Tensor.NET - Software Modification Card Reader Keyboard Wedge

Tensor.NET - Software Modification Card Reader Keyboard Wedge

A recent modification has received further enhancements in the card reader keyboard wedge. In this version, new changes are made to Tensor.NET so ERP login credentials can be used with the application. Employees are then able to scan their HID card onto a Card Reader to bypass the standard Tensor.NET Login screen.

System Requirements

These modifications are available when these system components are installed:

• Version 4.5.1.30 or above of Tensor.NET
• A valid customer-specific Tensor.NET serial number activated for Time & Attendance or AccessControl
• Version 4.5.1.30 CardReaderKBWedgeService.exe and supporting files (see TechnicalInformation)
• A USB HID Card Reader, Tensor part codeOMNIREAD-H

Installation Overview

Follow these steps to install and configure the card reader service:

• Upgrade Tensor.NET – Tensor.NET must be upgraded to version 4.5.1.30 and a new User Options setting must be activated.
• Install the Card Reader Service – the USB card reader with its drivers should be installed on client PCs. Next, the Tensor Card Reader KBWedge Service itself can be installed and initialised. The Tensor Service Monitor may also be installed to view reader activity.

Upgrade Tensor.NET

To upgrade to version 4.5.1.30 of Tensor.NET, retrieve the correct version setup kits from your assigned Tensor Engineer.

• The process of installation is to install the Server kit first and then once complete, you must then install the Client installation.
• Launch the Tensor.NET Server installation Kit and follow the wizard instructions to install the software. Note, you may be requested to use the Add Remove Programs feature to remove the existing copy of Tensor.NET before the upgrade can be installed.
• This procedure does not remove any system data.
• Follow the on-screen prompts to install both packages. For further information on this procedure, please refer to the installation guide, or contact Tensor Support for assistance.

Support details can be accessed by clicking here

Install the Card Reader Service

to install the card reader, you must change the .xml file first and do not run the CardReaderKBWedgeService.exe. Then, extract or copy the required files to the Tensor.NET Custom Services folder, and rename the folder to 'Tensor.NET Card REader KBWedge Service'.

Ensure the ‘CardReaderKBWedgeService.xml’ is added to the same folder. Open the file in notepad and ensure the following settings are entered.

See the picture overview above for easier navigation.

• Change the <ReaderTypeName> value toUSBHIDReader.
• Change the <KeyDataFormat> value to 6 forLDAPKey
• Change the <ResetCacheInterval> value to1.
• Change the <ResetLastCardInterval> value to5.
• Save the changes.

Authentication Service Configuration Application

To do the authentication, there are several steps that you need to do.

• Browse to the location where the ‘Authentication Service Config App’ is located, typically C:\Program Files (x86)\Tensor plc
• Open the application and login
• Select the ‘Application Database Pools’ tab and select your database pool from the dropdown, as shown here below

Then, select the ‘Edit’ option and expand the ‘Windows Service’ option to reveal the ‘Card Reader Keyboard Wedge Service’ option as shown below. Enable this service by ticking and select the OK option to save the settings.

Next, select the ‘Registered Clients’ tab and ensure your machine name is selected from the dropdown menu. Also, select your Application Pool from the dropdown menu

Finally, select your User from the drop-down menu. Ensure that the ‘Card Reader Keyboard Wedge Service’ displays the correct version.

Once the above steps have been completed, you can now connect a USB HID scanner to the system.

Configuration

Enable User Option Features

The next task is to activate the new MiscText feature.

Navigate to the User Options application and login you’re your credentials. Navigate to Service Settings -> Custom Configuration, a new ‘Use MiscText for Keyboard Wedge Service’ option is now available as shown here.

Click the enable option and select OK.

Enabling Label Edits

The next step is to ensure you are able to edit the text fields.

In Tensor.NET, navigate to Configuration àUsers and open the user account to view your record. Ensure the ‘May Edit Labels’ option is ticked as shown here.

Next, login to the User Options application and navigate to the Environmental-> Screen Defaults / Behaviour -> Employee ->Misc Text.

Users with the correct permissions are able to edit any of the listed 10 Misc fields.

When using the Keyboard Wedge Service, Misc1 is reserved for Username and Misc2 is reserved for password, edit the text field labels to reflect this.

Starting the Keyboard Wedge Service & Logging IN

Navigate to the Tensor “CardReaderKBWedgeService.exe” (Previously added to the C:\Program Files (x86)\Tensor plc\Tensor.NET Custom Services folder)

Run the file and have it minimised to the taskbar tray.

Login to Tensor.NET and navigate to the Employees screen and open a record, ensure the employee has an assigned HID card and then select the ‘Miscellaneous’ option as shown below.

Misc. Text 1 is the username followed by ‘@’, so it should appear as: Username@ Misc. Text 2 is the password followed by ‘~’ so it should appear as: Password~

Save the settings and then exit the Tensor.NET application.

Relaunch Tensor.NET, if you have ‘Trusted’ enabled select ‘Sign in as Other User’.

Ensure the Login screen is ‘Active’ i.e that is selected and open then scan a card on the HID Card Reader, the entered credentials should autofill the Username and password as shown here and log in automatically to Tensor.NET.

Technical Information

Below you can find the information on the Keyboard Wedge File Requirements

Further help and support is available, you can access the full Administrator manuals by going to your start menu ‘Program Files’ Tensor plc’ ‘Tensor.NET ‘PDF Manuals’

You can also use the help functions within the software. These are found on the system toolbar ‘Help’ Selecting the ‘Contents’ from this menu will allow you to navigate a FAQ section.

Further help and support can be obtained by emailing or telephoning the Tensor Helpdesk. Tensor provides a support line for all queries relating to the Tensor System, and they can be contacted at 01480 215530 or by email on helpdesk@tensor.co.uk