Hand geometry biometric technology simultaneously analyses more than 31,000 points and more than 90 measurements of an individual’s hand-including length, width, thickness and surface area-to verify that the person using the device is really who he or she claims to be. The hand reader compares this information with a “template” of the individual’s hand that has previously been stored in the reader, on a server or on a card. Once the person has been identified as a valid user, a door can be opened, access can be provided and time may be recorded.

Hand geometry measures the size and shape of a person’s hand, including length, width, thickness and surface area. When the user places his or her hand on the platen of a device like the Schlage HandPunch, the device scans the hand to determine if the profile stored in the system matches the hand on the platen. In many cases, a swipe card or PIN may also be required to allow access.