FAQ

• Download BioTime Software:
• • - Visit the ZKteco official website or the support portal to download the latest version of BioTime software.
• Extract the Downloaded Files:
• • - Once downloaded, extract the files from the compressed folder to a location on your computer.
• Run the Installer:
• • - Navigate to the extracted folder and find the

    setup.exe 

    or

    installer.exe

    file.
  • - Right-click on the file and select "Run as administrator" to start the installation process.
• Follow the Installation Wizard:
• • - Welcome Screen: Click 'Next' on the welcome screen.
  • - License Agreement: Read and accept the license agreement, then click 'Next'.
  • - Choose Installation Location: Select the folder where you want to install BioTime or accept the default location, then click 'Next'.
  • - Database Configuration: Enter the required database details (server, username, password) for MySQL or SQL Server.
  • • - For MySQL, ensure you have the correct hostname (usually localhost if the database is on the same machine).
    • - Create a new database or use an existing one for BioTime.
  • - Ready to Install: Review your settings and click 'Install' to begin the installation.
• Complete Installation:
• • - The installer will copy files and configure the software. This may take a few minutes.
  • - Once completed, click 'Finish' to exit the installation wizard.
• Initial Setup:
• • - Launch BioTime by double-clicking the desktop icon or finding it in your Start Menu.
  • - On first run, you will be prompted to configure the initial settings such as the company name, admin account, and other preferences.
  • - Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
• Connect Biometric Devices:
• • - Connect your ZKteco biometric devices to the computer.
  • - Go to the BioTime software and add these devices under the device management section.
• User and Attendance Configuration:
• • - Set up employee profiles and configure attendance rules as per your company's policy.

• Ensure all prerequisite software (like .NET Framework and SQL Server) is installed and updated.
• If you encounter issues with the database connection, verify the database service is running and the credentials are correct.
• Consult the BioTime user manual or support documentation for specific configuration details

Here?s a basic example using Python and Twilio API:

• Prerequisites: - Install Python and required libraries:

                                bash
                                Copy code
                                pip install requests twilio
  
                              

• Sample Code:

      python
      Copy code
      import requests
      from twilio.rest import Client
  
      # BioTime API credentials
      biotime_api_url = 'http://your_biotime_server/api/attendance/punches'
      biotime_api_key = 'YOUR_BIOTIME_API_KEY'
  
      # Twilio credentials
      twilio_account_sid = 'YOUR_TWILIO_ACCOUNT_SID'
      twilio_auth_token = 'YOUR_TWILIO_AUTH_TOKEN'
      twilio_whatsapp_number = 'whatsapp:+14155238886'
  
      # Employee phone numbers mapping
      employee_phone_numbers = {
      'employee_id_1': 'whatsapp:+1234567890',
      'employee_id_2': 'whatsapp:+0987654321',
      # Add all employees
      }
  
      def get_punch_data():
          headers = {'Authorization': f'Bearer {biotime_api_key}'}
          response = requests.get(biotime_api_url, headers=headers)
          return response.json()
  
      def send_whatsapp_message(to, message):
          client = Client(twilio_account_sid, twilio_auth_token)
          client.messages.create(
              body=message,
              from_=twilio_whatsapp_number,
              to=to
          )
  
      def main():
          punch_data = get_punch_data()
          for punch in punch_data:
              employee_id = punch['employee_id']
              punch_time = punch['punch_time']
              punch_type = punch['punch_type']  # in or out
              phone_number = employee_phone_numbers.get(employee_id)
              
              if phone_number:
                  message = f"Hello, you have punched {'in' if punch_type == 'in' else 'out'} at {punch_time}."
                  send_whatsapp_message(phone_number, message)
  
      if __name__ == '__main__':
          main()
  
                            

• Replace placeholders: Insert your actual BioTime API URL, API key, Twilio account SID, auth token, and Twilio WhatsApp number.
• Mapping employee IDs: Map employee IDs from BioTime to their WhatsApp numbers in

  employee_phone_numbers.

• Run the Middleware: Execute the script to start listening for punch events and sending WhatsApp messages.

• Deploy this middleware application on a server that can run it continuously or set it up as a scheduled task (e.g., cron job) to check for new punch events periodically.