Time recorders: Stricter requirements result in more advanced

China suppliers of T/A recorders are gearing up for the projected rise in demand by rolling out models with enhanced functionality. The line’s popularity is spurred by recent efforts to optimize employee productivity, with many business establishments implementing stricter policies on attendance.

To this end, companies are integrating various technologies that boost convenience or enable products to double as security or safety devices.

TCP and IP modules, for example, facilitate interfacing and remote operation. They allow users to log data from several terminals to a central controller over LAN or WAN. TCP/IP is becoming common in new models and is forecast to be the standard communication protocol in the near future.

USB ports are likewise turning into a staple. The feature affords portability and additional information storage as it lets users import or export data to and from a flash drive.

Some makers now offer Wi-Fi-enabled versions that do away with bulky cables. Other companies, meanwhile, are harnessing telecom infrastructure to turn out GPRS products.

China’s selection of T/A recorders includes stand-alone and multipurpose models. In the former, a dedicated unit outputs data into a computer or printer.

Multipurpose versions can also monitor entry and exit through one or more passages.

By adopting biometric technologies, companies have developed units that double as access control products. One such device is Miaxis Biometrics Co. Ltd’s FTA-600 model, which uses fingerprint recognition.

Dual-function T/A recorders are popular as they reduce equipment investment in offices and simplify the tracking system.

Suppliers that produce such models usually offer software-based solutions as well. ZK Software Inc.’s F4 series, for instance, is bundled with an access control platform installed on a host computer.

Most of the recent releases from China come with free basic offline management solutions. Advanced online versions are sold separately.

Both types typically run on Windows 2000 or XP OS and, therefore, yield T/A records in Excel. The format permits further data processing, including calculating overtime and generating reports over a fixed period or depending on the employees’ shift. The system can be programmed to distinguish vacation from sick leave, factor-in holidays, and sort logs by department. Many are Web-based, allowing tracking via Internet Explorer.

The Wiegand 26/34 is the mainstay interface but suppliers are directing product development efforts toward improved methods. Password authentication is typical although biometric and RFID card verification are increasingly being adopted.

Some major companies have released T/A recorders with a face-recognition function. ZK recently launched its iFace series, which captures a 3D image that pans 45 degrees and tilts 25 degrees. Identification is achieved through infrared scanning. The model can sort through 60,000 pre-programmed photos in 0.9 seconds or less. Its false acceptance rate or FAR is 0.01 percent and false rejection rate or FRR, under 0.1 percent.

A few makers offer units with both an RFID card and a camera that shoots an image of the person using the proximity card.

Biometric modules can have a CMOS image sensor usually sourced from US providers U.are.U, Authentec and Upek. Fingerprint authentication core algorithm, meanwhile, is from South Korea, Lithuania and the US.

Devices equipped with the latter type of component utilize 1:1 or 1:N verification modes and accommodate up to 500 fingerprints and 30,000 transaction records. They feature a reading speed of no more than 2 seconds. The FRR is less than 1 percent and FAR below 0.0001 percent.

RFID modules, on the other hand, commonly support low-frequency 125kHz cards, including EM and HID. These are read-only solutions that have a maximum operating distance of 20cm.

Multifunction high-end types use ICs from Philips, EM, TI and other major suppliers. At 13.56MHz, they are rewriteable and therefore have bigger memory capacity, enhanced security features and longer life span.

Mainstream T/A recorders have an embedded Linux RTOS but a shift to Windows CE is apparent. Typical models have an ARM7 or ARM9 CPU with TI, Philips or Samsung DSP chips. Entry-level versions use 300 to 400MHz processors while the high-end runs at speeds of up to 600MHz.

Standard units have a 1,000-user and 50,000-record capacity, and an LCD screen. Both wall-mount and types are available.

Prices range from $60 to $400. Punch card machines are $60 to $100 while stand-alone RFID card or fingerprint access models are between $100 and $150. Upscale versions with an LCD screen and networking capability start at $200.

Stabilizing component costs and strong competition are prompting makers to lower quotes by about 20 percent in coming months.

The T/A recorders segment in China consists of 150 to 200 suppliers, some of which were established in the 1990s during the advent of the industry in the country. Other companies started out earlier, manufacturing access control and office automation products, computer accessories and integrated systems for intelligent buildings.

The mature line benefits from a vertically integrated supply chain, with makers sourcing most of their software and hardware requirement from local providers and R&D entities.

Of China’s total T/A recorders turnout, about 30 percent or up to 5,000 units are exported monthly. Products go to Asia, North and South America and the Middle East.

Shenzhen in Guangdong province is the main production hub but many factories are also located in Guangzhou. Several manufacturing facilities are also located in the cities of Xiamen and Hangzhou in Fujian and Zhejiang provinces, respectively, and Shanghai and Beijing.

This article "Time recorders: Stricter requirements result in more advanced" is originally posted in Global Sources.

Anviz Biometric Technology Co. Ltd
Guangzhou Comet Technology Development Co.,Ltd.
Miaxis Biometrics Co., Ltd
ZK Software USA Inc.