The latest release from Saco Systems is the 'Enterprise Edition' which is a comprehensive access control and time and attendance system. The Enterprise Edition is totally modular and this allows the system to be configured to present and future needs. Furthermore, it is based on open database architecture (ODBC) running under Windows and can be seamlessly linked into payroll and other management databases.
The Enterprise Edition is a powerful set of tools enabling one to effectively manage one's site, personnel, contractors, visitors and assets. The system performs all the tasks required of an access control, time and attendance, alarm monitoring and distribution management system.
The following are some of the fundamentals of the system:
The database
The database is a set of tables that can be created on Microsoft SQL Server or Oracle under Microsoft Windows NT Server or UNIX. All data, irrespective of its source, is stored in these tables. Once Enterprise is set up, the full power of the Open Database architecture together with the flexibility of the Enterprise is available to enable the user to generate his own ad hoc queries and reports.
The main module
The main module 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 the 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 or Oracle.
Once this has been done, access and update rights can be further controlled via the user function feature in the main module.
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 is on the status of the badge.
An important factor is that there are five levels where movement restrictions can be applied. These levels are:
Globally in the system options screen, when defining reader groups where global restrictions can be overridden, the department level, the employee level and the time zones level.
The access control module also offers anti-passback, 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.
Time and attendance
Saco Enterprise offers a complete and 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 by the user. However, the Enterprise Edition offers a set of reports including employee reports, security reports, contractor reports, vehicle reports and visitor reports. An automatic audit report provides a full log report of errors on the system.
Turnkey solutions
Saco Systems with its unique blend of South African engineering innovation in hardware, including biometric verification and software, intends to remain at the forefront of resource management systems in which virtually the complete solution has been designed and developed locally. The company will also continue with its successful formula of offering its customers a true turnkey solution, something that has seen it win a number of large contracts both nationally and internationally.
For further details contact Richard Dinkelmann, Saco Systems on tel: (011) 652 5555, e-mail: rwd@saco.co.za
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