TeleClock - Frequently Asked Questions

Can our staff use mobile phones to access TeleClock?

Q: What is Voice Verification

A: Voice verification, also know as “speaker authentication”, is best described as the automated process of verifying a person’s claimed identity based upon the distinctive characteristics of their voice.

Enterprises concerned about how to manage security have at their disposal three means for authenticating individuals – by something they have (i.e. ID badge), by something they know (i.e. password/PIN# or knowledge-based passphrase), or the biometric – by something they “are”.

Voice verification technology uses the voice biometric to confirm or deny a person’s claimed identity by comparing the “live” voice sample to a previously enrolled voiceprint. A voiceprint is created by sophisticated technology that captures and measures unique characteristics in the voice biometric, such as cadence, pitch, tone, harmonics, and shape of the larynx.

Q: Do I need extra telephone lines to receive the calls from our staff?

A: Using TeleClock Small Business, all of the hardware and software is installed in your business premises and operates utilizing telephone extensions from your PABX. During quiet times there is no need for any extra telephone lines to operate TeleClock and as most clients operate from within their organization they do not require external telephone connections to TeleClock.

Q: Isn’t this IVR technology complicated and expensive?

A: Other companies would have you believe that the cost for individual companies to buy this type of software and hardware is high. We have developed and sold TeleClock for over 10 years and have been developing similar technology systems for 17 years. The cost and reliability of the TeleClock system is very affordable and as simple as any computer application to operate. If you operate more than two electronic time clocks currently, then TeleClock can be a more cost effective and powerful solution.

Q: What is the difference between voice verification and voice recognition

A: Voice verification focuses on verifying the identity of “who” the speaker is, whereas speech recognition is designed to understand “what” the speaker is saying. Voice recognition engines must support the language that the user communicates in to understand what the user wants to do. To clarify further, voice verification is designed to verify the individual’s unique voice sample to enable secure access to a variety of protected applications. Once access is granted, the user may then utilize voice recognition commands for further navigation throughout the application.

VoiceVantage’s speaker authentication technology is capable of operating as a stand-alone solution. While it conveniently integrates with and will certainly enhance and leverage investments in other speech technology (i.e. speech recognition, VoiceXML), VoiceCheck does not require voice recognition technology to perform its function.

Q: What are the advantages of voice verification vs. other biometrics?

A: Voice verification is rated as secure as any other biometric identification method, and according to independent studies , voice verification can be considered even more secure than other biometrics such as fingerprint, hand geometry and facial-scans systems, while also as being rated the least intrusive and most popular biometric.
While all biometrics offer improved security over other traditional means of authentication, only voice verification offers several key advantages beyond other biometrics as described below:

Your voice cannot be stolen, lost, forgotten, or otherwise compromised.

Voice verification technology offers a non-intrusive and non-invasive identity authentication solution. Other biometric solutions can often intimidate or offend potential users because of the invasive connotations associated with them, such as fingerprinting or laser-retinal scanning technologies.

Voice is the only completely mobile biometric technology capable of operating anytime, anywhere. Other biometrics force users to be at a “fixed site” or too carry specific hardware with them for the biometric solution to function whereas voice verification utilizes the common microphone found readily available in telephony devices and PC microphones.

Voice verification technology is convenient to use. Speech is the most natural form of communication and voice verification is capable of providing a seamless integration into the caller’s overall speech experience.

Voice verification technology is cost-effective. It is a “software only” solution that eliminates the costly hardware or scanning equipment costs that other biometric solutions require.

Of all the biometric technologies available, voice verification is the only “conscious” biometric. Other biometrics could still be used without the conscious authorization of the individual; for example, an airline pilot could be rendered unconscious yet an intruder could still utilize the pilot’s fingerprint to access protected systems or information.

Q: My staff are spread all over the country, how do they use TeleClock?

A: Clients can implement TeleClock Enterprise for their staff to use to call in to TeleClock. Employees call a 1800 number to access the TeleClock system. Time zone differences are compensated for with the TeleClock software and the calling number and location of staff can also be recorded.

Q: Can our staff use mobile phones to access TeleClock?

A: Certainly. But remember that current technology does not enable you to identify where the call is coming from (other than the number of the mobile phone). The TeleClock OTP token located at each of your work locations can help to identify that employees are at the designated location when they clock in or out.