ACTAtek TimeSheet is a standalone solution providing time clocking to payslip, or the tool can be employed as part of the ACTAtek total solution, which includes ACTAtek2, an access control and time attendance system. There is a payroll integration version available as well that we did not test as part of our review.
The TimeSheet application loads on a Windows XP system. Today, only Windows XP is supported. We did have to load .NET Framework 2.0 on our workstation and Crystal Reports to satisfy the software requirements. Once we had our test system prepped, the software load ran quickly. The system discovered the USB-connected card reader and we began our testing. The documentation that was included on the CD did not cover the TimeSheet application or the card reader we were sent for our review. That being said, the interface was pretty intuitive and we were able to set up a test company, set up groups within that company, add employee type definitions and set up users. Although the user setup was a manual process, the software did allow us to enroll the smart card automatically once we had all the above set up and configured. We were able to revoke access from the console and the changes took effect right away.
Reporting used Crystal Reports and there were options for exporting data for use with other programs. All events were logged and stored centrally in a database. There was an optional camera option - that was not part of our review - that offers the ability to capture a picture of the individual providing the smart card to prevent cheating or unauthorized use of someone else's card.
Support includes 24/5 live online, telephone or email access and there is an online knowledge base. No upgraded support options are available.
This was a nice solution for providing automated time tracking at a reasonable price. There are updated versions (ACTAtek2) that deliver additional features, such as biometric or PIN-based access and Wi-Fi or GPRS access.
The TimeSheet application loads on a Windows XP system. Today, only Windows XP is supported. We did have to load .NET Framework 2.0 on our workstation and Crystal Reports to satisfy the software requirements. Once we had our test system prepped, the software load ran quickly. The system discovered the USB-connected card reader and we began our testing. The documentation that was included on the CD did not cover the TimeSheet application or the card reader we were sent for our review. That being said, the interface was pretty intuitive and we were able to set up a test company, set up groups within that company, add employee type definitions and set up users. Although the user setup was a manual process, the software did allow us to enroll the smart card automatically once we had all the above set up and configured. We were able to revoke access from the console and the changes took effect right away.
Reporting used Crystal Reports and there were options for exporting data for use with other programs. All events were logged and stored centrally in a database. There was an optional camera option - that was not part of our review - that offers the ability to capture a picture of the individual providing the smart card to prevent cheating or unauthorized use of someone else's card.
Support includes 24/5 live online, telephone or email access and there is an online knowledge base. No upgraded support options are available.
This was a nice solution for providing automated time tracking at a reasonable price. There are updated versions (ACTAtek2) that deliver additional features, such as biometric or PIN-based access and Wi-Fi or GPRS access.
