Smartcard approach to recording working hours

In its November edition, the VNU trade journal, Personal Computer World, has granted a ‘recommended’ award for the SCM Microsystems Chipdrive Time Recording System.

The review describes the system as an “innovative solution that will appeal to any small business wanting to record employee time and activity.”

Commenting on the award, Andi Robinson of Security IP Limited, said, “We are delighted with this endorsement, which credits the Chipdrive product for its design features, usability and value for money.”

“The system offers a number of business benefits. In a competitive world, managers need good quality information in order to negotiate confidently with their customers. By billing accurately, they stand a better chance of being paid promptly and without further time being wasted in dealing with queries. And if the fee charges are based on accurate estimates, this will ensure that ultimately, the business will achieve a sustainable level of profitability.”

The Chipdrive Time Recording System uses the latest smartcard technology to bring clocking-in and out, fully up to date. The system comprises several components, starting with the core time recording and reporting software which has to be installed onto a Windows PC.

The basic set includes a USB smartcard reader and a pack of 25 smartcards to go with it. The cards are used by employees to clock in and out. They simply insert them into a battery powered mobile time recorder, which can be either wall mounted or used as a portable hand-held device.

As users clock in and out, they can also key-in project and activity codes via a simple LCD. The transactions are then stored in the recorder module. A separate transport card is used to periodically collect the data and transfer it to the management PC where it can be analysed and used to generate reports.

Once the data has been collected, it can be used to generate a number of standard activity reports by employee, by group or by project. Flexi-time and carry-over hours can be handled and there is also an export tool enabling the information to transferred into Excel.

Originally developed in Germany, the CHIPDRIVE Time Recording System is now also available in France, Spain, the UK, Ireland and the United States. More information about CHIPDRIVE distributors and retailers can be found at http://www.chipdrive.co.uk.

About CHIPDRIVE® CHIPDRIVE® is a trademark of SCM Microsystems. The CHIPDRIVE product range offers small and medium-sized enterprises and individuals affordable, customized solutions for security, authentication, home banking and e-commerce. Secure card readers are based on industry standards and are ideal for providing user authentication and home banking. Smart card-based software solutions for applications such as network logon, encryption and time recording rounds off the range of CHIPDRIVE products. CHIPDRIVE stands for compatibility with industrial standards, easy handling and highest possible security. For more information, please visit http://www.chipdrive.net.

About SCM Microsystems SCM Microsystems is a leading supplier of solutions that open the Digital World by enabling people to conveniently access digital content and services. The company develops, markets and sells the industry’s broadest range of smart card reader technology for secure PC, network and physical access and digital media readers for transfer of digital content to OEM customers in the government, financial, enterprise, consumer electronics and photographic equipment markets worldwide. Global headquarters are in Ismaning, Germany. For additional information, visit the SCM Microsystems web site at http://www.scmmicro.com.