Virtual TimeClock Knowledge Base
Virtual TimeClock Network Edition Overview
Virtual TimeClock Network Edition allows any number of computers to function as a single time clock. This means that the time clock can be accessed and managed anywhere on your computer network and even remotely over the Internet. To accomplish this unified functionality, Virtual TimeClock Network Edition uses a client-server based architecture. A non-technical explanation of how the Network Edition works is often helpful for new users. Click to learn more about the benefits of the Virtual TimeClock Network Edition and how you can utilize it in your company.
TimeClock Clients
Virtual TimeClock clients can be installed on any or all of your computers. A Virtual TimeClock client can function as one or more of the following:
Shared Group TimeClock
Examples would be in a break room or the entrance/exit of your business.
Individual TimeClock
Virtual TimeClock can be used individually when the client is installed on their user's personal computer or Windows Tablet.
Administrative TimeClock
Administrative clients are computers where the time clock system is managed or timecards are reviewed, and printed by a Virtual TimeClock manager, administrator or payroll person.
TimeClock Server
The Virtual TimeClock Server is installed on one computer. Its job is to centrally host and manage all of your data for all of your Virtual TimeClock clients. A Virtual TimeClock Server installation actually consists of two programs:
Virtual TimeClock Server
The server is a program that runs anytime the computer is turned on. It is a background service, meaning it does not have a user interface. The sole job of the TimeClock Server is to wait for TimeClock Client connections that need to access time clock information.
Virtual TimeClock Server Manager
The Server Manager is a helper application that is installed on the same computer as the TimeClock Server. It allows you to configure, manage and monitor the status of the Server running in the background.
- You install the TimeClock Server once for as many time clock clients as you want or need.
- If you install the TimeClock Server on a desktop operating system (OS), remember that there are concurrent connection limits enforced by the OS that can impact your client connections.
- The computer running the TimeClock Server must be turned on for any TimeClock Client to connect and operate.
- Power saving settings on the TimeClock Server computer must be disabled or clients will not be able to connect.
- You can connect computers remotely over the Internet by setting up a VPN or Port Forward. See our remote connectivity guide.
- The Server Manager does not require a client license.
- All of your time clock data is located on your TimeClock Server computer. Please perform regular data backups! Remember, we do not have your database if your TimeClock Server computer crashes or is stolen.
- The TimeClock Server requires few system resources so it will run on nearly any modern computer.
- The TimeClock Server does not normally need to run on a dedicated computer or even an official 'server' type operating system. The exception will be if you have a significant number of clients all connecting to the server at the same time.
- Do not use a laptop or tablet for a TimeClock Server. The file system and hard drive speeds of these devices are often quite slow and inadequate for a server.
- Never use a Terminal Server (or Citrix) for your TimeClock Server. The architecture of these systems will cause undesirable Virtual TimeClock performance and function.
- When using a Windows computer as a TimeClock Server, you must create firewall port exceptions in order for clients to connect.
- The TimeClock Server must have a static IP Address in order to be reliably and repeatedly found by the Virtual TimeClock Clients.
- 3rd party anti-virus software on your TimeClock Server will often prevent normal communications between the Server and clients. Adding a program exception to the anti-virus software for Virtual TimeClock allows the server to function properly.
