# USB fingerprint readers for Tavio

Tavio supports **keyboard-wedge** USB fingerprint pads — the same style many retail POS systems use.

When you scan a finger, the reader **types an ID** (like a barcode scanner), then usually presses Enter. No paid SDK. No monthly fee.

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## Recommended hardware

Buy a **USB fingerprint reader with keyboard / HID wedge mode**.

| Region | What to search for |
| --- | --- |
| South Africa | “USB fingerprint reader keyboard”, ZKTeco USB fingerprint, Takealot fingerprint pad |
| General | ZKTeco ZK9500 / similar with **keyboard wedge** or **HID** mode |

**Target price:** roughly **R200–R600** (~$15–40).

### Look for on the box / listing

- USB plug-and-play  
- **Keyboard** / **HID** / **wedge** mode (not “SDK only”)  
- Works on **Windows 10/11**

### Avoid for v1

- Readers that **only** work with a paid SDK  
- Bluetooth-only pads without a clear Windows driver  
- Face cameras (different product)

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## What fingerprint does in Tavio

| Action | Who can use it |
| --- | --- |
| **Staff sign-in** on the till | Any staff member with fingerprint enrolled |
| **Manager approval** (void, comp, discount, transfer, combine, signed/unpaid close) | **Managers only** — same outcome as typing the admin token |

Staff **code** and **admin token** always work as backup. Fingerprint is optional.

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## Setup (Office → Staff)

1. Plug the pad into the **Windows till or Office PC** (same machine staff use to sign in, if possible).  
2. Office → **Staff** → open a person → **Set up fingerprint**.  
3. Staff places finger on the pad when prompted → Tavio saves a **secure hash** (not a photo).  
4. **Managers** first — they need enrollment for admin approvals on the floor.

Enrolled staff show **Enrolled** in the staff list.

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## On the floor

- **Staff login:** scan finger **or** enter 4-digit staff code.  
- **Admin prompts:** manager scans **or** enters admin token on the keypad.  
- No extra app — wedge works in the browser when the login or approval screen is open.

If scan fails: use code or token; re-enroll from Office → Staff if needed.

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## Android / tablet

Same cloud enrollment. USB OTG wedge readers may work on some Android tablets; staff code remains backup. iPad: staff code / admin token (no USB wedge on iOS today).

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## Support checklist

- Pad plugged in and powered (USB light on)  
- Windows sees a keyboard-style device  
- Enrollment modal open and focused when scanning  
- Admin approval: person must be role **manager** and enrolled  
- If scan fails: staff code or admin token; re-enroll from Staff tab  

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## Related

- [Hardware overview](./index.md)
- [First day handbook](../handbooks/first-day.md)
- [Print Agent](../../print-agent/CUSTOMER.md) (separate — printing only; fingerprint uses the browser wedge)