Just a thought.depending on the juristiction..the client may not have the legal right to do this*..and even if the client does have the legal right to..the keeping of the data may be subject to all kinds of restrictions and require hashing / encryption in data base with decrytion only at time of read etc..

*you might be held to be "jointly liable" with the client ( now or at any time in the future ) if there are any legal problems,( such as workers sueing or hacks of the DB, or loss of the DB, or "control/audit" by "legal authorities" etc.. if you build this..

Thanks Leosghost, wasn't aware of that, I don't know of any particular regulation of this in my country but sure is an important point. Will check.

Might actually look to here the security check point is located. I would suggest "at the door" instead of the "at the machine". A secured premises and records of who's in the office will go a long way to stopping minor thefts. This only works if the building can be made secure.

Have you searched for biometric security equipment, or sensors, or software.

Leosghost raises a valid point about privacy, and it will depend on regulations in your region.

The best security technology available today are cameras. When you set up the fingerprint system will it be accompanied by a secure door that will only open when presented with the correct fingerprint? What will prevent the thieves from gaining access without using the fingerprint scanner?

Tangor: my suggestion is a security door with fingerprint check, just as you point out.
Engine: will search about it.
Toidi: yes I agree cameras do a great job, this client has a set of cams.

The main intention of the client is the fingerprint to create the database and use it to solve any theft issue via the fingerprints. I have a laptop with fingerprint sensor and thought about trying so I've been researching, just that. His main intention in this case is not my first priority, even less now considering the possible legal issues, so his main intention is just not at the top of my list. My suggestion is a code activated device, perhaps a tablet... so users enter the code and then the device takes a picture of the person, just that. Why? because what was asked in first place is checking when people get in and out, the fingerprint is an aside thing, it's... his hidden priority but I will not break my head on that, the client is not always right.

Thanks!

Though not easy, fingerprints can be faked, so any implementation should include a 5 digit keycode (minimum) that is changed by the day, week, month, or quarter, with only one person (the owner) in charge of those keycodes, preferably randomly generated, and never written down on a piece of paper, though logged in a secure, non-connected database. That combination is far more secure. The frequency of the change is determined by the true level of security that must be achieved and the vetting of employees entrusted to do the work. And that is the door to get into the place.

Secondary, all monitors are visible to cameras, all employees are visible to cameras.

The only other reasonable enhancement is an RDIF ID Card/Badge.

Well, there is one more, that is to hire a security officer.... but we don't know the client's budget! :)

Thanks Tangor, RDFID is exactly my other option to suggest. The problem is (as for some cases it matters) people can steal the card or give it to someone else. I want to combine the code or the card, any of those with grabbing a pic of the person in the very instant they enter the code or use the card.

Don't bother RFID tagging the people.."short runs" of that "tech" can be expensive compared to long runs as used in retailing to prevent theft..

RFID tag the things that are being stolen..then just put sensors on the exits..like supermarkets and shops do..
RFID tags adhesive , or sewn in etc are dirt cheap..combine them with a Bar code or a QR code..the sensors ( fixed or portable ) are also not expensive..
Look into.... tamperproof RFID tags/labels

They are legal everywhere :)

Thanks for the input, will keep researching.

Now coming back to the original intention of the question, about hardware, I will appreciate input if someone has ever tried to use the laptop fingerprint sensor for other uses than login in, I would like to use it from custom apps or develop my own code control.

Been in that position before with people stealing stuff and simple methods work well.

I'm not sure what fingerprints will do that a normal barcode scanned employee card wouldn't do for them.

As far as stealing stuff, install lots of cameras and consider putting RFID security tags on the stuff, like they do at stores.

Cheap easy off the shelf stuff and probably more reliable than a fingerprint scanner, biometrics just isn't that good yet unless you spend a lot on it and proving it's really them, a camera does best. Include scales at the check in location so you can see if they weigh more leaving ;)

Just my $0.02 worth.

Thanks incrediBill, nice options too.