What strategy HR use to decrease habitual absenteeism or lateness in general staff?

Motivation is a good thing. Generally well recruited team would not have the problems like this.

I think that one of the best thing to do is to make the employees feel happy to come early and feel that they will lose due to their habitual absenteeism or lateness by setting extra paid leave for those punctual employees and coming early, bonus, better consideration at the time of granting salary hikes etc.

For example while considering few employees and nominate them for the Man of the Month Award, their punctuality can be also considered to distinguish the desired employee of this Award.

Also, at the time of increasing Salary or Promoting an employee the same strategy can be imposed on him.

I think it worth to apply Labour Law Salary deductions/Written Warnings in case of Lateness and absenteeism also to create that feeling in the staff minds.

On the long term all staff will clearly understand that being punctual is more beneficial for both employee and employer.

Depending on the policies and procedures that HR set up there are dozens of ways to minimize absenteeism or lateness. Assuming you do not have a policy on tardiness or absenteeism then the best way to approach this would be to agree with top management that1) warnings are issued and documented in their file that a warning is received,2) dock the difference in their pay and when all fails then 3) written warnings are issued with decrease in pay and documented into their files. If employee is still insisting to be late and absent then the termination of employee is suitable. The most important thing is communicating to the employee that tardiness and absenteeism are NOT tolerated with no explanation. Sometimes things do happen and a person is caught off guard and has to be late (flat tire, car troubles, sudden illness, etc) but in other cases a warning should be issued. Strike3 and they're out. 

Also if this is a bigger organization and this employee is considered an asset maybe considering probation is also an option. This is where employees usually start to do better and focus, probation threatens their position and could lead to demotion, or termination. Its up to management to decide.

Use punch card software.

Several ways to work on this matter.

01 Social life and Happy, Healthy Environment

For best quality of work and non absenteeism/lateness required Happy and safe environment for employee where he can feel comfortable and social. make there social life better on the work. this technique makes all employee socialized with quality of work.

02 Target Oriented quality of work

Make all employees set goals of target for there achievements including attendance and punctuality.  .

03 Yearly Promotions 

Employee yearly promotions will make regular according to attendance and punctuality award. Promotions also make based on punctuality and attendance.

04 Electronic System

Make electronic attendance system that can make time management.

Call them in for a discussion with his supervisor for a witness and ask for an explanation. Making strategies to tackle latecoming or absenteeism will boomerang, as it will upset disciplined employees. If required, document the discussion and set expectations well.