Thumbs UpUsing biometrics to keep your employees honest and save you money

David Karpman knew his payroll was too high. And he even knewthe reason: Some of the 30 employees ofDel Rey Nut Co.were filling out phony timecards and cashing paychecks for hoursthey hadn't worked. "We were paying for people whoweren't there," says the 48-year-old owner of the LosAngeles food and promotional products company, which has $3.5million in annual sales.

Karpman didn't know what to do about it--until he tried abiometrics time-and-attendance system that requires employees toscan their thumbprints when punching in. Says Karpman, "Youhave to have a thumbprint, so unless they bring in a cadaver,we're covered."