Hardware Guide

This guide covers which hardware is needed for each punch method, what specifications to look for, recommended brands and models, and step-by-step registration in MAttendance.

---

1. Do You Need Hardware?

Several punch methods require no hardware at all — just the mobile app or a browser:

The following methods do require hardware:

---

2. Fingerprint / Face Terminals

Use fingerprint or face terminals for the highest level of fraud prevention. Best for manufacturing plants, warehouses, hospitals, and schools where buddy-punching is a concern.

Requirements

Recommended Models

Network Setup

• Connect the terminal to your office LAN (wired Ethernet preferred).
• Assign the terminal a static IP address so MAttendance can always find it.
• Default port: 4370 (ZKTeco). Confirm in the terminal's network settings.
• MAttendance server must be able to reach the terminal's IP.

---

3. WiFi Routers

You almost certainly already have a WiFi router in your office. WiFi punch uses your existing router — you just register its MAC address. No new hardware required.

How to Find Your Router's MAC Address

• Label on device: Look at the back or bottom of the router for a label showing "MAC", "BSSID", or "Wireless MAC". Format: E8:48:B8:C2:57:05
• Router admin panel: Open 192.168.1.1 in a browser → login → look under Wireless Settings or Status.
• Android (while connected): Settings → WiFi → [Network name] → shows BSSID (MAC address).

Multiple Access Points

If you have multiple WiFi access points, register each one's MAC address separately in MAttendance. This ensures employees can punch from anywhere in the building.

---

4. Bluetooth Beacons

Use BLE beacons for proximity-based verification without GPS — useful indoors where GPS is weak. Good for retail stores, co-working spaces, multi-floor offices.

Requirements

Recommended Models

Placement Tips

• Place beacons at or near the entrance/exit of each office area.
• Mount at 1.5–2 meters height for best coverage.
• Keep away from metal surfaces (walls, cabinets).
• One beacon per floor or zone is typically sufficient.

---

5. NFC Tags

NFC tags are the cheapest physical hardware option. A small sticker costs under ₹50 (<$1) and lasts for years. Ideal for small offices that want a simple tap-to-punch experience.

Requirements

Reading a Tag's UID

1. Install NFC Tools app (Android, free) on any NFC-enabled phone.
2. Tap the phone against the tag.
3. The app shows the tag's UID (e.g., 04:A2:B3:C4:D5:E6:F7).
4. Note this UID — you will enter it when registering the tag in MAttendance.

Placement

• Stick to a fixed surface at the entrance (desk, wall, door frame, or dedicated clock-in post).
• Cover with a clear protective sticker for durability.
• Position where employees naturally pass — not in a hard-to-reach spot.

---

6. Hardware Selection by Organization Type

---

7. Registering Each Hardware Type in MAttendance

Biometric Machine

1. Connect to LAN and assign a static IP (e.g., 192.168.1.50).
2. Go to Settings → Biometric Machines → Add Machine.
3. Enter: Machine Name, IP Address, Port (4370), Username, Password, Office.
4. Save. Then go to Enrollments → Add Enrollment for each employee — enter their Machine User ID and link to the employee record.
5. Sync: wait for automatic polling, or go to [Machine] → Import CSV.

WiFi Router

1. Go to Settings → WiFi Routers → Add Router.
2. Enter: Name, MAC Address (e.g., E8:48:B8:C2:57:05), SSID (optional), Office.
3. Save.

Bluetooth Beacon

1. Power on the beacon and read its UUID/Major/Minor using the manufacturer's app.
2. Go to Settings → Bluetooth Beacons → Add Beacon.
3. Enter: Name, UUID, Major, Minor, Office. Save.
4. Place the beacon at the intended location.

NFC Tag

1. Read the tag's UID using NFC Tools app.
2. Go to Settings → NFC Tags → Add Tag.
3. Enter: Name, Tag UID, Office. Save.
4. Affix the tag at the entrance or clock-in location.