Differences between HandPunch models
There are 4 basic HandPunch models: HP1000, HP2000, HP3000 and HP4000. If models are network enabled, then there is a letter ‘E’ at the end: HP1000E, HP2000E, HP3000E and HP4000E. I will point out the main differences between HandPunch models to help you choose the right one for you.
Difference 1: Access Control Option
HP1000 and HP2000 do not have Access Control function. This means you can only use them for Time and Attendance control purposes and not for Access Control (e.g. to open doors).
Difference 2: Network, TCP/IP or Ethernet Option
All models can come with network cards. You might come across two types of network cards. First one is the original, made by Ingersoll Rand. This card is connected to a board and you can configure it through the HandPunch unit itself. If you bought HP3000 and HP4000 without a network card, you can buy it at a later time and install it yourself. HP1000 or HP2000, on the other hand, cannot be upgraded at a later time: you must buy it with network card built-in.
Some companies that resell HandPunch readers use a cheaper version of the network card, which is actually a Serial-To-Network converter. It could be an external device such as LS100 by SENA or a smaller version which can be hidden inside the HandPunch cover. In such cases, it will have an additional power supply, so you will have two power cables coming out the HandPunch unit. The advantage of these network cards is that they are cheaper and you can buy them at a later time. They would be compatible with all HandPunch models. The downside is that you have two power supplies and you cannot configure it through the HandPunch menu: you will have to program these cards using a computer.
Difference 3: Number of Users
Each device supports various numbers of users. HP1000 by default holds up to 50 users, but it can be upgraded to 100 or 512 users. This model is a good choice if you currently have less than 50 employees and can be upgraded in the future should your company expand. Upgrading to a larger number of users is very easy: once you buy the upgrade, you will get a code which you simply input into the reader (all the hardware is there already). There is one exception, if you get HP1000E, then it comes with 100 employees and you cannot upgrade it in the future. HP2000 or HP2000E comes with 512 employees and you also cannot upgrade it in the future. HP3000 and HP4000 both support up to 512 employees. HP3000 can be upgraded to 9,728 or 32,512 employees and HP4000 can be upgraded to 3,498 employees. So if you have or anticipate having more than 512 employees, you have to go with HP3000 or HP4000 even if you need it just for Time and Attendance purposes.
Difference 4: Transaction Storage
When users register, there is a log created in the HandPunch memory which contains employee’s number and the time they punched in. These logs are stored until you download them to a computer. HP1000, HP2000 and HP3000 can store up to 5,120 logs, but HP4000 can store up to 7,680 logs. If you are planning to use HandPunch for Time and Attendance control purposes, then you need to consider how often you will download logs from the reader. If you install HandPunch at a remote location and download logs occasionally, you need to calculate if there is going to be enough space to keep all logs. For example, if you have 100 employees and everyone is punching in or out 4 times per day, it would add up to 400 logs per day. For a 5 day work week, you have 2,000 logs. You have to make sure to download logs from this HandPunch unit at least once every two weeks; otherwise, you will start losing data. Of course, if you have a Time and Attendance software which automatically downloads logs from the HandPunch unit on regular basis, then you do not need to worry about it.
Difference 5: Barcode Scanner
HP4000 comes with built-in barcode scanner. You can program employee’s ID into a barcode on the card and instead of employee punching in their employee ID, they would simply swipe the card. This feature is very useful if you have large number of employees clocking in or out at the same time, especially if employee IDs are long.
Difference 6: Employee’s Name displayed
Only HP4000 has function to display employees’ names on the display after they punch in. There is no way to program employees’ names through HandPunch menu, so you will have to use a software to do this.
Difference 7: Bell Signal Output
HP3000 and HP4000 have bell signal output. If you have a bell which signals employees when they need to begin or end work, then you can program it through HandPunch and HandPunch will send signal to the bell to ring.
Click here to see a coparison table for all HandPunch models.