again? Hell, even my Mac screws up every now and again...

[Mike @ Mar 2nd 2006 8:11PM]

Well, so begins the take over. I see this as a total lack of faith in the working man. What has happened? Now, we have to take a picture of your face to make sure you are coming to work, but we still trust you.....