| How easy is the system to setup, configure and use? What are the initial setup steps? |
Unlike most other advanced time, attendance and employee management systems, the TimeIPS system is designed to be incredibly easy to set up, configure and use. An overview of a typical setup is as follows:
- Unpack and inventory all items.
- Connect the server to your network and plug in power.
- Use a web browser on any computer to log in.
- Enter some basic information, such as your organization's name, timezone, and the name of an administrator.
- Enter or Import Employee names.
- Connect TimeIPS network clocks to your network.
- Begin using TimeIPS and saving your organization money.
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| What are network clocks used for? Are they easy to add? |
Network clocks can be added to allow employees to clock in/out, record attendance, and enter job codes from other entrance/exit points or work areas in your organization. Adding network clocks is easy. After your server is running, simply connect additional network clocks to your network (LAN), then plug in the power. The clocks(s) can automatically configure and detect the server, or you can enter the address manually if needed.
Network clocks can also connect from remote locations using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) or port-forwarding over the Internet.
Note: You must have network (LAN) access and AC power at or near each network clock.
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| How many TimeIPS network clocks can be connected to a TimeIPS server? |
| The number of clocks that can be connected depends on the model of TimeIPS server. Versions are available that support up to 2,000 connected network clocks.
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| Can TimeIPS network clocks be in different facilities, locations or cities, and still connect to the same server? |
Yes, remote locations are fully supported. If you have multiple facilities in different areas, you must either have:
- A virtual private network (VPN) between facilities to allow the remote network clocks to communicate with the server.
- An Internet connection at each facility, and an Internet connection for the server with a static public IP address and port-forwarding rules configured on the router.
When using TimeIPS over the Internet with port forwarding, we recommend using the secure socket connection (SSL) certificates and encryption available with the IPSSEC Security Module
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| Do I need anything additional to make the system work? Do I need a computer and network (LAN)? |
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Yes, to administer and configure the TimeIPS system you will need a computer with a network port and a modern web browser. To configure the system, simply connect TimeIPS to your network as shown in the manual. If you don't have a network (LAN), use a standard crossover network cable to connect TimeIPS directly to any computer with a network port. After setup and configuration, the system works on its own. Full system access, including time reports and administrative functions, will require a computer on your network with a web browser. Optional functions such as e-mail alerts and updates require an Internet connection.
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Is the system compatible with an existing wireless network (LAN)? |
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Yes. While TimeIPS servers and network clocks include wired networking (LAN) for security and reliability, they can also be connected to a wireless "bridge." A bridge allows for a wireless connection between TimeIPS (and/or other wired network devices) and your network by connecting to a wireless access-point configured on your network (LAN).
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Do I need a static IP address for a TimeIPS server? |
No, but a static IP can be beneficial. There are two kinds of "static" IP addresses:
- The first is a static internal address. This simply means picking an IP address on your own local network (LAN) that will be used to access a device. Typically, static addresses are set on a LAN for servers, network printers, access points, gateways, routers, etc.
- The second means a static Internet address. This can be provided by your Internet provider (i.e. Cable, DSL, etc.) and is usually included with business grade accounts. A static Internet address makes it easy for remote locations to connect to a server or system on your network.
By setting a Static internal IP address for your TimeIPS server it's easy to access the system from any internal computers. You can use a dynamic internal IP address, but if it changes due to network reconfiguration, you'll need to update your bookmarks and network clock configuration.
By setting a Static Internet IP address, and using port-forwarding, your TimeIPS system can also be accessed by administrators, managers, employees and network clocks on remote locations. You only need a static Internet address if remote access is a requirement for your organization.
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Since I access TimeIPS though my web browser, can I bookmark the TimeIPS main page? |
Yes, once you've opened the TimeIPS Main Page you can bookmark it by using the "bookmark" icon on your web browser tool bar. Employees with non-login / password access can bookmark the TimeIPS main page and have access to view "who's clocked in" and other employee directory formats right from their desktop if access to these pages has been granted.
Feel free to bookmark any pages you wish. When accessing bookmarked pages, the system may (depending on your access level) automatically prompt you for a login and password (if you aren't already logged-in) and then present you with the page you've previously bookmarked.
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Is the TimeIPS system compatible with Windows, Linux, and Mac OS operating systems?
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Yes, the system is compatible with any modern operating system, including Windows, Linux and MacOS. We recommend using a recent version of FireFox or IE web browser.
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Can I install TimeIPS Network Clocks in my warehouse, production or assembly area? |
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Yes. TimeIPS Network Clocks can be installed in many different environments, as long as the location has a network connection and AC power access. Optional Power Over Ethernet adapters are available for locations with 802.3af compatible POE networking. Extremely hot and cold environments should be avoided, as these can affect system performance.
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Is TimeIPS a digital time clock or a piece of time clock software that runs on a computer? |
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TimeIPS is much more than a digital time clock or a basic time clock software program that runs on a computer system. TimeIPS is a fully-integrated Digital Time & Attendance System / Intelligent Personnel System. TimeIPS harnesses the power of automation to provide real-time management of all your employee time and attendance schedules, detailed employee information, and payroll preparation activities, maximizing your business' efficiency and saving you money.
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What print options are available? What type of printer do I need? |
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With TimeIPS, you can print reports on employees, jobs, time tracking, and virtually every other aspect of the system using your web browser's print option. The system also allows you to print PDF versions of time sheets. You may also export time and payroll data into a spreadsheet application for further reporting and customization based on your company's specific management needs. You may print employee documents and employee photo ID badges from TimeIPS. Any printer that is compatible with your computer system will work, but if you plan to print employee photo ID badges, we recommend a color inkjet printer.
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