My last post about ProCare Time Clock 1.5 was so popular I decided to write a bit more to explain how the Time Clock actually works and how it is connected to your computer or network. Thank you to everyone who emailed (and even called me!). Today’s post is a direct result of your input.

One note up front - you’ll notice I tend to use the words “clock”, “time clock” and “keypad” interchangeably. In each case I’m referring to the device where people enter their ID codes. If you have a new Time Clock (version 1.5) the “clock” or “keypad” has a Silver Face. The original model has a Blue Face.

The Time Clock & Your Computer

The Time Clock must connect to your computer or network. This is because the keypad is just a terminal for entering information (check in times). It does not store the information, but relays it to the computer. The Time Clock comes with software that makes this communication between the keypad and computer possible (see Previous Post). The software sends the in/out times to a database within ProCare itself for storage. If there are any messages, balances due, immunizations, etc. the software grabs that from the database and sends it back to be displayed on the clock.

Let’s see, how I do with an analogy here:

Cindy and Billy live at home. Home is their “database”, the place they reside. School is like the keypad. It’s a place they take in information, but the information isn’t stored at school - we’ll suppose it is “stored” at home. [Yes, it's actually stored in Cindy and Billy themselves but that complicates the analogy so forget about that part].

A bus takes Cindy and Billy from school to home and back again the next day. The bus is like the software - it’s what allows information to move back and forth from the place information is inputted (school) to the storage place (home).

Connecting the Clock

There are several ways to Connect the Clock to Your Computer or Network. In many cases it is plugged into what is known as a switch/router because this solution works both for single computers and networks. If you have a computer (with a high speed internet connection) then your cable modem is probably connected to a switch/router already. These typically have 4 to 8 ports used to connect devices like your computer, modem, etc. The Time Clock just plugs into one of the available ports with a standard network cable available at any computer store. If you prefer to connect to a USB port that works too - although you’ll need to pick up a USB to Ethernet Adaptor at the computer store instead of a network cable. When connecting via USB you’ll use the brightly colored cross-over cable that comes with the clock instead.

Hopefully this helps clear things up. Until next time, cheers!

-Phil

If you have questions or comments about this article (or suggestions for another article) I’d be pleased to hear from you. Drop me at note at phil@procaresoftware.com.