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THE SHORT ANSWER TCMSV3 Standalone: On-premise, single PC. Included with many FingerTec devices sold by Nexus; check the product page. Best for small to medium teams. TCMSV3 MySQL: On-premise, server installation. Allows up to five users to access the system at the same time. Separate purchase. Ingress: On-premise, for devices that handle both time and attendance and door access control. Separate purchase. TimeTec TA + TimeTec Profile: Cloud-based. Access your data from anywhere, any device. Subscription per user. Works with compatible FingerTec devices. |
Buying a FingerTec device is straightforward. Choosing the right software to go with it is where people sometimes get stuck.
The honest reason is that FingerTec offers several software options and each one is built for a different situation. Pick the right one and the system works exactly as it should. Pick the wrong one and you might end up with software that does not quite fit how your business runs.
This guide breaks down each option clearly. What it is, what it does, which devices it works with, and exactly which type of business it suits.
The Four Software Options at a Glance
FingerTec software splits into two broad categories.
On-premise software runs on your office Windows PC or server.
TimeTec Cloud software runs in a browser and can be accessed from anywhere.
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On-premise: TCMSV3 Standalone, TCMSV3 MySQL, and Ingress. Data lives on your hardware. No internet required for daily use. You manage your own backups. |
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Cloud: TimeTec TA and TimeTec Profile. Data stored securely online. Access from any device, anywhere. Subscription cost per user per month. |
TCMSV3 Standalone
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ON-PREMISE | TIME AND ATTENDANCE TCMSV3 Standalone Installed on a single Windows PC. One user accesses the system at a time. • Centrally manages attendance data from all connected FingerTec biometric and RFID devices • Supports flexible scheduling including regular hours, overnight shifts, rotating shifts, and multiple daily shifts • Full leave and holiday management tied to daily attendance data • Manages breaks and meal times with automatic rules • Tracks overtime and generates reports for payroll export • Data syncs to connected devices immediately after any changes • Included free with most FingerTec time and attendance devices Compatible devices sold at Nexus Biometric: • FingerTec TA500 • FingerTec TA700W • FingerTec Face ID4 • FingerTec R3 |
Best suited to: Small to medium businesses where one person manages attendance from a single office computer. If your team is under 100 people and you only need one person to access the software, TCMSV3 Standalone covers everything you need at no extra cost.
The limitation: Only one user can access the system at a time, and only from the PC it is installed on. If you have multiple managers who need access simultaneously, or if you need to check data from another location, you will want to look at TCMSV3 MySQL or TimeTec TA instead.
TCMSV3 MySQL
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ON-PREMISE | TIME AND ATTENDANCE | MULTI-USER TCMSV3 MySQL Server installation with client access for up to five users simultaneously. • All the same features as TCMSV3 Standalone for scheduling, leave, overtime, and reporting • Installed on a central Windows server rather than a single desktop PC • Up to five client users, including the administrator, can connect and access the system at the same time • Each user can be assigned defined roles and responsibilities within the system • Ideal for organisations where HR, payroll, and department managers all need their own access • Separate software purchase, not included free with devices Compatible devices sold at Nexus Biometric: • FingerTec TA500 • FingerTec Face ID4 • FingerTec Face ID5 |
Best suited to: Medium to larger organisations where multiple staff need access to attendance data at the same time. For example, an HR manager, a payroll officer, and a department manager all needing to view or edit records simultaneously. You need a Windows server to run it on, but the benefit is a fully centralised, multi-user system that stays entirely within your own infrastructure.
The limitation: Like TCMSV3 Standalone, all data sits on your server. There is no remote access from outside the office network and no automatic payroll integration. You export data and import it to your payroll software manually.
Ingress Software
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ON-PREMISE | TIME AND ATTENDANCE + DOOR ACCESS CONTROL Ingress Designed for FingerTec devices that handle both time tracking and physical door access control. • Manages access control and time attendance in a single unified system • Define and manage access rights for individuals or groups • Set up access zones, time schedules, and permissions to restrict entry to specific areas • Real-time monitoring of access events with instant alerts for unauthorised attempts • Advanced security features including interlocking, anti-passback, and fire alarm linkage • View live access events, monitor access logs, and generate detailed reports • Works with the Ingressus Controller for full door control capability • Separate software purchase, not included free with devices Compatible devices sold at Nexus Biometric: • FingerTec R3 (fingerprint, time and attendance plus door access) • FingerTec H2i (fingerprint plus RFID door access) • FingerTec Ingressus IV (four-door controller) |
Best suited to: Businesses that need both time and attendance tracking and physical security in one system. If you want to know not just when staff are at work but also control which staff can enter which areas of your building, Ingress is the right software. Warehouses with restricted zones, offices with server rooms, or any facility where access control is as important as attendance tracking.
The limitation: Ingress is an on-premise system like TCMSV3 My SQL. No cloud access, no remote visibility, no automatic payroll integration. It is also specifically designed for access control capable devices.
TimeTec TA and TimeTec Profile
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CLOUD | TIME AND ATTENDANCE | SUBSCRIPTION TimeTec TA Cloud-based time and attendance management. Access from any browser, anywhere in the world. • Data stored securely in the cloud, accessible from any device with an internet connection • Mobile app available so employees can clock in and out directly from their smartphone • Web clocking available through a PC browser as an alternative to a physical device • Multi-level administrator access so different managers can have different levels of visibility • Multi-location management from a single dashboard, from headquarters down to individual departments • Automated scheduling, roster management, and overtime tracking • Eliminates unplanned overtime and helps track non-productive hours • Generates 26 preconfigured report combinations in PDF, Excel, and other formats • Fixed subscription cost per user per month Compatible devices sold at Nexus Biometric: • FingerTec TA500 • FingerTec Face ID4 • FingerTec Face ID5 • Other compatible FingerTec devices, contact us to confirm compatibility |
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CLOUD | HR PROFILES | BUNDLED WITH TIMETEC TA TimeTec Profile HR hub for centralising all employee information. Included free when you sign up for TimeTec TA. • Centralises all employee information in one place, accessible from anywhere at any time • Secures employee data with multi-level authorisation on a cloud server • Allows employees to manage and update their own profile information • Upload company policies and employee handbooks for easy staff access • Flexible and automated onboarding process for new employees • Works hand in hand with TimeTec TA to give a complete cloud-based workforce picture • Included free as long as your TimeTec TA account is active Works alongside: • TimeTec TA (required, TimeTec Profile is an add-on to TimeTec TA) |
Best suited to: Businesses that want to manage attendance from anywhere without being tied to an office PC. If you have multiple locations, managers who travel, or you simply want the flexibility of checking who is in from your phone, TimeTec TA gives you that in a way no on-premise software can. The addition of TimeTec Profile makes it a more complete workforce management tool, particularly for businesses with HR teams managing onboarding and employee records.
The limitation: TimeTec TA requires an internet connection for real-time data access and carries an ongoing subscription cost per user. It is also important to confirm that your specific FingerTec device supports cloud connectivity before purchasing, as not all FingerTec devices are cloud-ready. Contact Nexus Biometric to confirm compatibility.
Side by Side Comparison
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Feature |
TCMSV3 Standalone |
TCMSV3 MySQL |
Ingress |
TimeTec TA |
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Installation |
Single PC (standalone) |
Server + up to 5 clients |
Server |
Cloud (browser) |
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Type |
On-premise |
On-premise |
On-premise |
Cloud |
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Time and attendance |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
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Door access control |
No |
No |
Yes |
No |
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Remote access |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
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Mobile app clocking |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
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Multi-user access |
No |
Yes, up to 5 clients |
Yes |
Yes |
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Internet required |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
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Subscription fee |
No |
No |
No |
Yes, per user |
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Software Supplied |
Yes, with device |
Separate purchase |
Separate purchase |
Yes, with Subscription |
Which Software Is Right for You?
The right answer comes down to three questions.
1. Do you need door access control?
If yes, you need Ingress. This is the only FingerTec software designed to manage physical door access alongside time tracking. It works with access control capable devices like the R3, H2i, and Ingressus IV. If you just need time and attendance, Ingress is not the right choice, and you should look at TCMSV3 or TimeTec TA instead.
2. Does more than one person need to access the system at the same time?
If yes and you want to stay on-premise, TCMSV3 MySQL is what you need. It allows up to five users to connect to a central server simultaneously, with defined roles for each. If just one person manages attendance from a single PC, TCMSV3 Standalone does the job and costs nothing extra.
3. Do you need to access data remotely or from multiple locations?
If yes, TimeTec TA is the answer. It is the only FingerTec software option that gives you cloud-based access from any device anywhere. If you need to check attendance from your phone, manage multiple sites from one dashboard, or let employees clock in via a mobile app, no on-premise software can do this. TimeTec TA requires a subscription and compatible hardware.
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Still not sure? If you have purchased a FingerTec device from Nexus Biometric and want to confirm which software suits your setup, email sales@nexusbiometric.com.au and we can point you in the right direction. |
Common Questions
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Is TCMSV3 really free with FingerTec devices? TCMSV3 Standalone is included free with most FingerTec time and attendance devices purchased from Nexus Biometric, including the TA500, TA700W, Face ID4, and R3. TCMSV3 MySQL is a separate software purchase for businesses that need multi-user server access. Always check the product page for what is included with the specific device you are buying. |
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What is the difference between TCMSV3 and TCMSV3 MySQL? TCMSV3 Standalone installs on a single Windows PC and one person uses it at a time. TCMSV3 MySQL installs on a Windows server and allows up to five users, including the administrator, to access the system simultaneously with defined roles. If one person manages attendance, Standalone is fine. If multiple people need concurrent access, MySQL is the right choice. |
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Can I use Ingress for time and attendance only without door access control? Ingress does include time and attendance capabilities alongside its access control features. However, it is designed primarily for devices that support door access control. If you only need time and attendance and have no door access requirements, TCMSV3 is the more appropriate and cost-effective choice. |
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Does TimeTec TA work with all FingerTec devices? No. Not all FingerTec devices support cloud connectivity. Devices need to have cloud-ready capability, such as the PUSH technology found on the Face ID4, to connect to TimeTec TA. If you are considering TimeTec TA, contact Nexus Biometric to confirm that your device is compatible before purchasing the subscription. |
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Is TimeTec Profile free? TimeTec Profile is included free as long as your TimeTec TA subscription is active. It is not a standalone product. You need to be subscribed to TimeTec TA to use it, but once you are, TimeTec Profile comes at no extra cost. |
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Do any of the FingerTec software options integrate with Xero or MYOB? Xero Payroll Integration is not available at present with Fingertec software’s. All FingerTec on-premise software options, including TCMSV3 Standalone, TCMSV3 MySQL, Ingress, and TimeTec TA require manual data export and import into your MYOB AccountRight payroll software. If direct, automatic Xero integration is important to you, the Easy Clocking range may be a better fit. Contact us and we can walk you through the options. |
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Where can I buy FingerTec devices and software in Australia? Nexus Biometric (nexusbiometric.com.au) is the authorised online reseller for FingerTec in Australia. You can browse and purchase FingerTec devices directly through our website. For software enquiries and to confirm compatibility with your existing setup, email sales@nexusbiometric.com.au, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. |
The Bottom Line
TCMSV3 Standalone is the right starting point for most businesses. It is free with the purchase of the time clock device, reliable, and handles everything a single-user on-premise time and attendance system needs to do.
If you need multiple people accessing the system at the same time, step up to TCMSV3 MySQL. If your setup includes door access control, Ingress is the software for the job. And if you want cloud access, mobile clocking, or multi-location management, TimeTec TA gives you that flexibility with TimeTec Profile included as a bonus.
The devices we sell at Nexus Biometric are matched to the right software for each use case. If you want to confirm you are getting the right combination before you buy, email sales@nexusbiometric.com.au, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.