ZKTeco is one of the best-selling time clock brands, with a wide range: fingerprint terminals, face-recognition terminals (SpeedFace, MB families…), card readers, access controllers. That variety is an asset, but it makes the question “does it work with my software?” trickier than it looks.
Three ways to get ZKTeco punches
1. PUSH (ADMS) mode
On firmware that offers it, the terminal sends its events itself to a server whose address and port you configure (Communication menu, “Cloud server” or “ADMS”). The software does not have to query the terminal: punches arrive as they happen.
- Advantages: no periodic polling, punches received quickly, one setting on the terminal.
- Watch out for: the server (the software’s PC) needs a fixed address and must be reachable by the terminal; the PC’s firewall must allow the connection on the local network; the terminal’s clock must be right, because it timestamps the events.
2. USB export
Most ZKTeco terminals can export punches to a USB stick, often as an attlog.dat file. The software then imports the file.
- Advantages: works without a network, useful for an isolated site or to bring in history.
- Limits: a regular manual step; the columns after the number and time vary by firmware.
3. Proprietary protocol and SDK
Some software talks to terminals through a binary protocol (often on port 4370) or a Windows development kit supplied by the manufacturer. These methods expose more functions but rely on Windows-specific components and a non-public protocol.
What Atlaxys Tempo does with ZKTeco
We made cautious choices, and we state them:
| Method | In Tempo | Status |
|---|---|---|
| PUSH (ADMS) mode | Receives punches only | Experimental: written from the PUSH protocol format, tested in software, no real terminal tested |
| attlog.dat file | Imports number and time, preview, rejected lines with reasons | Implemented, not yet verified on real exports from several families |
| CSV file | Person / date-time import | Implemented |
| Binary protocol, Windows SDK | — | Not supported, on purpose |
In PUSH mode, Tempo accepts a connection only if both the serial number and the IP address match a registered terminal, requests attendance logs only, and never sends a command to the terminal. Details are on the ZKTeco page.
Before buying a ZKTeco terminal
- Check the firmware: is PUSH/ADMS mode available? If not, is USB export?
- Ask for a test with your software before buying in quantity.
- Plan a fixed address for the PC or server that will receive punches.
- Set the clock: the company’s time zone (in Morocco, GMT+0 without daylight saving since 20 September 2026) and synchronisation.
- Keep a fallback: if the network fails, USB export lets you recover punches.
If you do not have a terminal yet, compare with Tempo’s reference Hikvision terminal, and read our criteria for choosing a time clock.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know whether my ZKTeco terminal supports PUSH mode?
Look in the Communication menu for a 'Cloud server', 'ADMS' or 'Server settings' entry where you enter a server address and port. If it exists, the firmware probably supports PUSH mode; a test is still required.
Is Atlaxys Tempo compatible with ZKTeco?
Tempo can receive punches in PUSH mode (an experimental function, not yet tested on a real ZKTeco terminal) and import the USB attlog.dat file or a CSV. We run a test on your model before any commitment.
Written by the Atlaxys Consulting team from the product documentation and the sources cited.