Time recording RFID with Sanoplan
There are a few special considerations to keep in mind when installing a time recording system with an RFID reader. Below, you’ll learn how to implement RFID time recording with Sanoplan and what special features you need to pay attention to.
1. Tablet and power source
The tablet or mobile phone you use for time tracking with RFID readers is permanently connected to a power source and the RFID reader. However, since tablets usually only have a USB-C port, you’ll need a special USB hub or docking station to access both the power supply and the reader.
2. Choose the right tablet or smartphone
When choosing a tablet, please make sure you purchase one with an OTG (On The Go) USB port. Otherwise, you won’t be able to charge and read data simultaneously via the USB port. Most newer devices already have this capability, but this isn’t always the case with cheaper models. For example, the 3rd generation Lenovo Tab M10 meets all the requirements, but the same 2nd generation device lacks a USB port with OTG functionality.
3. Selecting a suitable USB hub
This also applies to the USB hub. This device must also be OTG-compatible and able to supply power and signals to the tablet simultaneously (PD or Power Delivery charging function). Suitable devices are available for around €15-20. Unfortunately, many manufacturers don’t specify this clearly, so some hubs only supply power to connected devices, not the tablet. For this reason, here are some devices that work:
- JSAUX USB C to USB OTG and Charging Adapter, 2 in 1 USB C Splitter with PD 60W Fast Charging
- MateDock 2, docking station + USB-C hub
- Acer USB-C HDMI Adapter Multiport with 4K HDMI, 3-in-1 Hub with PD 100W Charging Function
4. Selecting an RFID reader
As an RFID reader, you can use a reader that sends the signal via the USB output through the hub to the PC, tablet, or mobile phone (e.g., Neuftech USB 13.56 MHz contactless card reader 14443A protocol). These devices are available starting at around €15 if you’re looking for an affordable RFID solution. Please make sure the device can read the chips/tokens you require (e.g., Mifare), as there are different standards.
5. Connect the components
After you have acquired the devices, connect the hub to your tablet and the power adapter and RFID reader to the hub.
6. Setting up the software
In Sanoplan, go to the settings page and then to the employee page. There, you’ll find an RFID button in the top left corner that opens the website for reading. Please open this page/URL in the browser of your tablet to which the hub is connected and save it, ideally, to your home screen. This way, employees can easily access it without having to enter a password first.
7. Testing the RFID reader
Enter the chip/token number for the corresponding employee on the Sanoplan employee page. You can then test the RFID reader by holding the chip or token against it. If the chip is unknown, the number will be displayed so you can assign it to an employee in the settings. If the number is known, the employee’s time tracking page will open, showing their last four start and end times and their schedule for the next shifts.
8. Time recording
You can enter or correct the time using the Start or End buttons. Details on time tracking can be found in the relevant manual.
Learn more about time tracking for small businesses, with a special focus on costs, here