TCMS V3 – Using USB Flash Disk For Data Transfer


INTRODUCTION

 FingerTec offers 3 ways of communication, which are TCP/IP, USB and Serial Port (RS485 or RS232). If a FingerTec terminal is installed remotely and away from any network (TCPIP), USB flash disk can be utilized to transfer users and transaction data from that terminal into TCMS V3 software. 

 BENEFITS

 Using USB flask disks to transfer data back to TCMS V3 is simple and not costly. From the TCMS V3 software, you can use all the features offered, where you can download the data, store it into the software database, and manage the data to be displayed in attendance sheet and reports.

 PROCESS

 Below are the steps needed to transfer data from FingerTec terminals to USB Flash Disk back to TCMS V3. 

 Adding FingerTec Terminals

 Go to Devices > Add Device > Insert Device Name > Select USB under Communication Mode > Insert the terminal's Serial Num. and Device ID > Select Offline under Device Activation > Insert the Product Key > Click Add.

 Product key:
- If your PC has internet connection, you can directly select activation as "Online"
- However if there is no internet connection, you can retrieve the key from below link and select as "Offline"
http://user.fingertec.com/retrieve_key_user.php

 A window will pop up, informing that the changes have been made. Click OK to proceed.  


Read and Write Data in TCMS V3 via USB

 *Important note : All downloaded USB file (in .dat format)  must be encrypted.  Files that is not encrypted wont be able to be read in TCMSv3 software.

 Copying User from USB Flash Disk into TCMSV3

 Step 1:

 Plug the USB flash disk into the PC.

 Step 2:

 Go to Users > Click on Read User from USB. Select the USB flash disk location > Click From USB > Select the user.dat file and click Download.

Step 3:

 A window will pop up, letting you know that the user templates and information have been successfully downloaded. Click OK to proceed. 

 Step 4:

 To view the user templates and information, simply go to the Users tab. 
Copying User from TCMS V3 into USB Flash Disk

 Just like how users can be downloaded from a terminal into a USB flash disk, they can also be uploaded from TCMS V3 into a USB flash disk. The data can then be uploaded to your FingerTec terminals.

 Step 1:

 Plug the USB flash disk into the PC. Go to Users > Click on Export User to USB.
Check the boxes next to the users to be exported, or check the top box to export all users > Select the location of the USB flash disk > Select the verification type (Fingerprint, Face or Card) > Select the device type (Color Screen, Black & White Screen or Keylock) > Click Export. 


Step 2:

 A window will pop up to let you know that the user templates and information have been successfully exported. Click OK to proceed. 

Step 3:

 You will need to plug the USB flash disk into your FingerTec terminal to upload the data & information. Users can start using the terminal after the update is done. For guidance to upload the data using USB Flash Disk into your devices, you can refer to your device’s user manual.
Copying Transaction Logs into TCMS V3 from USB Flash Disk

 Step 1:

 Plug the USB flash disk into the PC. Go to Scheduling & Attendance > Click on Attendance Sheet > Import Transaction Log.


Step 2:

 Select the location of the USB flash disk > Click From USB > Select the .DAT file > Select the relevant Date Range and User ID for the records you require > Click Download.


Step 4:

 A window will pop up. Click OK to proceed. 

TROUBLESHOOT - UNABLE TO DOWNLOAD TRANSACTION  LOG FROM USB
1. Have you done terminal activation? Download of clocking data from the terminal is not possible without the activation process being done prior. Please activate your FingerTec terminal.

2. Is configuration of the terminal ID in software exactly the same as the device number? To check the device number, follow this instruction: Press Menu > Option > Comm. Option > Dev. Number. 

3. Have the device connection in the software (Comm Mode) been set to USB connection? If not, please do so.

4. Please make sure the USB file downloaded from the device is in an encrypted file format [ you can open the file by using notepad to check ]. This is applicable for certain devices such as TA100C where the encryption for USB download option can be turned on or off. 
UPDATE IN NOVEMBER 2017:

 In TCMSv3 version 2.1.1.9 and above, we’ve added a new option to browse the path of User/Attendance USB file for importation to software. Before this, the option is only available with the USB flash disk drive location, where you need to copy the downloaded User and Attendance record from the terminal with .DAT file into the USB flash disk and plug it into the PC to read all the information.

 With this new feature, you can save the user data and the transaction log (with .DAT file) that you have downloaded inside the computer itself. At the same time, you can share the .DAT file through Email, Skype or any cloud storage.

 For further information, please refer to Import User and Attendance Record with USB (.dat File) from the Folder Path. 
Attendance Logs

10 Frequently Asked Questions About FingerTec Database Integration with ERP Solutions

INTRODUCTION

Data from FingerTec devices can be integrated with ERP solutions to cater to our customer’s requirements. However, there are some that we could not do due to Security reasons.


 BENEFITS 

By integrating our devices and database with your ERP System, you can fetch and interpret the data in your own way, to cater to your own requirements. By having this FAQ, you will gain more understanding on which operations that can be done, and which not.

FAQs

1. Which type of database is used to store the data in Attendance DB?

Please refer to  http://www.fingertec.com/softwareselectionguide/ for more details about database engine for all FingerTec Software.

2. If storage of data is by relational database, then what is the table structure used?

The answer to that question is confidential due to security purpose.

3. What is the database language used to query the records from the database?

We couldn’t provide the details due to security reasons.

4. Is Attendance DB compatible to support with Relational Database Management System like Oracle?

You can use the FingerTec Data Processor (FTDP) software to integrate with MSSQL & Oracle database. Check out information about FTDP here: http://www.fingertec.com/images/w_brochure/software-FTDP_e.html

5. In what format is the data stored in Attendance DB? Encrypted or compressed? If encrypted, what is the encrypting algorithm used?

We have prepared various articles to attend to your questions but we couldn’t expose the encrypting algorithm due to security reasons.

FTDP with Third Party System - Click Here.

FTDP with MSSQL database - Click Here.

FTDP with Oracle database - Click Here. 

FTDP setup file - Click Here.

FTDP manual - Click Here.

6. Does your Attendance DB use open source, web server or it has its own server technology?

This information is confidential to us.

7. Does Attendance DB provide any API's to fetch the data?

You can use our Software Development Kit (SDK) to use our FingerTec Terminal with your third party system.

FingerTec BioBridge SDK comes with DLL and ActiveX formats and currently supports Windows 9x/2000/NT platforms. It works well on many development environments including of Visual Basic 6.0, Delphi 7.0, Visual C++, Microsoft.Net and etc.

You can refer to the links below for more detail about SDK:

http://www.fingertec.com/developerprogram/sdk.php
http://www.fingertec.com/developerprogram/biobridge/pdf/SDK-BioBridge.pdf
http://www.fingertec.com/sdk_download/FingerTec_BioBridge_SDK.zip

8. Is your Attendance DB compatible with Windows? If yes, can you share with us the ODBC driver?

Yes, all FingerTec Software are compatible with Windows platform.
If you are using 64bit operating system, you need to go to C drive > Windows > SysWOW64 > double click at odbcad32.exe to add the database at the User Data Source.
( C:\Windows\SysWOW64\odbcad32.exe )

9. What is the username and password for the Attendance DB?

You can configure directly the username and password when you install the MySQL Server.

10. What is the recommended specification of the Attendance DB Server? Does it need a Static IP?

For server specification, you can use Intel Xeon with 8GB RAM, 500 GB HDD for a better performance. Yes, the server must have its static IP Ad
BioBridge SDK

15 TCMS V3 Most Common Technical Questions Answered


Q1: I do not have Internet connection at my TCMS V3’s PC. How could I obtain the product key to activate my device(s)?
A: You can forward an e-mail to our support team at support@fingertec.com with the following details for us to generate the product key(s) for you:

Serial Number:   
Terminal Model:               
Company Name:
Email:    
Country:           

Once we've received the details from you, we will generate the product keys you need and send it to you. Now, you have to select Offline activation and key in the Product Key to activate your device. 

Key in the Product Key in offline mode
Q2: I want TCMS V3 to automatically download the attendance logs from the device, without requiring me to manually download the data daily. Can TCMS V3 cater to my requirement?

A: Definitely. For your information, TCMS V3 performs automatic download on real-time basis when a device is connected to the software. However, if the connection is unstable, or the device’s connection is lost, you can set up an Automatic Download Interval. This can be done by following these steps: System Setting > System Parameter Setting > Attendance. By going here, you are given two options to set up the Automatic Download Interval, as explained below:

a) Auto Download Transaction Log Interval (HH:mm): You can key-in a value in HH:mm format for the automatic download process to run. For example, if you set 00:30, the system will automatically download the attendance logs every 30 minutes.

b) Specify daily download timer for the system to activate the automatic download process everyday: You can set up to two times for the data to be downloaded automatically on daily basis. You can insert the time that is desired for the automatic download process to run. For example, 10.00am and 7.00pm. By configuring this option, the system will automatically download the attendance logs at 10.00am and 7.00pm daily.

Note: To make sure that the download process runs correctly, you must ensure that you have ticked the option “Perform daily download when the computer is powered on” option, so that a Windows Service will be created to download the logs, even though Ingress software is not running at that moment. You must also ensure that you configure only ONE of the options above, either a or b, so that the system will not conflict between these two options.

Q3:  I’m using TCMS V2 now and very much interested to switch to TCMS V3. How should I transfer the data from TCMS V2 software into TCMS V3 safely?

A3:  We have prepared the Migration Wizard in TCMS V3 to migrate your TCMS V2 database into TCMS V3. Please note that the manually edited data in your TCMS V2’s attendance will not be migrated because the data migration only takes the raw clocking in your Audit list, and generate a new attendance sheet in TCMS V3.  You can follow these steps to migrate your database into TCMS V3:

a) Backup your TCMS V2 software, by following these steps: System Setting > Backup/Restore Database Files > Backup > Apply. Once done, you can get your database zip file in your TCMSv2 folder in your local drive. Note: You must make sure that you are using TCMS v2.2.027 to make the backup. If you are using an older version of TCMS v2, please first update your software to v2.2.027. The installer of TCMS v2.2.027 can be downloaded here 
b) Next, open TCMS V3, and run the Migration Wizard for FingerTec TCMS v2, as shown below.
c) Browse and select the TCMS v2 database .ZIP file that is located in your TCMSv2 folder, and click Upload. Follow the Wizard’s instruction until the migration process is complete. Once done, all your TCMS v2 data will be migrated into your TCMS v3 software, accordingly.

Q4: Can TCMS V3 be shared into multiple PCs so that multiple users can log in to the software?
A4: No, TCMS v3 is designed to be used in a single PC, and cannot be shared or installed in multiple PCs, as it may corrupt the database of the software, thus causing data loss. However, multiple user accounts with different roles can be created in the software. To do so, you can go to System Setting > System User > User Roles and User Accounts. 

Q5: Can TCMS v3 be configured to make automatic backups?
A5: Yes, you can set the daily backup timer for TCMS v3 by going to System Setting > Database Configuration > Set the time for automatic backup to run.


Q6: I have multiple branches that are using FingerTec’s Time Attendance devices. Can I connect all those remote devices to my TCMS v3, which is located at the Head Office?
A6: Yes, you can use Dynamic DNS or Port Forwarding to connect your remote devices to your TCMS V3. To connect devices that are using Dynamic DNS or Port Forwarding, you must check the “Quick Connect” when you add your devices.


Q7: Can I monitor user’s transactions in TCMS V3 on real-time basis?
A7: Yes, you can go to the Monitoring tab to view all the transactions that have been done at your terminal(s) on real-time basis. To ensure that Monitoring module runs properly, please make sure that the device’s connection with the software is stable.

Q8: I cannot access my device’s menu, as the previous administrator has resigned from our company. How do I reset the device to enter the device’s menu? Can it be done through TCMS V3?
A8: If your device is blocked by administrator’s privilege, resetting the device will not solve your problem. You just need to clear the administrator privilege in your device to access the menu. This can be done in TCMS V3 by going to Devices > Double-Click Device Name > Other > Clear Admin Privilege. Once done, you will be able to access the device menu, to register a new administrator.


Q9: I want to assign leaves to some users. How do I do that in TCMS v3?
A9: You can assign leaves to users by going to Scheduling & Attendance > User Duty Planner > Double-click User name > Edit > Right-click on the leave’s start date > Leave Type > Select Leave Type and Effective Date > Save.



Q10: How do I configure the Public Holidays in TCMS V3?
A10: You can assign the public holidays into your duty calendar by going to Scheduling & Attendance > Holiday List > Select Calendar or List View > Edit. There are two options to set the holidays, which are by using the Calendar View, or the List View.
If you are using the Calendar View, you can set the holiday by double-clicking on the holiday date on the calendar, then assign the Holiday Description and the effective date.


If you are using the List View, you can click on the Add button, and define the Holiday Description and its effective date.
Q11: What is the default username and password to login the TCMS V3 software?
A: You can refer to the following information for your login credentials on TCMS V3 software
Username: admin
Password: 123

Q12: For security purposes, I want to change the default password of TCMS V3 software. How do I do that?
A12: You may change the default login password by going to the TCMSv3 icon > Change Password > Change password box will be prompted out - fill in the password details > Click Update once you finished changing the password 
Old Password: 123
New Password: Fill in your new preferred password [ to increase the security: use at least 8 characters with capital letters and numbers]
Confirm Password: Reconfirm the new password



Q13: Why does Click to sync all device info message keeps popping up in TCMS V3?

A: Once you have made any changes in TCMS V3 software (e.g: edit users’ details, change device settings such change IP address, etc.), TCMSv3 will prompt out this message to inform the user to update the changes into the device(s) to complete the whole process.

Once you make any changes [eg: add user’s password] > Click to sync all device info message prompted out > Click Start Synchronize > Choose which devices to be updated with recent changes > Click Start Synchronize to update the changes






Q14:  It is very time consuming to update the details for each user one by one [e.g.: issuance date]. How can I maximize my task in handling the users’ update details?
A14: You can update multiple users’ details by using the Batch Update User option. You can refer below for options offered in Batch Update User tab: You may select the users by department or individual users > Select the options that you want to update by batch > Click Save
• Department – To change the department of a group of users.
• Issuance date – To change users’ issue date as it will be reflected on the attendance sheet.
• Expiry date – Setting the expiry date of a group of users. The transaction data will not appear in the attendance sheet after the expiry date.
• Suspended – You can suspend a group of users and block them from accessing the device.
• Group Duty Roster – To change the Group Duty Roster of a group of users.


Q15: Can I add an Access Control Device into TCMS V3?
A15: For your information, TCMS V3 is a time attendance software and it is designed for time attendance devices. It does not support door access features and can only be used for time attendance solution. Hence it is recommended for you to activate your door access device in Ingress software, which is bundled with your Access Control devices, so that you can fully utilize the door access features. 

Configuring Internal and External Bell Duration in TA500.


Introduction

 TA500 biometrics Time Attendance machine, does  not only offer verification of fingerprint, and password, but it also has a versatile design. There are many useful features in TA500 that can benefit various work environment and one of them is the Bell option. 

 Benefits

 Bell option in TA500 allows the users to configure more than 100 bell schedules on a daily basis for various occasions. TA500 can be equipped with an External bell in addition to the built-in bell to fulfil alerting function in large work environments, such as factories or construction sites, where the use of siren with higher volume intensity is necessary. 

 Process

 A: Bell Type 
1) You can configure the bell, to only Internal, only External, or for Internal and External to work together at the same time at;  Menu > System > System > Bell Type > Select Internal/ External/ Int&Ext > Press Ok.
B: Internal Bell schedule configuration and duration

 At the terminal, press M/OK > System> Bell> Select the Bell schedule number and configure the following settings based on your preferences:

 I: Time: Set the Time the Bell is expected to trigger (e.g. 12:00 pm) 

 II: Select the effective days for the Bell to trigger (e.g Turn the bell “ON” for working days Monday-Thursday

 III: Music: Select one of the 10 available ringing tones for your bell

 IV: Times: The value you enter refers to the times the bell tone will be repeated (Until it is stopped by pressing the OK button, or the number of times repeated) 

 V: State: Set “On” for the bell to work based on the configured time and days, and “Off” to turn the Bell schedule off.

 Press Ok and Save.


C: External Bell schedule configuration and duration:

 1) The External bell configuration can be performed by following the details I-V mentioned in Internal Bell configurations. 

 2) Download the parameter configurations tool HERE: 

 3) Run the downloaded “FingerTecConfig.exe” file

 4) Enter the IP address of your terminal at the “IP Address” field, and click "Connect", (IP address can be configured at your terminal Menu > Comm > IP > Set value)

 5) Enter the following parameter at CFG box: ExAlarmDelay, then enter the Value in seconds for the external bell, then click "Set" and click "Update"
.

 6) Once the value is set successfully, restart the terminal and test the external alarm duration. 


Note: For hardware connection of external bell to TA500, please refer HERE.
Bell
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