DESCRIPTION

Time Clock Pro (TCP) is a computerized time clock system that uses barcoded ID badges with Microsoft Excel. TCP is a complete system and includes all hardware/software. The hardware consists of a barcode reader and includes a sample ID badge (see below). The software consists of the TCP program software module that accepts input from the barcode reader and writes it into an Excel spreadsheet.

Sample Badges

When first run the TCP software reads the list of employee ID numbers and employee names from the Excel worksheet. It then matches this information with each barcode read. Only when a match is found are the time and date logged to the appropriate employee’s row and column on the Excel spreadsheet. Each Excel worksheet references a starting date. This starting date is used to calculate the remaining dates for all days in the week.

Embedded in the Excel worksheet are formulas to automatically calculate the number of hours an employee works. The Excel spreadsheet is saved every hour to provide a recovery in case of power loss or computer crashes. Each spreadsheet is also saved daily using that particular day’s name as the file name. So after a week of 5 days there would be 5 spreadsheet files saved on the computer (Monday, Tuesday, etc.)

Shown below is an actual screen shot of the working system. The TCP timer module runs on top of the Excel worksheet. You can position it wherever you like by dragging it with the mouse. The agent can also be placed the same way (see below).

The TCP software prevents unauthorized tampering with the Excel worksheet by maintaining the Windows focus on the TCP program window. In the Windows system, only the window with the focus can receive input from the keyboard. You are encouraged to design your worksheet/workbook for your particular organization’s requirements. The Ctrl-Alt-Del feature is also disabled on the PC.

The TCP software can change the Excel worksheet that being read from and/or written to. It can read from one sheet and then switch to another sheet under program control. In the window above the TCP software is accessing the Time Record sheet. When the TCP program is idle and waiting for a time clock number to be entered, it displays a blank worksheet.

The TCP system can handle 250 employees. To add a new employee just add the employee’s name and clock number to the list on the first sheet of the Excel workbook. You must create each ID badge with a barcode on it. Barcoding software, laminating materials and ID badges are readily available at office supply stores.

The barcoded ID badges can contain any information you like. The time-clock number can be your own design also. In our test system we used a 3-digit time clock number when we created our barcodes. The badges should be laminated in a clear plastic envelope.

The actual barcode reader has a horizontal slot similar to those used in supermarkets to read ATM cards. You place your ID badge in the slot and then swipe it.

The barcode reader can be connected to the computer in two ways: Keyboard PS2 wedge and USB. The keyboard PS2 wedge is just that. The PS2 reader is wedged in series with the keyboard cable.

The other type of connection is through a USB port. The USB connection allows the reader to be located at a greater distance from the PC. This makes the system more secure as it prevents users from possibly gaining physical access to the PC. A 10-foot extension cable is also available (see below).

The TCP package includes a software program CD and installation manual. TCP has been thoroughly tested with Windows 95, 98, ME, and XP. Note: Windows 95 does not normally support USB devices.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

If your computer has a sound card and speakers, the TCP system can make use of Microsoft’s Animated Agent software. The software is included with the TCP package. This software converts text to speech and each of your employees will be greeted with “Good Morning Mary” or possibly scolded with “You are late today Harry”. You can customize the message to suit your organization. The Agent feature can be enabled/disabled.

Animated Character - James

Animated Character - Max

There are over a dozen agent characters included with the TCP software package. You can easily change the agent to the one you like. More are available online.

If you are having a staff meeting during the week you can remind every staff member to attend by having the Agent say a reminder message whenever anyone logs in or out.

There is also an option to display the picture of the person who is logging in or out. For this option to work you would need to have a picture of every employee stored on the computer. The pictures can be easily obtained using a digital camera or webcam. The pictures should be in jpg format.

You can also print out a detailed weekly employee time card report to give to each of your employees.

COSTS

Item	Description	Price
TCP-PS2	Time Clock Pro system includes TCP software module, MS Agent software, PS2 bar-code reader, sample spreadsheet and one sample bar-coded ID badge.	$169
TCP-USB	Time Clock Pro system includes TCP software module, MS Agent software, USB bar-code reader, sample spreadsheet and one sample bar-coded ID badge.	$189
TCP-EXT	USB 10 foot extension cable	$15

Shipping and handling is 10% of order total. We only collect sales tax for Pennsylvania. If your state requires you to pay sales tax then you must pay it yourself.

NOTE: You must provide your own copy of MS Excel to make full use of this product.

We welcome any questions that you may have concerning this product.

E-mail: info@cp4e.com

OUR QUALITY POLICY

It is our policy to continuously improve our products to better satisfy the needs of our customers and to deliver quality products, every time and on time. Computer Products for Education reserves the right to make changes in product specifications and appearance.

Revised 7/25/04

COMPUTER PRODUCTS FOR EDUCATION

PO Box 1694, Kingston, PA 18704 USA