Time & Attendance

All Access Control System and Time & Attendance systems have the same basic components.

• Database / Software

  In order to have a system that means anything, there needs to be a system behind it. Smaller applications can work in a “stand-alone” environment where no reporting is required or budgets are tight. This is ultimately what separates systems apart. Most manufactures such as Paxton and Impro will provide free or very inexpensive software which can provide some functionality but if you require a more robust system which can handle multiple rules and take many factors into consideration, then you are better looking at software which can perform these complex rules. 

• Network

  There are various forms of getting the information from the readers to the “system”. Most popular is TCP/IP (standard network protocol) or a communication on a BUS cable known as 485. 485 communication is typically used in smart-card / tag access control while biometrics typically runs on TCP/IP. Although this is not a hard and fast rule. Time & Attendance and Access Control networks do not need to be robust – as with CCTV – because the amount of data travelling over the network is minimal and can quite easily latch onto your existing IT network without your IT guy getting upset.

• Controller

  each system on the market varies slightly in this area. Some platforms require 1 main controller with separate door controllers (such as Impro), others use 1 controller per door (like Paxton) and others don’t use physical controller but validations are done on a PC over the network. Each methodology has its pros and cons and certain applications would work better in different environments – again a process we will guide you through.

• Readers

  mostly smart-card / tag or fingerprint biometric (or other biometric although fingerprint is probably the most widely used. See our section on Smart-card and Biometrics for more info on what’s available.

• Access Control devices

  Although time and attendance does not, as a rule, require there to be access control working in conjunction with it, it remains advisable to combine the two for this simple reason that this “forces” staff to actually clock and cannot use excuses such as “they forgot”.

Smart Card Access Control & Time Attendance:

We supply and install a number of different products all depending on your specific requirements.

Smart card technology is still a widely used technology in the market place as it’s generally much more cost effective than biometric technology and has a host of applications including the hospitality industry, large industry and similar.

Smart Cards have a built-in microchip which communicates to the reader using radio frequencies or more commonly known as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification).

Most of these products are very similar in how they function and it’s mostly the aesthetics and housings which change depending on your environment.

Smart Card Products which we support and / or install include:

• Paxton
• Impro
• ZK Techo
• RBH (Axiom)
• Proxnet GSC Systems)
• HID
• SACO (limited support

Biometric Access Control & Time Attendance:

Biometrics is usually associated with the measurement and use of unique physiological characteristics to identify an individual such as fingerprints, voice, DNA or the iris. Biometrics are popular as they are unique, quantifiable and near impossible to replicate. From a reliability and cost point of view, fingerprint biometrics remain the firm favorite in the industry.

Biometrics have become immensely popular in South Africa over the last decade or so as it eliminates possible fraudulent activity on your site with regards to Access Control and Time & Attendance as people cannot “clock in” for their buddy or give a person of a dubious nature their access card to get into your facility.

The main advantage of biometrics over smart cards is that a person cannon lose, swap or forget their fingerprints at home. Administration around issuing lost or stolen cards is reduced and security is enhanced.

We supply and install a number of different products all depending on your specific requirements and budget.
•  iEvo •  Sagem •  Virdi •  Suprema •  RBH (Axiom)•  ZK Teco

Biometric Access Control and Time & Attendance Software

There are many different software packages out there some focusing just on Time and Attendance, others mainly on Access Control and some which integrate the two.

Each organisation is different in its requirements so to assist you to make the right choice, we’ll ensure we go through all your requirements and find the best product to meet your exacting requirements. We’ll help guide you through all the technical terminologies associated with access control such as anti-passback, mustering points, parading and other terms you may not be familiar with.

Many manufacturers release their own version of software which is often free but sometimes a bit limited in its functionality. We will evaluate your exacting requirements and guide you towards the platform which best suits your environment, your requirements and budget.

Software which we supply, install and can support include:
•  Paxton (Access Control with basic T&A)- integrated with Jarrison T&A
•  Impro (Access Control)
•  Jarrison Time (Time & Attendance only)
•  RBH Axiom (Access Control)
•  Suprema Biostar (Access Control with T&A)
•  Softcon
•  ZK-Teco
•  SACO (Access Control and integrated T&A)