FingerTec Technical Newsletter

How to Install OFIS Scanner in Windows 8

2012-12-18T01:29:00.000-08:00

Microsoft’s latest operating system Windows 8 not only encourages us to use Digitally Signed Drivers, but it also checks to see if the driver has been modified. If the driver has been modified, the operating system will abort the installation. Take the FingerTec OFIS Scanner’s driver for instance; Windows 8 will not install the driver as it is not digitally signed. Even when you update the driver, Windows 8 will not let you complete the installation.

However, we have a solution to this problem. To fix this problem:

1. From the Start Screen, click Settings.

2. Click Change PC Settings.

3. Click General.

4. Scroll down and look for Advance startup. Click Restart Now.

5. After the restart, you are required to choose an option. Click Troubleshoot.

6. Click Advance Options and click Startup Settings.

7. At the Startup Settings, click Restart.

8. In the next menu, press F7 to disable driver signature enforcement.

9. Go to Device Manager and update the OFIS-Y Fingerprint Reader’s driver.

10. This time around, Windows 8 will prompt a security window to reconfirm the installation. Click Install this driver software anyway.

11. Once the installation has completed, you can now use the OFIS-Y with Windows 8.

Contributed by: Zul

Written by: Vincent

Face ID 3 Missing Photo Capture

2012-12-12T19:52:00.000-08:00

Recently we received a notification about a problem with the Face ID 3 terminal. After you updated the terminal at the Terminal Employees Control, the Face ID 3 will not be able to verify any users until the terminal is rebooted.

The cause of the problem is that the TCMSV2 does not have any face templates in its database. When you perform the terminal update at the Terminal Employees Control, the software will overwrite the face templates with empty ones. For the solution to this problem, you will need to download all users’ face templates into the Employee Management before proceeding to the configurations at Terminal Employee Control and finally updating the terminal. Please follow the step-by-step instructions below:

1. Click Devices and select Employee Management. Click Download Employee to start the download user process.

2. Click Devices and select Terminal Multimedia Management. At the Employee Photos tab, select All and click Download Photo.

3. Now you are ready for the Time Zone configuration. Click Devices and select Terminal Employees Control to configure the Time Zone settings.

4. When you are done, click Update Terminal to update the Time Zone configuration into the terminal. Please un-tick the checkbox for Employee data and tick the checkbox for Time Zone.

5. Click Apply to prompt the update. That’s all!

Contributed by: Azim

Written by: SF Lim

Windows 8 Software Compatibility

2012-12-06T18:29:00.001-08:00

With the recent release of the Windows 8 operating system, we have been working over the clock to test all our software’s compatibility with this system. We are proud to announce that the software applications listed below are compatible with Windows 8, both 32-bit and 64-bit version.

For the remaining software applications, we will continue to conduct thorough testing and update to all its users, resellers and partners once the compatibility result is obtained.

Stay tuned and if you have any inquiries, please refer to our Software Selection Guide or email support@fingertec.com.

Initiated by: Pang

Written by: Nisha

New Advance Repair for Face ID 3

2012-12-04T19:50:00.004-08:00

The Advance Repair Program allows qualified engineers or technicians to repair the MCU board, core board and etc. This will reduce the possibility of sending the faulty parts back to us, thus diminishing the courier cost and also down time.

We have recently released the Advance Repair guide for Face ID 3. To access the guide, please go to our Technical Tips website and log in at the Advance Repair Program section.

Once you have logged in, click on the Face ID 3 image to access the repair guide.

Initiated and Written by: Zul

TA300 USB Client Connection

2012-12-04T01:35:00.000-08:00

As you all might already know, the TA300 uses a USB cable instead of the traditional TCP/IP or RS232/485 cable. The type of USB cable used for communication is called the Standard-B plug.

The Standard-B plug cable has a square shape with bevelled exterior corners. The cable is plugged into the "upstream receptacle" on a device that uses a removable cable, most noticeably for printers. On some devices, the Type B receptacle has no data connections, being used solely for accepting power from the upstream device. This two-connector-type scheme (A/B) prevents a user from accidentally creating an electrical loop.

Below are some informative solutions for troubleshooting TA300:

Q1: How do I enroll a user with the administrator privilege in TA300?
A1: You can enroll an administrator by using Fingerprint /Card / Password. The administrator’s user ID must be 8888.

Q2: How do I change the TA300 terminal’s language?
A2: You can change the terminal language by pressing 5555 and then the press the TimeSet button. Select the language by using IN and OUT button and press the OK button to save the changes. Restart the terminal for the changes to take effect.

Q3: I am getting an error message when performing the terminal activation.

A3: The TCMSv2 does not detect the TA300 terminal. Please make sure that you have connected the TA300 to the PC by using the USB extension cable and the power is switched ON. If you are still getting the same error message, kindly follow the steps below:

Unplug the TA300 cable from the PC.
Uninstall the TCMSv2 software and restart computer.
Install the latest version of TCMS V2 software and restart the computer. If you are using Windows 7, please right click at the TCMS V2 setup file and select run as administrator to install the software.
You can download the latest version TCMS V2 setup file at: http://www.fingertec.com/download/FingerTecTCMSv2Setup.zipSwitch ON the TA300 and plug the USB cable to the computer. Please wait while the OS detects the terminal.
Right click on the TCMSv2 icon and select run as administrator. Then perform the terminal activation.
If problem still persists, please follow the steps below.

Download the zip file here.
Extract the file.
Quit the TCMS V2 software.
Copy theusbser.sys file and paste it to WINDOWS folder>SysWOW64 (for 64 bit platform)/System 32(for 32 bit platform)
Copy the zkcdc.inf file and paste it to WINDOWS Folder> inf folder
Restart the computer and start up the TCMSv2 software and perform the terminal activation.

Initiated and written by: Aidid

TCMS Error Message and Solutions

2012-12-04T01:32:00.000-08:00

FingerTec has compiled a list of error messages occasionally found in the TCMS V2 and TCMS V2 Viewer software. We have documented all the solutions to the problems for convenience. Resellers are encouraged to take notice of these problems as understanding the problems and their solutions could reduce support lead time which could then translate to more satisfied customers.

Scenario 1:
TCMS V2 - Terminal Data Audit List export output file is invalid appear in the USB save to PC option.

Solution:
At the TCMSv2 Software, click on the Devices icon and select Terminal Data Audit List. Click the Export button and select the user ID and the date range. Change the output target file path to your computer. Click the Export button.

After the export process, go to the USB flash disk management and click the Read data from USB disk into PC. Click Next and Save to PC to download data from the USB drive.

Scenario 2:
TCMS V2 – The Attendance Sheet is responding slowly due to the heavy data loading.

Solution:

In the TCMS V2 software, click Attendance Sheet and To History, to transfer all the users’ transaction data from the Attendance Sheet to the History folder. You can keep the transaction data for the present year for reference purposes.

Scenario 3:
TCMS V2 - Please close all the screens error message.

Solution:
There are few ways to troubleshoot the error message depending on the menu’s option:-

1.Quit the TCMS V2 software. At the TCMS V2 folder, locate and delete the Autozone.dbf and Foxuser.dbf file. Start up the TCMS V2 software and check if the problem is solved. If the problem persists, please proceed to the next solution until the problem is solved.

2.Quit the TCMS V2 software. At the TCMS V2 folder, locate and delete the sect_tbl.dbf file. Start up the TCMS V2 software and check if the problem is solved.

3.Quit the TCMS V2 software. At the TCMS V2 folder, locate and delete the any unknown files in the TCMS V2 folder. Please refer to the below screenshot for the relevant files located in the TCMS V2 folder. Any other unknown files should be deleted from the folder. Start up the TCMS V2 software and check if the problem is solved.

4. Copy all the .dbf files from the TCMS V2 folder and transfer it into a USB pendrive. Install the TCMS V2 software onto a different computer. Copy the .dbf files from the USB pendrive into the TCMS V2 folder. Start up the TCMS V2 software and check if the problem is solved.

Scenario 4:
TCMS V2 Viewer – badge.dbf error message.

We are using a Windows Vista/Seven platform computer. While accessing the TCMSv2 viewer from the web browser, we received an error message as shown below:

Solution:

1.At the TCMS V2 folder, right click at badge.dbf file and select Properties.
2.At the Security tab, click Edit > Add > Advanced > Find now.
3.Select the Everyone group and click OK.

4.At the Everyone Group, tick the checkbox for Full control. Click Apply for the changes to take effect.

5. Refresh the TCMS V2 Viewer at the browser and check if the problem is solved. If the error message appears with other file names in the TCMS V2 folder, right click at the TCMSv2 folder and select Properties. At the Security tab, click Advanced and then Change permissions. Make sure that the Everyone group is given the full control permission, otherwise please add the group and tick the checkbox for Replace all child object permission with inheritable permissions from this object and click Apply for the changes to take effect.

6.Refresh the TCMS V2 Viewer again.

Scenario 5:
TCMS V2 Viewer - Failed to access IIS metabase ASP.NET

Solution:
If you are getting the Failed to access IIS metabase error while browsing TCMSv2 Viewer ASP.NET site or ASPX page in IIS server, you might have installed the IIS Server after installing the .NET framework.

If that is the case, repair your ASP.NET installation and set up all of the appropriate ISAPI extension mappings. Follow the step below to rectify the problem.

1. Start up the Command Prompt and type the following command: aspnet_regiis -ga \username Note: the username is usually "aspnet"

2. If the above solution did not work, please type in the following command: aspnet_regiis -i
Alternatively you can copy and paste this command into the Command Prompt and press Enter: %windir%\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v2.0.50727\aspnet_regiis.exe –i
If the above solution did not work, please uninstall the TCMS V2 Viewer application and install the software again.

Scenario 6:
TCMSv2 / Terminal – To unlock the terminal’s menu function using the TCMS V2 Software.

Solution:
You can change the Enroller / Admin / Supervisor privilege into User by using the TCMS V2 software and then upload the changes to the terminal.

At the TCMS V2 software, click Devices, and User Management. At the Privilege column, change all the Enroller / Admin / Supervisor into User. Click Save User. After that, click Update User to send the new settings to the terminal.

In case that the terminal is not connected to the TCMS V2 software, please contact your local reseller. They will assist you to reset the administrator privilege at the terminal because only the reseller has the authority to reset the administrator privilege at the terminal.

Scenario 7:
TCMS V2 - Download transaction data from the terminal to the computer without starting up the TCMS V2 software.

Solution:
You can assign the TCMS V2 software to download transaction data from the terminal without starting up the software. The new feature is available in the newest TCMS V2.2.22 version.

Click Device and select Set Clocking Download Interval. Set the timer by second or minutes. Tick the checkbox for Perform daily download when computer is powered on.

Initiated and Written by: Ery

R2c Infrared Scanner

2012-11-20T22:41:00.001-08:00

FingerTec has recently launched the latest exit slave reader, the R2c. It is designed to cater for a longer connection length installation between the R2c and its master terminal. R2c works with the algorithm BioBridge VX10.0 and is also equipped with the new Infrared Optical Sensor Module for better performance. The infrared emitter and receptor is specifically added into the new Infrared Optical Sensor Module. (See photo below)

The emitter constantly transmits an infrared light with a wavelength of 800mm to 920mm. When the finger approaches the scanner, it will interfere with the infrared light’s transmission. The receptor senses the interference and calculates the density of the reflected infrared light, and starts to capture the fingerprint image when the density value reaches a certain value; which is approximately when the finger reaches the scanner. The scanner will return to its idle mode after the verification is successful.

There are several advantages when you use the Infrared Optical Sensor Module:

It eradicates unnecessary phantom scanning. The smart sensor will only activate when a finger is detected on the sensor.
It reduces the energy costs – Activation upon demand minimizes power consumption and therefore reduces the energy costs.
It is environmentally friendly – The reduction of power required by the R2c cuts down the carbon footprint exerted by the terminal.

However, there is a precaution that must be taken into consideration while installing the Infrared Optical Sensor Module. The terminals with the Infrared Optical Sensor Module cannot be installed under direct sunlight. Sunlight contains infrared rays, which will interfere with the infrared light transmission, causing complications for fingerprint detection.

Initiated and Written by: Pang

How Does “Range” Work?

2012-10-23T23:54:00.000-07:00

In recent months, we have received a growing number of troubleshooting enquiries regarding the Range option in the TCMS V2’s Clocking Schedule.

So, what is Range? Range is to determine the maximum time that one slot could record before it is considered as the time for the corresponding slot. For example, if a value for IN is 09:00 and the Value of Break is 12:00. When a staff clocks in at 11:30, the time will be recorded in Break column instead of in the IN column. This is because the system will take the midpoint from both the IN and Break time to determine which column the data falls into. Referring to the example, the time difference between IN (09:00) and Break (12:00) is 3 hours. The midpoint for the time difference would be 1.5 hours which is 10:30. So any time before 10:30 will fall in the IN column and any time after 10:30 will be automatically assigned into the Break column.

By using Range, you can change the software’s default data allocation system.

At the Range tab, insert the time 11:30 into the IN column. This will prompt the software to overwrite its default data allocation system and use the inserted time value to allocate the data. Now any time before 11:30 will fall in the IN column and any time after 11:30 will be automatically assigned into the Break column.

The Range option is only applicable for weekly and daily schedules. If the employees are working according to the work schedule, you may ignore this option. The Range option is only for special work case scenario where it is needed to overwrite the software’s default data allocation system.

Contributed by Ery

Edited by Vincent

Installation Diagram for R2 (FEM565) - R2c with New AdapTec Plus

2012-10-23T23:38:00.003-07:00

With the new release of our latest products, terminal installation might differ from our previous guide and diagram. Below is a full installation wiring diagram for R2 (FEM565) – R2c with the New AdapTec Plus.

If the R2c does not respond upon installation, please check the Dip Switch setting below:

Note: Do not adjust the dip switch. Make sure it is set to the default settings as shown in the image.

and also enable the R2c setting at the R2(565): Press Menu > Option > Access Option > 485 Reader Function > Y

For more information regarding R2c, click here to see its manual.

Contributed by Azim

Edited by Vincent

Replacing the Latest Clocking Option Under the Range Tab

2012-10-23T23:35:00.002-07:00

When you click this checker, the TCMS V2 software will replace the transaction data at the Attendance Sheet with the latest downloaded data.

For example, a company’s starting work hour is 09:00. The employee comes in to work at 08:30 and verified his fingerprint at the door to enter the premises. The software will use the transaction data 08:30 as the IN time. Even if the employee comes in and out of the door, the software will still use the transaction data 08:30 as the IN time. If you tick the Replace with latest clocking checkbox at the IN column, the Attendance Sheet will display the latest transaction data every time the employee comes in and out of the door.

Therefore It is recommended that you select this checker for OUT and DONE columns only because the TCMS V2 will always check the latest OUT time of the users and will publish it on the Attendance Sheet.

Contributed by Faiz

Edited by Vincent

New Language Release for AC100C and TA100C

2012-10-08T23:29:00.000-07:00

You can customize your FingerTec terminal display and audio to your preferred language. All FingerTec models are preset with the English language as the standard display and audio language.

For localization of your terminals, you can remove or add in different languages into the FingerTec terminals. A terminal can support a maximum of 3 languages.

We have released 14 new languages packs for our multimedia models, the AC100C and TA100C terminal:

**Click on the preferred language above to download.

Follow the below steps to upload the language pack:

Insert your terminal's IP Address and click Connect.
Check the Manu Date (manufactured date) displayed in the list upon connection.
If you terminal's Manu Date is before July 2008, please select Customize Options, or else just select Default Options
Click Update and wait for the process to complete.
The terminal will restart itself upon the completion of the upload.

Click here for some additional information on what you should take note while uploading the language pack.

If you need any additional guidance while uploading the language pack for AC100C or TA100C, please email us at support@fingertec.com or contact us here.

Contributed by: SF Lim

Edited by: Vincent

How to Customize a Receipt Printer Communication Cable

2012-10-05T00:19:00.001-07:00

The original communication cable that comes with the EPSON Thermal Printer TM-T88IV is not compatible with the FingerTec terminals. A modification to the cable is required before you can use it with the FingerTec terminals.

Things to prepare:

1 X Male Serial Socket (9 pins).

1 X Male Parallel socket (25 pins).

1 X RS485 cable (1 meter).

Step 1: Solder the wires at RS485 cable to the serial socket as shown at the photo above.

Pin 2 – Orange, Pin 3 – Brown, Pin 5 - Red

Step 2: Solder the wires at the other end of the RS485 cable to the serial socket as shown at the photo above. Pin 2 – Brown, Pin 3 – Orange, Pin 7 – Red

Step 3: Place the soldered socket with the wires back to the casing.

Step 4: Screw and assemble the casing together.

Step 5: The printer cable is ready to be used.

Contributed By: SF Lim

Edited by: Vincent

Show Zero Hour Function

2012-10-04T23:52:00.000-07:00

With the new function “Show Zero Hour”, you can generate a full report irregardless of the accuracy or errors during daily verification. By default, reports without selecting the “Show Zero Hour” function will not show the transaction data for employees who are on Holiday, Restday, and missed punch.

Image 1: Settings by default (Show Zero Hour not selected)

Image 2: Report generated from date 01/09/2012 till date 30/09/2012

From above screenshots (image 1 & 2), you can see that the report generated only showed the complete employee data. While for incomplete data as missed punch, restday and holiday is not shown in the report. By selecting the “Show Zero Hour” setting before generating the report, you can generate a report with the complete transaction data.

Image 3: Set “Show Zero Hour” function

Image 4: Report generated from the same database from the date 01/09/2012 till date 30/09/2012

Referring to the above screenshots (image 3 & 4), you can see that now the complete data is shown in the report including the dates with transaction data errors.

Contributed by: SF Lim

Edited by: Vincent

Firmware Version Page Revamped

2012-09-24T00:13:00.002-07:00

FingerTec provides regular firmware updates for our devices to enhance our existing features, and to fix some minor glitches that might have been found in each device. These updates are readily available for download for FingerTec Authorized Resellers at http://tips.fingertec.com/.

FingerTec has recently updated the Firmware Download page. Now, you can see the version of each firmware for each model in the Tips website. With this new organization of the page, you will now be able to check the firmware version of your terminals before proceeding to download/update the firmware.

Contact support@fingertec.com if you are still unsure about how to proceed, or if you would like more information.

Initiated and Written by: Henry Pang

Using the OFIS-Y Scanner with TCMS V2

2012-09-23T23:58:00.001-07:00

The OFIS-Y Scanner works with the TCMS v2 by using a file name Biokey.ocx. The version of Biokey.ocx is different for both OFIS-X and OFIS-Y scanners. In the current TCMS V2, you will find that the OFIS-Y scanner does not work with the software, as the Biokey.ocx file in the software does not support it.

To use the OFIS-Y with the TCMS V2, you will need to update the Biokey.ocx file in the TCMS V2. To do so, follow the steps below:

Make sure you are using the latest version of TCMS V2.2.022. Update your software if you are running an older version of TCMS V2.
Click http://www.fingertec.com/download/TCMS_OFISY.zip to download the patch file of the TCMS V2 (you may also manually get the file in the Tips website > Download > Software)
Unzip the file. You will see a file labelled ft.exe.
Copy and paste this file into the TCMS V2 folder to replace the existing ft.exe file (You must exit the TCMS V2 program before proceeding with this step)
Plug in the OFIS-Y scanner to the PC/laptop
Run the TCMS V2 > Employee Management > Press ENROLL button. You will see a pop-up window requesting you to fill in the employee information.

Please note that you no longer be able to use TCMS V2 with the OFIS-X scanner after you perform the above steps. If you would like to switch to the OFIS-X scanner, you will need to uninstall and reinstall your software with the versions TCMS V2.2.022.

Initiated and Written by: Henry Pang

FTDP Version 1.6.7

2012-09-11T01:39:00.003-07:00

The FingerTec Data Processor version 1.6.7 is now ready for use. There are 2 new features in this release:

Feature 1 – Transfer Face Templates Among Face ID 2 and ID 3

You can now connect to your Face ID2 and Face ID3 to the FTDP V1.6.7. You will find the column Face when you are downloading/uploading users.

Feature 2 – Group Users by Department

You can now define departments under the FTDP and assign users to different departments.

You can choose to sort by department during download/upload user process.

To download FingerTec Data Processor 1.6.7, click here.

Writtenby Pang

Edited by Vincent

The New R2c

2012-08-16T21:13:00.001-07:00

FingerTec R2c

FingerTec Worldwide have launched their latest exit slave reader the R2c. The R2c works exclusively with the R2 to create a cost-effective entry-exit reader. Not containing any memory or processor, the R2c relies on the R2 to verify a fingerprint/card in order to unlock the door. The R2c is the very much improved version of R2i. Designed to enhance the R2i’s features, the R2c excels in various fields where the R2i lacks.

New Communication Cable RS485 Standard
Previously using a customized communication cable (USB+RS232 standard) between the R2 and R2i, the all new R2c will be armed with a new improved RS485 wire which allows the R2 & R2c to cater for different installation environment. The RS485 wire can support a maximum 1000m of connection length, thus offering a huge range of installation prospects.

Algorithm BioBridge VX10.0
Following the R2’s new hardware upgrade, the R2c can work with the fingerprint templates enrolled with the algorithm BioBridge VX10.0. The algorithm Biobridge VX10.0 offers a more sensitive and accurate reading of a fingerprint during enrolling and verification, as well as a quicker scanning speed. This will solve the problem of the R2i’s inconsistency in fingerprint scanning. However, the R2c is only compatible with the fingerprint templates enrolled with the algorithm Biobridge VX10.0. If the R2 is running with the fingerprint templates enrolled with the algorithm Biobridge VX9.0, the R2c will fail to verify and fingerprint scanning.

Written by Vincent

New Repair Video for TA100C

2012-08-16T21:05:00.001-07:00

FingerTec Worldwide hosts a Technical Tips website exclusively for our resellers. End users do not have access to this website as the advanced information hosted in the website such as the firmware, training, hardware repair video guides and etc. are meant solely for our esteemed resellers. However resellers are required to register with us before accessing the website.

The hardware repair video guide archives the all the FingerTec models’ repair videos. We have categorized the videos by spare parts and by models.

Now, FingerTec has added the TA100C into the repair video guide archive. If you need any additional guidance while repairing/changing the spare parts for TA100C, please email us at support@fingertec.com or contact us here.

Written by Vincent

Antipassback Explained

2012-08-16T20:43:00.002-07:00

Anti-Passback prevents users from tailgating through controlled areas by tracking the entry and exit counts. A user can only exit an area that they have already entered and can only enter an area that they previously exited. If a user tailgates onto a site, the exit keypad will deny them exit from the site because they are not logged into the area. If a user is onsite and tailgates off of the site, they will be denied entrance next time they try to enter. Anti-Passback is a function that should only be used on High Security sites where users can be trained on its use.

It is recommendable to install the slave terminal outside the premises while the master terminal at the inside. The aforementioned installation is to prevent the master terminal from any unnecessary access and also prolong its life span. The slave terminal is a lot cheaper and easier to replace if any mishap occurs.

The slave terminal will be recording all the IN transactions (In terminal) while the master is capturing the OUT transactions (Out terminal). The master terminal will record all the transaction logs with the terminal ID, hence there will not be any confusion which transaction is taken from which terminal. The administrator can identify which terminal the user uses to verify and also gain access in to or out of the premises. Please refer to the table below before you apply the antipassback settings.

Written by Henry Pang

Fingerprint Templates Storage for Algorithm BioBridge VX9.0 and VX10.0

2012-08-10T02:47:00.000-07:00

As you may already know, all our multimedia (Color Screen) models terminals are equipped with the FEM600 and above core board. The FEM600 and above core board can support both algorithm versions, BioBridge VX9.0 and VX10.0 when it comes to fingerprint templates. The algorithm BioBridge VX10.0 speeds up the fingerprint verification process of the terminal and it maximizes the fingerprint templates capacity to 10,000.

However the fingerprint templates from algorithm BioBridge VX 10.0 cannot be mixed and matched with fingerprint templates from algorithm BioBridge VX9.0. Templates derived from BioBridge VX9.0 would prompt an error during verification if they were to be uploaded into a terminal with BioBridge VX 10.0, or vice versa.

When installing terminals that are having both versions of the algorithm, BioBridge VX 9.0 and BioBridge VX10.0 in the same environment, please downgrade the algorithm version of your all your terminals to VX 9.0. This is important to ensure that all terminals support the same format of fingerprint templates to avoid verification errors.

As mentioned above, the algorithm BioBridge VX 10.0 can support up to 10,000 fingerprint templates. Please be advised that once you switched the algorithm to BioBridge VX 9.0, the fingerprint template storage will be reduced to 3,000 only. However the transaction storage will not be affected and it will still be 200,000.

Please click here for more information about algorithm versions BioBridge VX9.0 and VX10.0 and how to inter switch the algorithms within the terminal.

Initiated by Pang

Written by Vincent

TCMS V2.2.022 New Release

2012-08-03T02:40:00.001-07:00

FingerTec has released a brand new update for the TCMS V2 software. In this Version 2.2.022 update, over 20 new functions and bug fixes have been integrated in the software.

To download the update, click here.

A. NEW FUNCTIONS

1. New icons and advisorsIcons have been rearranged according to their importance on the task bar. Users now can easilt perform the functions in the icons from left to right during the first-time setup of the TCMS V2.

The Advisor function has been updated to automatically bring you to the option immediately to ease your work flow. No idea where to start on the software? Follow the steps 1 to 7 and let the Advisor guide you through the steps.

2. Changes in English language displayChanges have been made in the English language of the software, using more user-friendly and laymen terms for easy understanding.

3. New changes to Gross Wages report and Job Cost Analysis Previously the Gross Wages report could only be generated monthly. Now we have added a new gross report for weekly reports. This feature is especially useful for companies that pay employees on a weekly basis.

Also new in the Gross wages report, are options to allow administrator to include “Total Work time”, “Total OT” or “Total leave hours” for each employee.

The Job Cost analysis report lets you show the rate per hour for every job done by employee.

4. Send reports via SMTP email. The TCMS V2 can be configured to send reports via your SMTP email after selecting the type of file. It supports SMTP email servers with an SSL connection.

5. Extension of employee number We have expand the Employee ID number from 12-digits to 14-digits for display and report printing. Now you can use a longer Employee ID.

6. 24-hour time format (for users in USA) Previously unavailable for the USA region, now the 24-hour time format has been activated and made available as an option for the USA.

7. Upload user photo to Face ID 2 You can now use this new version to upload user photos to the new Face ID 2 with FEM 800 core board.

8. Changes to exporting attendance details For those who are using the Job Cost option, you now can export Job Cost details (name of job done by employees) when exporting attendance details.

B. BUGS/ERROR FIXES

Thanks to the feedback from our customers and resellers, some bugs in the TCMS V2 was brought to our attention in the previous version. With the latest update, the bugs and errors below have been fixed:

Issues with Reports
-Resolved Electronic Time card layout on 2 separate pages.
-Resolved page number issue in printing of Electronic Time card.
-Resolved Electronic Time Card issue with terminal ID selection.
-Does not print report of employees without work hours.
-Does not print “zero” for total hours in Weekly Attendance Listing.
-Remembers selection “Group by Departments” under Report.
-Resolved overlapped printing at the bottom of Detail Employee Time Sheet.
-Resolved Gross Wages Report for gross amount with hh:mm format.
-Resolved Terminal User List when saved to XLS file.

Issues with SMTP emails
-Extended total characters of email address to become 250
-Resolved auto-email report schedule for the 1st day of pay period.
-Resolved repeated sending of SMTP email reporting.
-Proper date format for all auto-email reports
-Enhanced SMTP email error message reporting.

Issues with export attendance data
-Resolved total short hours issue in export attendance summary.
-Resolved export attendance for flexi-schedule without overtime for hours worked.

Issues with Attendance viewing
-Resolved slow response issue when saving not in-use job cost code.
-Resolved issue where attendance sheet does not display the tardiness of missing punch for OT/Done columns

Other issues
-Resolved problem to view user manual when using software
-Resolved username display issue under User Photos in Terminal multimedia management.
-Resolved bug under User Management to update employees for more than 100 terminals
-Resolved online software update bug
-Resolved add new user issue if sorting order is not in user id

Written by Pang

New TCMS V2 Error

2012-08-01T20:09:00.001-07:00

Recently our Technical Support team stumbled into a very unusual error with the TCMSV2 software. This error presents itself when you tick on a checkbox, such as in the Generate New Attendance window, and the software will automatically select all the other checkboxes instead.

Solution
The cause of this unusual behavior to the TCMSV2 software is the anti-virus software installed in the computer. The anti-virus software works by regularly scanning programs and files on the computer. If a potential threat is found, the program or file will be blocked from operation until you delete it or allow it to run. The TCMSV2 software in this case, although being a safe program, has appeared to the anti-virus software as a potential threat. Since the anti-virus software does not know that the TCMSV2 is safe, you will need to manually add it to the Exception List of your installed anti-virus programme. This will stop the anti-virus software from blocking and scanning the TCMSV2 software and mess with its operation.

Written by Vincent

Comparison Between AdapTec Plus and New AdapTec Plus

2012-07-31T23:56:00.001-07:00

The most noticeable difference between the 2 AdapTec Plus is the significant weight difference. Almost half the weight lighter compared to its predecessor, the new AdapTec Plus is able to support the NO setting for the door lock accessories such as door strikes and electromagnetic locks. It also has a brand new buzzer feature that works as an indicator every time a door is unlocked, or if there is too high a power input to the AdapTec Plus.

There are a few features that installers would find helpful as well, such as the LED light indicators. There are three LED lights in the AdapTec Plus that indicate to the user that the door lock is working, that the AdapTec processor is in good condition, and that the battery needs to be replaced.

For more information on the features of the new AdapTec Plus, click here.

Initiated by Pang
Written by Vincent

New Firmware With New Improvements

2012-07-18T00:24:00.001-07:00

After weeks of testing and fine-tuning, our R&D team has drastically improved the Master & Slave terminal verification as a response to our customers’ feedback.

FingerTec R2 (FEM500)

The new R2 (FEM500) firmware will enhance the Master & Slave terminal to provide a faster and more accurate verification. We have also reduced the R2i’s verification failure problem. Upon the firmware update, you sill see significant differences before and after the firmware update.

You can download the R2’s latest firmware here.

There are two R2 firmwares, R2 (FEM500) and R2 (FEM565). It is very important that you determine the terminal’s platform before you update the firmware into the respective terminals. If the wrong firmware is updated, the terminal will cease to function properly. Click herefor the information on how to determine the terminal platform and update the firmware.

FingerTec Kadex

The new Kadex firmware will enhance the Master & Slave terminal, providing a faster and more accurate verification.

You can download the Kadex’s latest firmware here.

Permanent Door Open/Close Tool:

We have resolved the bug for the Time Zone column that is non-editable. You can download the new Permanent Door Open/Close Tool here.

For more information regarding the Permanent Door Open/Close Tool, please refer to the step-by-step installation and usage guide here.

Written by Vincent

New Online Product Examination Paper Released!

2012-07-18T00:14:00.005-07:00

FingerTec Worldwide has released a new Online Product Examination Paper which can be accessed at the Technical Training website, http://training.fingertec.com.

For all you resellers who have attended and completed the product training session with FingerTec Worldwide, it is time to put your knowledge to the test and prove to the trainers how awake you were during the session!

Are you up for the challenge? Click here to take on the Online Product Examination.

Written by Vincent