Choosing a time clock is not just choosing between face and fingerprint. For a small business, the right terminal is the one your software reads reliably, that stays on time, and that employees use without queuing. Here are the criteria in the order we check them.
1. Software compatibility first
This criterion rules out the most devices and is the most often forgotten. An excellent terminal your software cannot read sends you back to manual exports. Check:
- the exact model and firmware version tested by the software vendor;
- the link method: does the software query the terminal on the local network, does the terminal push its events, or do you need a USB stick?
- what the software does beyond reading punches: enrolling employees, checking the clock, flagging unrecognised events.
For Atlaxys Tempo, the reference terminal is the Hikvision DS-K1T321MFWX; our compatibility matrix states for every other case what is verified, tested in software or experimental.
2. Identification method
- Face recognition: contactless, fast, nothing to lose. Check the capacity (number of faces) and the lighting at the location.
- Fingerprint: common and affordable, less suited to worn, dirty or gloved hands (workshops, kitchens, construction).
- Card: simple, no biometric data, but cards get lent and lost.
A terminal that combines several methods leaves the choice open and lets you offer an alternative to biometrics. See how a biometric attendance system works.
3. Capacity and throughput
Look at two numbers:
- the advertised capacity (faces, fingerprints, cards, stored events) against your headcount and its growth;
- throughput at shift change: if 40 people arrive at once, one terminal creates a queue.
For example, the DS-K1T321MFWX advertises a library of 500 faces; beyond that, you need several terminals.
4. Network and location
- Cable preferably; Wi-Fi is possible if the signal is good at the exact spot.
- Fixed IP address (or DHCP reservation): software that queries the terminal must always find it at the same address.
- Stable power, protection from rain and direct sun for an outdoor terminal.
- No mandatory cloud if your software reads the terminal locally: disable unused online services.
5. The clock
A terminal running five minutes fast turns punctual arrivals into lateness. Require:
- NTP time synchronisation;
- a correct time zone: in Morocco, GMT+0 without daylight saving since 20 September 2026;
- software that warns you when the terminal’s clock or time zone does not match.
6. Device security
- Change the factory administrator password, with a different password per terminal.
- Disable unused services (cloud access, SSH).
- Check the tamper switch once the device is mounted.
Summary
| Criterion | Question to ask |
|---|---|
| Software | Is this model and firmware tested? Through which link? |
| Identification | Face, fingerprint, card: which ones, and what alternative? |
| Capacity | How many faces/fingerprints/events? |
| Throughput | How many people at shift change? |
| Network | Cable, fixed IP, no mandatory cloud? |
| Clock | NTP, GMT+0 without DST in Morocco? |
If you are hesitating between two models, send us their references before buying: we will tell you what is verified with Tempo. Brand specifics are covered for Hikvision and ZKTeco.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Wi-Fi terminal good enough?
Wi-Fi works, but a cable is more stable for a fixed device that must stay reachable all day. If you use Wi-Fi, check the signal at the exact location.
How many terminals do we need?
Usually one per entrance used by staff. At shift change, count how many people punch at the same time: a queue makes people forget to punch.
Written by the Atlaxys Consulting team from the product documentation and the sources cited.