Time Clock MTS Client Specific Screen Labels

Time Clock MTS has allowed you to define the labels for almost every button on the employee clock in screen for a while now. You can do it via the Display Settings screen. Just select the “Main Screen Labels” drop down and enter some text for each different label. This is particularly useful if your workforce speaks a different language or your business uses different terminology (for example you punch in and out rather than clock in and out). However, a problem arises when you want to provide two different label sets to different groups of employees. For example, you might want one employee time clock terminal in Spanish and another in English. With the release of Time Clock MTS Version 5 this is now possible.

Here’s how to do it:

  1. On the computer with Time Clock MTS that you want to have custom labels open up the timeclock.ini file in Windows Notepad. This file can be found in this folder:

    c:\Program Data\Time Clock MTS\

    Note that you might have to show hidden files and folders to see this location

  2. Towards the bottom of the file you should see a section that looks like this:

    [LocalLabels]
    ClockInLabel=1
    ClockOutLabel=1
    SearchForEmployeeLabel=1
    ViewInformationLabel=1
    EmployeesLabel=1
    ActionTypeLabel=1
    TimeNoteLabel=1
    ActionDateLabel=1
    ActionTimeLabel=1
    JobLabel=1
    EmployeesInLabel=1
    EmployeesOutLabel=1

  3. Enter a new label next to each setting if you want the local client to display that label in preference to your global labels. So, for example, if you wanted to display “Punch In” and “Punch Out” in preference to your global labels then you”d change the above to something that looks like this:
  4. Edited timeclock.ini file

    Edited timeclock.ini file

  5. Any labels you don’t want changed from your global settings should just be left blank or at the default setting of 1. Once you’re happy with your new set of labels save the timesheets.ini file and re-start the software and you should see your new labels in action. See the image below.
Time Clock MTS with New Labels

Time Clock MTS with New Labels

How to Upgrade to Time Clock MTS Network Edition Version 5

This is an upgrade guide for existing users of Time Clock MTS wanting to upgrade the Network Edition (multi-computer) from an earlier version to Version 5. If you’re wondering what changes are included in version 5 then you should read this blog article.

1. Gather Required Information

Note down the following information:

  1. The current version of Time Clock MTS you’re using. Look on the Help->About menu.
  2. Your current registration details, this includes the registration name, the registration key, and the number of clients and employees you’re licensed for. You can see these on the Help->Registration screen within Time Clock MTS.
  3. The location of your current Time Clock MTS database. This can be found on the Tools->Options->System Options menu within Time Clock MTS.

2. Close Down Client Computers

Close down the Time Clock MTS client software on any computers that are currently running it.

3. Backup Your Time Clock MTS Data

While the Time Clock MTS Administrator program is running on your computer make a backup of the database using the Tools->Backup Database menu. Alternatively you can make a manual back using Windows Explorer and the location of the database you noted down in step 1. You’ll need to close down Time Clock MTS before you do a manual backup using Windows Explorer.

4. Download the Upgrade Installers

Download the Version 5 Administrator upgrade installer from here:

Version 5 Administrator Upgrade Installer

Download the Version 5 Client upgrade installer from here:

Version 5 Client Upgrade Installer

Make sure to save both installers somewhere you can find them later.

5. Install the Administrator Upgrade

Run the Administrator Upgrade Installer that you downloaded on the computer where your Time Clock MTS Administrator software is installed. When the upgrade installation is complete choose to run Time Clock MTS.

Time Clock MTS Version 5 Upgrade Warning

Time Clock MTS Version 5 Upgrade Warning

6. Complete the Administrator Upgrade Process

The first time you run Version 5 of the Administrator software you’ll be shown the above screen warning you about changes that are about to be made to your time clock data. You can read more about these changes here. If you’re happy to complete the upgrade click the Upgrade Now button.

7. Install Upgrade on Client Computers

Run and install the Client upgrade installer on any computer that you’ve got the Time Clock MTS Client software on.

8. Get a New Version 5 Registration Key

If you’ve evaluated Version 5 and are happy with it then you’ll find that you’re going to need a new registration key to keep using it. Never fear though, registered users of Time Clock MTS who bought the software prior to Version 5 are entitled to either a free upgrade or a discounted price upgrade. To check if you’re entitled to a free upgrade or to receive discounted upgrade pricing you should visit the Version 5 Registration Key page. You’ll need to know your current Time Clock MTS registration key to use that page. If you can’t find your registration key please contact us for help.

Once you’ve got your new registration key you’ll have to register the Time Clock MTS Administrator program on the
Help->Registration details screen. You may also have to register any computers that are using the Time Clock MTS Client software (using the same menu in the client software).

How to Upgrade to Time Clock MTS Stand-Alone Edition Version 5

This is an upgrade guide for existing users of Time Clock MTS wanting to upgrade the stand-alone (single computer) edition from an earlier version to Version 5. If you’re wondering what changes are included in version 5 then you should read this blog article.

1. Gather Required Information

Note down the following information:

  1. The current version of Time Clock MTS you’re using. Look on the Help->About menu.
  2. Your current registration details, this includes the registration name, the registration key, and the number of clients and employees you’re licensed for. You can see these on the Help->Registration screen within Time Clock MTS.
  3. The location of your current Time Clock MTS database. This can be found on the Tools->Options->System Options menu within Time Clock MTS.

2. Backup Your Time Clock MTS Data

While Time Clock MTS is running on your computer make a backup of the database using the Tools->Backup Database menu. Alternatively you can make a manual back using Windows Explorer and the location of the database you noted down in step 1. You’ll need to close down Time Clock MTS before you do a manual backup using Windows Explorer.

3. Download the Upgrade Installer

Download the Version 5 upgrade installer from here: Version 5 Upgrade Installer and save it somewhere you can find it later.

4. Install the Upgrade

Run the upgrade installer that you downloaded. When the upgrade installation is complete choose to run Time Clock MTS.

Time Clock MTS Version 5 Upgrade Warning

Time Clock MTS Version 5 Upgrade Warning

5. Complete the Upgrade Process

The first time you run Version 5 you’ll be shown the above screen warning you about changes that are about to be made to your time clock data. You can read more about these changes here. If you’re happy to complete the upgrade click the Upgrade Now button.

6. Get a New Version 5 Registration Key

If you’ve evaluated Version 5 and are happy with it then you’ll find that you’re going to need a new registration key to keep using it. Never fear though, registered users of Time Clock MTS who bought the software prior to Version 5 are entitled to either a free upgrade or a discounted price upgrade. To check if you’re entitled to a free upgrade or to receive discounted upgrade pricing you should visit the Version 5 Registration Key page. You’ll need to know your current Time Clock MTS registration key to use that page. If you can’t find your registration key please contact us for help.

Once you’ve got your new registration key you’ll have to register the Time Clock MTS program on the Help->Registration details screen.

How to Upgrade to Time Clock MTS Version 5

This guide covers how existing users of Time Clock MTS can upgrade to Version 5 quickly and easily.

How Are You Using Time Clock MTS?

If you’re using Time Clock MTS in stand-alone mode (on a single computer) then you should look at the Stand-Alone Edition Upgrade Guide.

Time Clock MTS Stand Alone Edition

Time Clock MTS Stand Alone Edition

If you’re using the Network Edition (on more than one computer) then should look at the Network Edition Upgrade Guide.

Time Clock MTS Network PLUS Edition

Time Clock MTS Version 5 Released

After spending the last two months working hard I’m glad to say that today (26 January 2014) we’ve released Time Clock MTS Version 5. This new version includes more than 40 distinct changes in the release notes and takes the first steps toward making Time Clock MTS more “internet friendly”. It also marks the debut of the Time Clock MTS Web Extensions helper program.

For existing users of earlier versions of Time Clock MTS who are thinking about upgrading you should be aware that Version 5 makes changes to the time clock database that render it incompatible with earlier versions. So make sure you back up your data BEFORE upgrading. Read More Here.

No doubt I’ll be writing a series of entries about the release of Version 5 but I thought it well worth the effort of summarizing the major changes in this blog entry.

Key New Time Clock Features

  • Email Alerts – email alerts can now be sent based on certain events occurring in Time Clock MTS. Right now alerts can be sent when a new Time Off Request is raised, when a Time Off Request is approved or denied, or when an employee punches in or out.
  • Green / Red Punch Indication Lights – both the Employee List and Keypad interfaces of Time Clock MTS provide a visual indication of a successful or failed employee punch.
  • Emails – there’s a new screen for managing email addresses. These are used for email alerts but will be used for direct emailing of reports in the future.
  • Client Specific Translations – you’ve been able to adjust the time clock screen labels for a while but now the labels can be different for each client computer. Allowing (for example) a time clock terminal in Spanish and one in English.
  • New Reports – we’ve added three new reports.

Key Time Clock Enhancements

  • Keypad View Timecard – employees using the keypad interface can now view their own timecard.
  • Add Multiple Times Enhancements – a lot of time was spent automating the add multiple time punches screen to make entering time punches more efficient.
  • 12 Character Badge Numbers – due to a design decision made a long time ago the employee badge number was restricted to 9 characters. We’ve managed to extend this out to 12 characters.
  • Other Report Periods Added – the report configuration screen has some more time period buttons added to speed things up for users with semi monthly payroll periods.
  • Edit Times Enhancements – the Edit Times screen has been enhanced. More information is now displayed for each time punch and the screen can (finally) be resized.