Overview
The DigitalPersona Fingerprint Reader is a highly sensitive piece of equipment that allows for fast and accurate user recognition. It can interact with BuildingLink in three different ways: through our TimeTracker program (to allow employees to easily clock-in and clock-out) for biometric login to BuildingLink (replacing the standard username/password procedure) and in conjunction with KeyLink (to authorize opening and closing the drawer to add and remove keys).
This guide will walk you through the process of installing and connecting your DigitalPersona Fingerprint Reader. To purchase a Fingerprint reader, please use the following link: BuildingLink.com/equipment.
Table of Contents
- Installing the Fingerprint Reader
- Using the Fingerprint Reader with TimeTracker
- Using the Fingerprint Reader With KeyLink
- How Do I Enroll My Employees' Fingerprints?
- Enrolling A Fingerprint Through KeyLink
- Troubleshooting the DigitalPersona Fingerprint Reader
- When I Scan A Finger, Nothing Happens. How Do I Fix This?
Installing the Fingerprint Reader
The Fingerprint Reader should be installed through our Connector app. To install your fingerprint reader, visit Installing and Troubleshooting Peripherals with Connector. Once installed, be sure to connect your fingerprint reader to the computer by plugging it into a USB port. For best results, plug the reader directly into the computer, not through a hub or splitter.
Using the Fingerprint Reader with TimeTracker
BuildingLink offers a free add-on program called TimeTracker which allows you to track employee payroll hours. If you plan on using the fingerprint reader in conjunction with our TimeTracker program, the next step is to install and configure TimeTracker. Please see our TimeTracker help page here.
Using the Fingerprint Reader With KeyLink
If you are using our KeyLink system, the fingerprint reader can be used as a means of authorization for employees to access building keys. Click here for a full description of using the reader in conjunction with KeyLink.
How Do I Enroll My Employees' Fingerprints?
Before the reader can be used in any capacity, employees must have their fingerprints properly enrolled in the system.
There are three possible methods of enrolling fingerprints -- through TimeTracker, through KeyLink, or through the Employees module of BuildingLink. Please note that each staff member's fingerprint need only be registered once, even if they will be using the fingerprint reader in more than one program. For example, if an employee has correctly registered his/her print through TimeTracker, that employee will not need to register it again for KeyLink.
Enrolling A Fingerprint in TimeTracker
As a default, only users with Security Officer authority may enroll other employees. This may be changed when configuring TimeTracker. Please contact BuildingLink Support for additional help.
To begin, enroll your own fingerprint. Launch the TimeTracker Console and click the Enroll button.
Sign in with your BuildingLink credentials.
On your screen, you will see two hands. Click on the green square that corresponds with the specific finger you plan on using with the reader. Any finger should work, although we find that thumbs are occasionally problematic.
Next, place your finger on the fingerprint reader and remove it once the black fingerprint image appears in the first green box. Repeat this three more times and click Enroll again. Please note that it’s important to do this fairly quickly as the screen may “time out” for security reasons and go back to the beginning without saving your fingerprint. If this happens, simply repeat the steps.
Once your own fingerprint has been enrolled, you can start enrolling other employees. Launch the TimeTracker console and click the "Enroll" button. You may sign in with your BuildingLink credentials or place your registered finger on the fingerprint reader. Click “Enroll Other User's Fingerprints" and select an employee from the list. The list will pull from the Employees section of BuildingLink; if a specific employee does not show up on the list, he/she has not yet been added to the BuildingLink employee list, and must be added before a fingerprint can be registered. (To add BuildingLink employees, click here.)
After clicking on the employee’s name, you will see two hands on the screen. Click on the green square that corresponds with the finger your employee plans on using with the Fingerprint Reader.
Now, ask the employee to place his/her finger on the fingerprint reader and remove it after 2-3 seconds. Repeat this three more times and click Enroll again. Try to do this fairly quickly as the screen may “time out” for security reasons and go back to the beginning without saving your fingerprint. If this happens, simply repeat the steps.
Enrolling A Fingerprint Through KeyLink
In the KeyLink program, click the My Account button and log in with your BuildingLink username and password. Select Fingerprint Management and follow the instructions on the "Fingerprint Enrollment" screen. Select the finger you wish to register, place that finger on the reader, and scan it four times. After each scan, you should see your fingerprint on the screen. Next, click Enroll. You'll then be directed back to the previous page where you can register more fingers if you wish. Click Done when you’re finished.
Troubleshooting the DigitalPersona Fingerprint Reader
Open the Connector App to check whether the fingerprint reader is installed and connected. If further troubleshooting is needed, unplug your fingerprint reader and plug it into another USB port. If the fingerprint reader is currently plugged into a USB hub, unplug it and plug it directly into the computer. Also be sure that any USB hubs you are using for BuildingLink equipment are powered USB hubs. If the fingerprint reader is receiving enough power, you'll see a blue light shining behind the glass sensor. If the blue light isn't on, the reader is not receiving power (or is no longer functional).
Please also review the questions and answers below:
When I Scan A Finger, Nothing Happens. How Do I Fix This?
The fingerprint reader is a particularly sensitive device. Difficulty with reading a person's fingerprint does not necessarily indicate a technical problem.
Firstly, the device ships with a plastic covering over the glass. Make sure this has been removed before attempting to scan any fingerprints.
Secondly, make sure to place your finger as flat as possible on the glass; do not "point" at it. Additionally, people with dry skin may have difficulty getting the reader to recognize their prints. Try rubbing your fingerprint on your forehead or nose for a bit of extra oil, then retrying.
When I Scan A Finger, I Receive the Message "Unrecognized User."
This message indicates that the scanner is working correctly, but the print is not being recognized. This means that your fingerprint has not yet been enrolled, or that you may be trying to scan a different finger than the one initially registered.