Time Attendance Terminal: A Smart Solution for Workforce Management
Time attendance terminal is a device that records the working hours of employees using biometric authentication methods such as fingerprint, face, palm, or iris recognition. Time attendance terminal can help businesses to manage their workforce more efficiently, reduce payroll errors, and ensure compliance with labor laws and regulations.
How Does Time Attendance Terminal Work?
Time attendance terminal works by capturing the biometric features of employees and matching them with the stored templates in the device or the database. The device can also communicate with a time attendance software that can process the data and generate reports, timesheets, payroll, and other functions.
The process of using a time attendance terminal is simple and convenient. Employees only need to place their finger, palm, face, or eye on the device and wait for a few seconds until their identity is verified and their attendance is recorded. The device can also display the name, photo, and other information of the employee on the screen.
Some time attendance terminals also support other identification methods such as RFID cards, PIN codes, QR codes, or NFC tags. These methods can be used as backup options or for multi-factor authentication.
A time attendance terminal works by following these steps:
- The employee approaches the terminal and presents his or her identity using one of the supported methods. For example, the employee can show his or her face to a camera, scan his or her fingerprint on a sensor, scan a QR code on a mobile app, tap an NFC card on a reader, or activate a GPS signal on a smartphone.
- The terminal captures the identity data and compares it with the pre-registered data stored in its memory or in the cloud database. The terminal then verifies whether the identity is valid and authorized.
- The terminal records the date and time of the verification event and sends it to the cloud software along with the identity data. The software then updates the attendance record of the employee accordingly.
- The terminal displays a confirmation message or image on its screen and plays a sound or voice prompt to indicate whether the verification was successful or not. The terminal may also grant or deny access to a door or a gate depending on the verification result.
- The management can access and view the attendance data on any device with an internet connection using a web browser or a mobile app. The software also allows them to generate various reports and insights based on the data.
Different Models of Time Attendance Terminal
There are many different models of time attendance terminal available in the market, each with its own features and specifications. Some of the factors that can affect the choice of a time attendance terminal are:
- The number of employees and locations
- The type and quality of biometric sensors
- The communication and connectivity options
- The display and user interface
- The battery life and durability
- The software compatibility and integration
There are many models of time attendance terminals available in the market today. However, not all of them are equally reliable, efficient, and user-friendly. Therefore, it is important to choose a model that meets your requirements and expectations.
Some of the factors that you should consider when choosing a model are:
- The type and quality of the identification technology used by the terminal. For example, some terminals use visible light facial recognition technology that can perform recognition at a distance from 0.5m to 3m when a face is detected. This technology delivers higher recognition quality in speed and accuracy than other terminals using near-infrared facial recognition technology1. It also has enhanced pose angle tolerance and anti-spoofing performance against various environment conditions and different types of spoofing attacks.
- The size and resolution of the display screen used by the terminal. For example, some terminals have a 7-inch touch screen that can display high-quality images and messages. This makes it easier for the employees to interact with the terminal and get feedback from it.
- The battery life and power supply options available for the terminal. For example, some terminals have a rechargeable 5200mAh Li-ion battery that can operate for 5 hours without recharging. This makes them suitable for mobile or outdoor use. Some terminals also support PoE (Power over Ethernet) power supply, which allows them to receive power and data through a single cable.
- The communication and connectivity options available for the terminal. For example, some terminals support various communication protocols, such as Wi-Fi, 3G, 4G, and Bluetooth. This ensures that the attendance data can be transmitted to the cloud software in real-time and without interruption. Some terminals also have a mini QR code reader that can scan T&A / A&C dynamic QR codes on the ZKBioSecurity mobile application. This allows the employees to use their smartphones as identity cards.
- The design and durability of the terminal. For example, some terminals have a sleek and elegant design that can blend in with any environment. Some terminals also have a rugged and waterproof casing, a tempered glass surface, and an IP65 protection rating, protecting them against accidental drops and vandal attacks. This makes them ideal for harsh and rainy environments such as factories, construction sites, and industrial settings.
One of the leading brands of time attendance terminal is ZKTeco, which offers a wide range of products for various applications and scenarios.
popular models of ZKTeco time attendance terminal are:
- Horus H1: A handheld mobile time attendance terminal that supports facial recognition, fingerprint verification, NFC, and QR code management. It has a rechargeable 5200mAh Li-ion battery that can operate for 5 hours without recharging. It also has a GPS chip for location-based attendance tracking and supports Wi-Fi, 3G, 4G, and Bluetooth communication protocols.
- D3: A time attendance terminal that supports multi-biometrics authentication such as facial recognition and in-glass fingerprint verification. It can connect to ZKBio Zlink (CloudATT), a cloud-based time attendance software that provides remote user registration and real-time reporting.
- S922: A waterproof portable fingerprint and RFID time attendance terminal that is designed for harsh and rainy environments such as factories, construction sites, and industrial settings. It has an IP65 protection rating and a rubber coating that protects it from accidental drops and vandal attacks.
- P260: A palm and fingerprint multi-biometric time attendance and access control terminal that can identify users even with wet or dry hands. It has a 2.8-inch color screen that displays the name and photo of the user. It also has an access control interface that can connect to electric locks, exit buttons, door sensors, and alarms.
- iClock 700: A fingerprint time attendance and access control terminal that has a 3.5-inch TFT screen that can display more information such as web pages and advertisements. It has a built-in camera that can capture photos of users for verification or evidence. It also has a Wi-Fi module that can connect to wireless networks.
Contact Axle Systems for Distributor of Time Attendance Terminal in Qatar
If you are looking for a reliable distributor of time attendance terminal in Qatar, you should contact Axle Systems, one of the leading providers of security systems and solutions in the region. Axle Systems has more than 10 years of experience in supplying and installing high-quality time attendance terminals from ZKTeco and other brands. Axle Systems also offers professional services such as consultation, training, maintenance, and support for its customers.
Axle Systems is an ISO 9001-2008 certified company that is the leading security system company in Qatar. We ensure prime focus on security aspects in installation , integration and maintenance .We offer various products such as EAS Systems, Queue management, Audio-Visual systems , CCTV – Security Camera Surveillance Systems, Gate Barrier System … We are specialized in Security products in demand for houses ,cooperate offices,shopping malls ,retails shops,Hospital and defense camps.
Axle Systems can help you to choose the best time attendance terminal for your business needs and budget. You can browse their website to see their products and services or contact them directly by phone or email to get a quote or request a demo.
FAQs
Here are some common questions and answers about time attendance terminal:
Q: What are the benefits of using a time attendance terminal?
A: Some of the benefits of using a time attendance terminal are:
- It can improve the accuracy and efficiency of payroll calculation by eliminating manual errors and frauds.
- It can enhance the security and safety of the workplace by preventing unauthorized access and entry.
- It can increase the productivity and performance of employees by motivating them to work on time and reducing absenteeism.
- It can comply with the labor laws and regulations by keeping track of overtime, breaks, leaves, holidays, etc.
Q: How to choose a suitable biometric method for a time attendance terminal?
A: The choice of a biometric method for a time attendance terminal depends on several factors such as:
- The size and diversity of the employee population
- The environmental conditions and hygiene standards of the workplace
- The level of security and convenience required by the business
- The cost and availability of the biometric devices and software
Generally, facial recognition is considered to be the most user-friendly and hygienic biometric method, as it does not require physical contact or maintenance. However, it may be affected by factors such as lighting, angle, expression, glasses, etc. Fingerprint recognition is the most common and affordable biometric method, as it is easy to use and widely compatible. Iris recognition is the most accurate and secure biometric method, as it can identify users based on the unique patterns of their eyes. However, it may be more intrusive and inconvenient than other methods.
Q: How to install and use a time attendance terminal?
A: The installation and use of a time attendance terminal may vary depending on the model and software of the device. However, the general steps are:
- Connect the device to a power source and a network (if applicable).
- Register the users’ biometric templates on the device or the software.
- Set up the time and attendance rules and policies on the software.
- Assign the users to different groups, shifts, schedules, etc. on the software.
- Place the device at a suitable location where the users can access it easily.
- Instruct the users to verify their identity on the device when they start or end their work.
- Collect and transfer the data from the device to the software (if applicable).
- Generate and analyze the reports, timesheets, payroll, etc. on the software.
Q: How to maintain and troubleshoot a time attendance terminal?
A: The maintenance and troubleshooting of a time attendance terminal may vary depending on the model and software of the device. However, some general tips are:
- Clean the device regularly with a soft cloth or a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or water. Do not use any abrasive or corrosive materials that may damage the device.
- Update the device firmware and software regularly to ensure optimal performance and compatibility.
- Backup the data from the device and software regularly to prevent data loss or corruption.
- Check the device status and error messages regularly to identify any problems or issues.
- Contact the manufacturer or distributor for technical support or service if needed.
