Helios Thumbprint, have to buy it from them?

Grant · 08-06-2002, 06:35 PM

Regarding the Helios thumbprint scanner, do you have to buy it from them or will any scanner work? If so, is there any way to make a non-Helios scanner work?

Thanks!

_________________
Grant Miller
Sun Your Buns
Erie, PA[ This Message was edited by: Andy @ ATSO.ca on 2002-08-30 22:00 ]

Andy · 08-06-2002, 07:08 PM

Grant, Helios have created a custom interface and equipment validation that is required to operate the Thumbprint device.

So assuming you have not invested in the Manufacturers Developers Kit and are therefore not able to get around their build-in equipment validation then you do need to purchase the device supplied by Helios.

The Manufacturers Developers Kit and related work would involve costs greater than the surcharge that Helios have added to the device. Of course larger quantities would justify this investment.

It is possible that someone that purchased a Thumbprint device and is for whatever reason not using it may be interested in selling you a unit at a discounted price.

Golden Key · 08-06-2002, 07:41 PM

how much do those thumprint scanners cost?

Andy · 08-06-2002, 08:58 PM

Helios sells them for $399. USD

Larry · 08-06-2002, 11:34 PM

I have one, and it works beautifully. The girls have to physically be there to clock in and out. No more clocking each other in in they're late.

Andy · 08-07-2002, 04:50 AM

Larry, the majority of Helios Users that I am aware of that have the Thumbprint scanner are very happy with it related to Staff Check In - really helps on this issue.

Many however no longer use it related customers. They provide a number of different reasons/comments related to this:

- it takes too long
- too many customers have a problem actually using it and/or
- customers have a problem with the idea of it regardless of the explanation

Larry, I am interested in your experience with the Thumbprint Scanner and your customers.

How does the device stand up to extended use. I understand that the Manufacturers stated expected life of the device is around 50,000 image reads - does not sound like a large number considering you take 4 reads to initially register a customers Thumbprint, and 1 each time they tan - with only 2,000 clients 50,000 image reads would be reached in just 21 tans per customer.

A number of Helios Users that I have spoken to were under the impression that the device also "recognized" a customer - that is, you could use the device to "bring up a client" in the client profile. They were surprised when I clarified that the device only confirms identity and is not used to Find a Client - but what a great idea, that would be a BIG PLUS.

SunCatcher · 08-09-2002, 11:00 AM

It takes some time before customers get used to the thumbprint verification.
A small percent think it is cool.
However, most people get aggravated with it. 9 times out of 10 it takes several attempts to verify, also do not ever spray anything on it or use a wet cloth to wipe it off to remove oily fingerprints. One of my employees did and we had to order a new one.
It was ruined.
And for the month we didn't have one the customers were thankful.
However it does wonders for checking ID
Instead of making them show a drivers license, this system works great. I think the picture would be better. But since it is paid for. I'm keeping it.

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08-06-2002, 06:35 PM	#1 (permalink)
Grant Join Date: Aug 6 2002 Location: Erie, PA Posts: 6 Rep Power: 0	Regarding the Helios thumbprint scanner, do you have to buy it from them or will any scanner work? If so, is there any way to make a non-Helios scanner work? Thanks! _________________ Grant Miller Sun Your Buns Erie, PA[ This Message was edited by: Andy @ ATSO.ca on 2002-08-30 22:00 ]

08-06-2002, 07:08 PM	#2 (permalink)
Andy Join Date: Jan 25 2000 Location: CT Posts: 1,760 Rep Power: 9	Grant, Helios have created a custom interface and equipment validation that is required to operate the Thumbprint device. So assuming you have not invested in the Manufacturers Developers Kit and are therefore not able to get around their build-in equipment validation then you do need to purchase the device supplied by Helios. The Manufacturers Developers Kit and related work would involve costs greater than the surcharge that Helios have added to the device. Of course larger quantities would justify this investment. It is possible that someone that purchased a Thumbprint device and is for whatever reason not using it may be interested in selling you a unit at a discounted price.

08-06-2002, 07:41 PM	#3 (permalink)
Golden Key Join Date: Feb 21 2002 Posts: 636 Rep Power: 7	how much do those thumprint scanners cost?

08-06-2002, 08:58 PM	#4 (permalink)
Andy Join Date: Jan 25 2000 Location: CT Posts: 1,760 Rep Power: 9	Helios sells them for $399. USD

08-06-2002, 11:34 PM	#5 (permalink)
Larry Join Date: Jun 23 2001 Posts: 46 Rep Power: 0	I have one, and it works beautifully. The girls have to physically be there to clock in and out. No more clocking each other in in they're late.

08-07-2002, 04:50 AM	#6 (permalink)
Andy Join Date: Jan 25 2000 Location: CT Posts: 1,760 Rep Power: 9	Larry, the majority of Helios Users that I am aware of that have the Thumbprint scanner are very happy with it related to Staff Check In - really helps on this issue. Many however no longer use it related customers. They provide a number of different reasons/comments related to this: - it takes too long - too many customers have a problem actually using it and/or - customers have a problem with the idea of it regardless of the explanation Larry, I am interested in your experience with the Thumbprint Scanner and your customers. How does the device stand up to extended use. I understand that the Manufacturers stated expected life of the device is around 50,000 image reads - does not sound like a large number considering you take 4 reads to initially register a customers Thumbprint, and 1 each time they tan - with only 2,000 clients 50,000 image reads would be reached in just 21 tans per customer. A number of Helios Users that I have spoken to were under the impression that the device also "recognized" a customer - that is, you could use the device to "bring up a client" in the client profile. They were surprised when I clarified that the device only confirms identity and is not used to Find a Client - but what a great idea, that would be a BIG PLUS.

08-09-2002, 11:00 AM	#7 (permalink)
SunCatcher Join Date: Feb 3 2002 Posts: 46 Rep Power: 0	It takes some time before customers get used to the thumbprint verification. A small percent think it is cool. However, most people get aggravated with it. 9 times out of 10 it takes several attempts to verify, also do not ever spray anything on it or use a wet cloth to wipe it off to remove oily fingerprints. One of my employees did and we had to order a new one. It was ruined. And for the month we didn't have one the customers were thankful. However it does wonders for checking ID Instead of making them show a drivers license, this system works great. I think the picture would be better. But since it is paid for. I'm keeping it.

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