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There are numerous data collection hardware options – What is the best?

Oversight-Inc is not exclusive to any manufacturer, but we will make recommendations. Based on our experience, the following hardware criteria tend to be the most important:

  • Reliability
  • Cost
  • Ruggedness
  • Reparability (time and cost)
  • Ease of use (reader and download device)
  • Batteries (type and life)

Current Recommendation

Over the years we have tried a variety of media and data collection devices (DCD). As mentioned earlier we currently are recommending iButtons as the media, because of ruggedness, reliability, and cost.

Having chosen iButtons, the next question was to find an iButton DCD that was suitable for TempChecker. Since iButtons are so commonly used, there are a variety of different devices on the market. After a lot of trial and error, we recently found an iButton DCD that was focused solely on time and attendance – the M7000. This single device reads both Ins and OUTs, plus the device meets all the criteria mentioned above.

T&A device Uses only one step.

The latest T&A device. Uses only one step.

The device is securely mounted and placed at the entrance and exits used by Temps. Other devices are placed in the cost centers where the Temps are assigned to work. An example of the facility application is shown at the How It Works tab.

Another benefit of the devices is that they can be re-designated and moved from site to site in more mobile temporary employee situations such as construction, agriculture, and events.

The tremendous value of this recommendation is that it is hard to “screw it up”. It’s easy, reliable, and cost effective!

Clocking in using the M7000

Clocking in to Facility

Contract worker clocking into facility.

Clocking into cost center using the M7000

Clocking in to Cost Center/ Department

Contract worker clocking into Cost Center / Department.

Follow On Service

Oversight-Inc stands behind the hardware we recommend. We make sure that replacements are provided quickly and at no charge if it is within the manufacturer’s warranty. For some hardware we will maintain an on-site repair capability. Regardless, we work for our Clients in dealing with the manufacturer.Oversight-Inc’s goal is to make the entire process as easy and reliable as possible.

A minor cost and hassle issue relates to batteries, both type and life. We tend to prefer inexpensive and easy to procure batteries such as AA or AAA, rather than the more exotic (and expensive) camera like batteries. We also prefer simple devices that are very energy efficient.