Biometric identification is the automatic assessment of a unique body feature or personal action. Biometric systems are superior because they provide a nontransferable means of identifying people, not just cards or badge. Companies, at times, grapple with this issue when faced with it for the first time.
Here are some of the reasons why biometric systems fail:
The vendor recommends biometrics without asking or taking the time to understand a company’s workforce culture
The employees were not informed about the impending change and as a result, there is animosity towards the system
The type of biometrics recommended will not work, because it is simply not conducive to the environment in which it is placed.
Biometric systems work when:
The vendor takes the time to understand the company’s work culture and recommends an appropriate solution
Several departments gets involved in the decision making process
The vendor suggest ways to get the employees involved prior to installing this system
These are only a few reasons why biometrics will or won’t work at your company. http://www.atimesolutions.com/biometrics.php
It is true that there are a lot of considerations that need to be fully evaluated before going ahead with biometrics but I'm not sure I would lay blame on the vendor in these circumstances. in almost every instance where I have seen organizations purchase biometrics, it was because they specifically requested it or its was part of an RFP. I do not think it is the vendor's responsibility to educate the customer on whether they need biometrics or how best to deploy them when the customer specifically asks for it. Besides, the vendor has a vested interest.
Instead, customers need to look to specialized boutique organizations that have the experience and can guide the customer on the pros and cons. In addition, I do agree that there needs to be greater participation from the various stakeholders, especially the unions in the case of a unionzed shop.