Integrating Time and Attendance data capture by an access control system can save the expense and effort of a dual reader installation (one for security and one for Time and Attendance).
There are several points at which Time and Attendance information can be gathered from access control systems and the choice of the interface should be carefully planned with the help of a qualified expert in system design and implementation.
All access control systems gather user information. At the reader level it merely identifies which card / keypad code or personal biometric data is being presented to the system to request access.
A Time and Attendance system interface at this level must have its own logging system to record date, time and location.
At the network level, user data from the reader is associated with a location and, depending on the access control system in question, the time of use. Time and Attendance interface at this level reduces the Time and Attendance system requirements but increased the complexity of the interface. Still further up the chain of information gathering, the access control system central processor will record and enhance the captured data even more. A Time and Attendance interface at this level will provide that system with the most useable form of the data captured but is also the most complex to implement.
Card based identification systems use a variety of technologies embedded in the card to recognize that card. The Time and Attendance systems use similar identification methods for their system users. Often, the simplest most convenient method to interface these systems is to use card technologies that are compatible with both systems. A qualified security system designer can select the right system to meet all your security needs.
Our New York-based security experts will gladly help you choose the right Time and Attendance System to match your needs.