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13–17 Create an On-line Tax Policy Listing
it also includes a miniature computer that results in more computing capability.
However, the software needed to link it to one’s accounting systems is still in its
infancy, and will therefore probably require some degree of customization, if not
a complete software writing project, before it can be tightly integrated. Conse-
quently, the effort required to make the Symbol Palm computer a major new
accounting tool may be considerable.
Cost: Installation time:

13–16 SCAN FINGERPRINTS AT USER WORKSTATIONS

Security is always an issue in the accounting department, where the staff is con-
stantly reviewing confidential materials. It is a real problem trying to keep unau-
thorized personnel from accessing accounting terminals, unless the entire depart-
ment is to be locked up behind a fence.
A unique new approach to solving the security problem is to use a variety of
input devices that scan one’s thumbprint or fingerprint and transmits the scan to a
central file for verification. If the scanned image matches that of an on-file
thumbprint, then the user is allowed access to the terminal.
A scanner mouse, called the EyeD Mouse™, is available from Secugen
Corporation (www.secugen.com). The same company also sells a keyboard,
called the EyeD KeyBoard™, that contains a scanner for fingerprints. Yet another
option that it sells is the EyeD Hamster™, which is a separate scanning device
that is used by those who do not wish to replace their existing mice or keyboards.
There are a few downsides to the use of this technology. The main one is that
some software reconfiguration will be necessary to ensure that selected databases
are covered by this security feature. A lesser issue is the cost of the new scanning
equipment; prices are roughly double the amount that one would spend on mice
or keyboards that do not contain these biometric security features.

Cost: Installation time:

13–17 CREATE AN ON-LINE TAX POLICY LISTING

The accounting staff does not always have a clear grasp of the tax implications of
various accounting transactions. Examples of these problem areas are transfer
pricing, capital movements, and employee contracts and benefits. When a ques-
tion arises in regard to such a problem, either it is put on hold while a question is
run past the legal or tax staffs, or else it is processed in ignorance of the answer—
which frequently leads to a lack of consistency in the handling of transactions,
and a large headache for the tax staff. These problems can be avoided by
installing a clear set of tax policies on-line.