From Box to First Clock-In: A Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Your New Time Clock

Just received your new time clock? Great. This guide gets straight to the point. We'll walk you through the entire time clock setup, from opening the box to your team's first successful punch. Let's get your machine installed and running fast.

Start Your Time Clock Setup Right

A few minutes of prep saves you time and prevents headaches. Before you start drilling, let's make sure you have everything you need. The first step is to unbox your new machine and check the contents.

Unboxing Your New Time Clock

Find a clean, flat surface, like a desk or table, and open your time clock box. Lay out all the components and compare them against the Quick Start Guide.

Your Hardware and Accessory Checklist

While packages may vary by model, you should generally find these items:

• The Time Clock: The main unit.
• Power Adapter: The specific cord to power your machine (Recommended: 5V, 2A).
• Backplate (Mounting Bracket): A sturdy plate to attach the machine to the wall.
• Screws and Wall Anchors: Hardware to fix the backplate.
• Security Screw: A small, specific screw to lock the device to the backplate.
• Mounting Template Sticker: A guide for drilling holes accurately.
• User Manual/Quick Start Guide: Keep this handy.

Essential Tools for a Smooth Install

Gather these common tools before you begin your install time clock process.

• Power Drill
• Drill bits (matching the size of your wall anchors)
• Screwdriver (Phillips-head, and one for the security screw)
• Level (optional, but recommended for a professional look)

Find the Best Spot for Your Time Clock

Where you install time clock hardware is key. A bad spot causes connection drops or inconvenient pile-ups.

Here’s what to look for in a good location:

1. Accessibility: Place the clock in a high-traffic area everyone passes, like the main entrance, shop floor entry, or break room door. Choosing the right location is a key part of an effective employee time tracking strategy.
2. Mounting Height: The included manual recommends a standard mounting height. You will use the template sticker to set the correct position.
3. Power Source: Your chosen spot must be near a standard wall outlet.
4. Internet Connection: This is crucial. Your NGTeco machine supports Ethernet and 2.4GHz Wi-Fi.
   1. For WiFi: Check that your phone shows a strong, stable 2.4GHz signal in that exact spot.
   2. For Ethernet: The location must be near an active network port (Ethernet jack).

Your Guide to Wall Mount Time Clock Installation

With your location chosen, it's time for the physical installation. This time clock setup guide is based on the standard NGTeco mounting process.

How to Mount the Backplate and Device

This process is precise and ensures your device is secure.

1. Position the Template: Attach the mounting template sticker to the wall in your chosen location. Use a level to ensure it's straight. The template will indicate the correct height (e.g., a "Baseline" 1.1m from the floor).
2. Drill Holes: Drill the holes as indicated on the template.
3. Fix the Backplate: Remove the sticker. If using wall anchors, insert them now. Fix the backplate to the wall using the mounting screws.
4. Feed the Wires: Pass your power cable and Ethernet cable (if using) through the wiring hole in the center of the backplate.
5. Connect the Wires: Connect the power and network cables to the ports on the back of the time clock unit.
6. Mount the Device: Attach the time clock to the backplate, usually by hooking the top edge first and swinging the bottom down until it clicks.
7. Secure the Device: Insert the small security screw into the hole on the bottom of the device to lock it firmly to the backplate. This prevents easy removal or theft.

Connect to Power

Once the device is locked in place and plugged into the wall outlet, it will power on. The recommended AC adapter is 5V, 2A. If you need to share power with other devices, use an AC adapter with a higher current rating.

Get Your New Time Clock Connected Online

Your clock is on the wall and powered on. The screen will welcome you and show options to configure the network. This is how to set up a new time clock to get it online.

Using a Wired Ethernet Connection

This is the simplest and most stable method.

1. Ensure the Ethernet cable is plugged into the device and an active network jack.
2. On the device's main screen, select [Ethernet].
3. If your office network has DHCP enabled (most do), the device will automatically get an IP address. You are done.
4. If not, you will need to manually enter the IP address, subnet mask, and gateway details (get these from your IT administrator), then press [M/OK].

Connecting to Your WiFi Network

This gives you more flexibility on placement.

1. On the device, navigate to [Wi-Fi Settings].
2. Turn the Wi-Fi switch "on".
3. The machine will scan for networks. Find and select your business's 2.4GHz network (5GHz networks are not supported).
4. You will be prompted to enter your WiFi password. Press the < or > keys to activate T9 mode for easier typing.
5. Select 'Connect' and press [M/OK] (the confirmation button).

The Final Steps in Your Time Clock Software Setup

The hardware is done. Now you must link your machine to the NGTeco Office cloud software. This is how you'll view punch data and manage employees. This process uses the device's Serial Number, not a QR code.

Step 1: Create Your NGTeco Office Account

1. On your computer, open a web browser and go to https://office.ngteco.com/.
2. Click [Sign up] to create a new account with your email.
3. Log in with your new account. You will be prompted to create your Organization and a [Site] (e.g., "Main Office") in the [Organization Management] module.

Step 2: Add Your Time Clock to the Software

1. In your NGTeco Office dashboard, go to the [Device Management] module.
2. Click the [Add] button to add a new device.

Step 3: Bind the Device Using the Serial Number (SN)

1. The software will ask for the device's Serial Number (SN).
2. You can find this SN in two places:
   1. On the barcode sticker on the back of the time clock itself.
   2. On the device's screen: Navigate to [System] > [Device Info] > [Serial Number].
3. Type this SN code into the prompt in NGTeco Office and confirm.

Step 4: Confirm the Connection

There may be a short delay. After the device gives a voice prompt (like "Connected"), refresh the [Device Management] page. You should see your device's status change to "Online".

How to Add Employees to the Time Clock System

For the best results, you should create employee profiles in the software first, and then register their credentials (fingerprint/face) on the machine. This process is central to leveraging the power of biometric security for your business.

Step 1: Create Employee Profiles in the Software

1. On your NGTeco Office computer dashboard, go to [Organization Management] > [Person].
2. Click the 'Add icon' to add a new person.
3. Fill in the employee's information (First Name, Last Name, Employee ID) and click [Confirm].
4. (Recommended) You can also go to [Attendance] > [Shift Schedule] to assign this new person to a work schedule.
5. Finally, go to [Device Management] and click 'Sync Person' to send the new employee profiles to your time clock.

Step 2: Register Credentials on the Device

Now that the employee's profile is on the clock, you just need to link their fingerprint or face.

1. On the time clock machine, press [M/OK] to enter the menu.
2. Navigate to [Users] > [All Users].
3. Find and select the new employee you just synced (e.g., "Jane Doe").
4. Select 'Edit'.
5. Navigate down to 'Fingerprint' or 'Face' and press [M/OK].
6. Follow the on-screen prompts to register.
   1. For Fingerprints: Place the finger flat and centered. You will be asked to place and lift the same finger three times to get a high-quality scan.
   2. For Face: The recommended distance is 0.3 to 2.5 meters. The user should be within a height range of 1.55m to 1.85m and may need to move slightly to get a good capture.

Run One Final Test Before Your Team Clocks In

You're all set! Before you announce the new time clock at work, run one quick test.

1. Punch In: Use your own registered credential (fingerprint, face, or card) to clock in.
2. Wait One Minute: Give the machine time to sync.
3. Punch Out: Clock out just as you clocked in.
4. Check the Software: Log in to your NGTeco Office dashboard. Go to [Attendance] > [Timecard Management].

You should see your "in" and "out" punches recorded accurately against your name. If you see them, your installation is a complete success.

You're All Set! Your Time Clock is Ready.

That's it! You have successfully completed this time clock installation guide, moving from a sealed box to a fully operational attendance machine. Your new time clock is now ready to help you accurately track employee hours and bring a new level of efficiency to your workplace.

Improve Your Workplace Efficiency Today

A successful time clock setup is the first step toward smarter employee management. Your NGTeco machine is now ready to help you accurately track employee hours, simplify attendance, and give you back valuable time. You can now focus on growing your business while your clock handles the attendance.