We recently released a major upgrade to the ProCare Time Clock, known as Time Clock 1.5. The keypad has a Sleek New Look with a brushed silver face. While the keypad has under the hood enhancements, a major area of change was in the software that communicates with the clock. This is VERY GOOD NEWS. It’s good because the updated software is available to you even if you have an original keypad.
What are the changes and why does it matter?
Let me start by setting your expectations. There are no flashy new features that are visible to the eye. The changes simply make the clock work better. The new software helps the system be “self-healing” so it can more easily reconnect to the clock on its own when the communication is interrupted.
What on earth does that mean?
Well, think of it as a conversation between two people:
Chris and Joan are talking on the phone. They know the conversation is still going on because Chris hears a response from Joan and vice-versa. But let’s say Chris is a bit long winded and likes to talk about herself. Joan gets distracted when Billy falls on the playground and has to quickly hang up without having a chance to explain to Chris what happened. The conversation has ended, but Chris doesn’t realize it and just keeps talking. A few minutes later Joan tries to call Chris back, but Chris is still talking, unaware the conversation ended and Joan has to leave a voice mail.
That’s what sometimes happened with the previous Time Clock software. The conversation it was having with the clock would end, but the software wasn’t smart enough to know and you’d end up with a blinking cursor or a time displayed on the clock that would never change.
With the new software Chris and Joan would be much less likely to have this issue.
After a couple of minutes Chris would realize the original conversation had ended. She would hang up and be ready to answer when Joan called back even if Joan called from a different phone. Chris might think “Hmm… I don’t recognize that number on my caller ID, but I’ll go ahead and answer just in case it’s Joan”.
Who will benefit from Time Clock 1.5?
These changes are most likely to help if you experience intermittent problems where you have to turn the keypad off/on or find it necessary to stop/restart the software to get the computer and keypad talking to each other again.
Update your Software
To get the new software for your existing Time Clock, download the latest version of ProCare (9.1.429 at the time of this writing). If you were having issues similar to those described, please call tech support after you’ve installed the update. They’ll have you run a separate utility to make sure your existing clock can take advantage of the new software.
Thanks to Danny Pomeroy in our engineering department for the background information for this article.
Cheers!
Phil
phil@procaresoftware.com
April 22, 2008 at 6:53 am |
We have noticed a significant improvement. Thanks, it was much needed.
April 22, 2008 at 10:22 am |
This sounds great, I can’t wait to experience it.
May 27, 2008 at 4:28 pm |
While this patch will be welcome by those experiencing problems, I have had no problems, so this is no big whoop. My bigger concern is that the time clock function is archaic compared to the functions many leading edge time clock companies offer. Yes, they tend to get pricey, but better software can prevent early punch-ins, late punch-ins, buddy punching, etc., saving centers A LOT of money and payroll issues. PLEASE give us a more sophisticated system.
May 28, 2008 at 10:58 am |
Thomas – Thanks for your comment. Yes, for the future we are looking at adding flexibility to the way employee schedules versus attendance are handled. We’ve had numerous requests for the ability to block punch in times that are outside a staff person’s schedule and for enhanced reporting on absences, late arrivals, etc.
May 28, 2008 at 11:31 am |
We have only been with ProCare for about 7 months and have noticed problems with the timeclock disconnecting and times not taking. I would like to see a timeclock with buttons that were not so hard to push. Some of our teachers are having a hard time getting the time to register. Is this a problem with anyone else? How would I go about getting an update? Thanks.
May 28, 2008 at 1:29 pm |
Diane – Thanks for your question. The new Time Clock 1.5 software should help with the issue of “disconnecting”. Our support staff can help you configure your existing clock to work with the latest software download. As far as buttons being hard to push we’d like to talk with you further about that. For example is it a particular button that sticks or something else that might indicate a physical problem with the clock? Please give our support team a call at 1-800-964-1729.
January 27, 2009 at 1:40 pm |
We are in need of a more durable clock that can withstand the heat of the sun and the cold of the winter. We can keep it dry, but have not been able to deal efectively with the cold. We bought it so that it could be used with an electronic door system. It doesn’t make sense that it is not weatherproof.
January 28, 2009 at 12:16 pm |
Sandi – Thanks for your suggestion. It’s true the Time Clock 1.5 is intended for interior use only as per the specifications. It often works to use the time clock in a lobby area (to buzz an interior hallway door) with our outdoor rated Keyless Entry System on the exterior door. Find out more at: http://www.procaresoftware.com/sales/products_kes.shtml