When installing an RFID reader time recording system, there are some special features to consider. The following describes how to do this and what special features to look out for.
- Tablet and Power Source
If you use a tablet or cell phone for time recording with RFID readers, the tablet is permanently connected to a power source and to the RFID reader. However, as the tablets usually only have a USB-C port, you need a USB hub/docking station to make the two inputs for the power supply and the reader available.
- Choosing the Right Tablet or Smartphone
When selecting the tablet, please make sure you purchase a tablet with an OTG USB port (On The Go), otherwise it will not be possible to charge and read data via the USB input at the same time. Most newer devices are already equipped accordingly, but this is not always the case with the cheaper ones (e.g. the Lenovo Tab M10 of the 3rd generation fulfills all requirements, but the same device of the 2nd generation has no USB input with OTG features).
- Selecting a Suitable USB Hub
This also applies to the USB hub. This device must also be OTG-compatible and be able to supply power and signals to the tablet at the same time (PD or Power Delivery charging function). Corresponding devices are available for around €15-20. Unfortunately, many manufacturers do not specify this clearly, so that, for example, some hubs only supply power to connected devices but not to the tablet. For this reason, some devices that work are listed here:
- JSAUX USB C to USB OTG and charging adapter, 2 in 1 USB C splitter with PD 60W fast charging
- Huawei MateDock 2 , docking station + USB-C hub
- Acer USB-C HDMI adapter multiport with 4K HDMI, 3-in-1 hub with PD 100W charging function
- Choosing an RFID Reader
As an RFID reader, you can use a reader that sends the signal via the USB output to the PC, tablet or cell phone via the hub (e.g. Neuftech USB 13.56 MHz contactless card reader 14443A protocol). These devices are also available from around €15 if you are looking for an inexpensive RFID solution. Please make sure that the device can read the chips/tokens (e.g. Mifare) you require, as there are different standards.
- Connect the Components
Once you have procured the devices, connect the hub to your tablet and the power supply and RFID reader to the hub.
- Setting Up the Software
Call up the settings page in Sanoplan and then the employees page, where you will find the RFID button in the top left-hand corner, which will open the website for reading. Please open this page/URL in the browser on your tablet to which the hub is connected and preferably save it to the home screen so that it can be easily accessed by the employees without the need to enter a password first.
- Testing the RFID Reader
After you have entered the chip/token number on the Sanoplan employee page for the relevant employee, you can test the RFID reader by holding the chip or token to it. If the chip is unknown, the number will be displayed so that you can assign it to an employee in the settings. If the number is known, the employee’s time recording page opens with their last 4 start and end times as well as their duty roster for the next shifts.
8.Time Tracking
The time can then be entered or corrected by clicking the start or end button. Details on time recording can be found in the corresponding manual.