Fully integrated resource management

Access & Identity Management Handbook 2005 News & Events

SACO, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the JSE-listed Reunert group of companies is a provider of resource management, access control and RFID tracking solutions, from tags and tracers to readers and SmartMine applications.

The company was established in 1976 to address the problem of access control and time and attendance in South Africa's large mining industry. Although SACO systems is known as a comprehensive solution provider in the fields of access control and time and attendance, its major breakthrough was the local development of an RFID tracking system in the 1990s.

Through continual upgrading and development, the company now specialises in the middleware, which connects RFID readers to management information systems, offering consultation, installation, commissioning, training, outsourced operation and full after-sales support.

The company was an early adopter of RFID technology and its unique blend of South African engineering innovation in hardware and software has resulted in the complete solution being designed and developed in-house. SACO performs a full business process analysis, prior to advising clients on the appropriate technology to suit their needs. The company's track record includes successful major projects around the world.

Enterprise scalability

In keeping with SACO's approach to engineering flexible, tailor-made solutions, the company recently released the 'Enterprise Edition', which it maintains is the most comprehensive access control and time and attendance system available today. Using contactless smartcards (RFID read/write tags), it offers 100% read integrity and is a fully integrated modular resource management system. The Enterprise Edition is totally modular which allows the system to be configured to meet future needs.

The modules offered include: SACO-Access (access control), SACO-Time (time and attendance), SACO-Track (a high technology tracking system) and SACO monitor, the latter allowing integration with other security alarm systems including CCTV surveillance.

The Enterprise Edition is based on open database architecture (ODBC) running on Windows and can be seamlessly linked into payroll and other management databases. The following are some of the fundamentals of the system:

The database - this is a set of tables that can be created on Microsoft Windows SQL Server or Oracle, on Microsoft Windows NT Server or UNIX platform. All data, irrespective of its source, is stored in these tables. Once SACO Enterprise is set-up, the full power of the open database architecture, with the flexibility of the SACO enterprise is available to the user.

The main module - this is the application that inserts, updates, deletes and queries all data in the database with the exception of the configuration of the various clocking and alarm devices. Access to data and the ability to change the data is controlled at two levels:

The first level is the Database Engine, where the system administrator enables access and modification rights on SQL.

Once this has been done, access and update rights can be further controlled via the User Function feature in the main module.

Richards Bay Minerals has a SACO RFID access control solution
Richards Bay Minerals has a SACO RFID access control solution

Access control: SACO Enterprise provides a comprehensive set of parameters to control the movement of employees, contractors, visitors and vehicles. These parameters are entirely optional and if all restrictions are switched off, the only validation when clocking in is on the status of the badge. There are five different levels where movement restrictions can be applied:

* Globally in the System Options screen.

* When defining reader groups where global restrictions can be overridden.

* At department level.

* At employee level.

* At the time zones level.

The access control module also offers anti pass-back, visitor hosting and optional add-on features like video imaging for custom-made ID badges, cafeteria management, a point of sale system and fuel management.

A turnstile control point at RMB
A turnstile control point at RMB

Time and attendance: SACO Enterprise offers a comprehensive parameter driven time and attendance management system. It provides a powerful set of rules and calculations for the customer to calculate the split of hours and allowances for the payment of employees and/or contractors, and automatically links time worked to the payroll.

The system offers the customer a choice between fixed shift cycles or the use of shift sensing, where the system will select a shift from a set of shifts in the shift cycle. A post-dated transaction function is provided to enable scheduling of future transactions, ie, leave, department changes, shift changes, discharges etc. The Enterprise System provides realtime, accurate information and on-screen authorisation of exception clearances and reporting, thus enhancing a paperless environment.

Reports - The open database architecture provides seamless data exchange and allows customisation of reports. However, the Enterprise Edition also offers a set of existing reports including employee reports, contractor reports, vehicle reports and visitor reports. An automatic audit report provides a full log report on the system.

For more information contact Des Oliver, SACO Systems, 011 652 5320, [email protected]





Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

Hytera supports communication upgrade for Joburg
News & Events Infrastructure Government and Parastatal (Industry)
By equipping Johannesburg’s metro police and emergency services with multimode radios which integrate TETRA and LTE networks, Hytera is bridging coverage gaps and improving response times across the city.

Read more...
The global generative AI market surpassed $130 billion in 2024
News & Events AI & Data Analytics
According to a new research report from the IoT analyst firm, Berg Insight, the Generative AI (GenAI) market grew substantially in 2024, experiencing triple-digit growth rates in all three major segments: GenAI hardware, foundation models, and development platforms.

Read more...
Your Wi-Fi router is about to start watching you
News & Events Surveillance Security Services & Risk Management
Advanced algorithms are able to analyse your Wi-Fi signals and create a representation of your movements, turning your home's Wi-Fi into a motion detection and personal identification system.

Read more...
ProtecLink 2025: Ithegi Electronics supports a safer, smarter security ecosystem
News & Events
If you are a security buyer, operations lead, or technology partner, do not miss ProtecLink 2025, to be held in Polokwane on 16 September 2025, at the Polokwane Royal Hotel.

Read more...
IZI Group acquires G4S Cash Solutions South Africa
News & Events
IZI Africa, a sister company within the IZI Group, has acquired G4S Cash Solutions (SA) following the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals. This transaction marks a significant consolidation in the South African cash handling industry.

Read more...
Secutel maintains ISO certifications
News & Events Fire & Safety
Secutel Technologies has successfully recertified all four of its ISO standards, a reflection of its continued commitment to excellence, client trust, and operational integrity.

Read more...
SABRIC appoints Andre Wentzel as interim CEO
News & Events Financial (Industry) Associations
The South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC) has announced the appointment of Andre Wentzel as interim chief executive officer, effective immediately.

Read more...
Choicejacking bypasses smartphone charging security
News & Events Information Security
Choicejacking is a new cyberthreat that bypasses smartphone charging security defences to confirm, without the victim’s input or consent, that the victim wishes to connect in data-transfer mode.

Read more...
Paxton cuts emissions by over a third
Paxton News & Events
Paxton has announced a significant reduction in its carbon footprint, cutting emissions by 961 tonnes of CO2e in its 2023 second reporting year.

Read more...
Most wanted malware
News & Events Information Security
Check Point Software Technologies unveiled its Global Threat Index for June 2025, highlighting a surge in new and evolving threats. Eight African countries are among the most targeted as malware leaders AsyncRAT and FakeUpdates expand.

Read more...










While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd. | All Rights Reserved.