TimeTec - Cloud Solutions for Smart City

Q

Good day Sir. We are delighted to have you coming this morning.

A

Likewise, likewise. Thank you for having me today.

Q

So, your company has been accorded as one of the leading biometrics companies in the industry, known as FingerTec, correct?

A

You are absolutely right! We have been in this field selling biometrics hardware close to 20 years this coming 2020. Starting in 2015, we have developed a series of cloud solutions for workforce management, security industries and smart communities, which is what you know now as TimeTec.

Q

The company has grown so much. That’s very impressive.

A

Thank you. It has been a very challenging yet rewarding journey.

Q

Well, I must say, Congratulations to all of your achievements. Without further ado, would you like to introduce what you have brought to us today?

A

Of course, I’m here to share with the readers about our recently launched product, the QF Master.

Q

What is a QF Master? I’ve heard of QR Master when you came in the last session a few months back, are they similar products with similar functions?

A

Well, yes. You can say that they are pretty much similar in terms of smart devices.
But let me give both of these products an overview. QF Master is an Android App that comes with two credential verification methods. One is the face recognition method known as Face Master, and the other is the QR code called QR Master.

Q

I’m curious about this QF Master, says that we can turn any standard Android smartphones or tablets into a verification terminal?

A

Yes, that is correct. The primary purpose behind the creation of a QF Master app is to tap on the stronger computing power of any Android devices in the market and to make biometric technology accessible by the masses.

Q

Seems like this is one of the next big enhancements for all businesses.

A

We are really looking forward to introduce our products to businesses across different fields and have them to learn about the benefits of biometrics. Certainly, how it will help them to build a more efficient working environment.

Q

Sounds intriguing. Now let’s get into the details. Is this QF Master free to download? Do all users have to purchase smartphone from your company in order to use this QF Master App?

A

The QF Master App is totally free of charge. But the QR Code (QR Master) or Face Recognition (Face Master) would only be activated when you subscribe for the license. The license fee is charged per device basis. As for the smartphone, it is not necessary to buy from us, you can buy any smartphones in the market.

Q

If so, what is your recommended smartphone model to support these Apps?

A

Any economical Android smartphone is sufficient to run QR Master App. But if you required to mount the smartphone on the wall, you may need to order the special casing from us.

Q

How would you comment on the face recognition performance if compares smartphone with FingerTec biometrics terminal?

A

Well, since the same algorithm is being applied, I would say the face recognition performance is identical.

Q

Right. Have your team ever come across customers who only require the QR code verification only, and not face recognition? If yes, do they still need to pay for both licenses for the QR Master App?

A

No, doesn’t need to. If this particular customer only requires the QR code verification, we would only impose a QR Master subscription fee, which is much lower than the Face Master subscription fee.

Q

If this particular customer requires only the face recognition verification, does he gets any discounts?

A

When he chooses to subscribe to the Face Master, the QR Master is provided complimentary with the package. However, when he chooses to use only the QR Master, the charge is separate and of course, the price will be much lower. Therefore, there will be two subscription model options.
The first option is to select QR Master license (QR Master only), alternatively he can select the QF Master license (Face Master + QR Master).

Q

And...what is the license fee for both applications in the QR Master App?

A

For QR Master license per device per year is RM80, and users can change device for unlimited times.
For QF Master license per device per year is RM700 for the first year, and users can only change (new or reset) devices twice. The subsequent year, the fee is RM250 per year. If the user has changed his devices twice, he might need to pay for the face master license again. Let me give you an example here, on the second year, the user changes his device for the third time, he needs to pay for the difference of 700-250=450 to get the new Face Master licenses that are valid for two more devices change.

Q

Absolutely helpful information! In terms of cloud applications which TimeTec is offering, which applications can be integrated with QF Master App?

A

In fact, the QF Master App can be integrated with a few TimeTec Cloud solutions, such as TimeTec TA, TimeTec Access, TimeTec VMS. TimeTec i-Neighbor and i-TimeTec.

Q

How do you charge for each cloud application that can connect to QF Master?

A

For that we charge on subscription fees. For TimeTec TA and TimeTec Access, we charge based on the staff count. For TimeTec VMS, we base it on the number of floors in an office tower. And for the neighbourhood, we charge on the total number of household units. Only i-TimeTec App for a small office, the SME users can download and use it for free.

Q

Knowing that typical door access solution like biometrics for Windows are more commonly seen out there, what are the benefits of subscribing to TimeTec Access instead?

A

Cloud-based solution advantages are real-time connectivity and centralization. As the security aspect is crucial in business, a security system cannot run in silos. The ability to connect, centralize, monitor and respond in real-time is the essence of a better security system. A reliable and better security system of the modern world must possess the ability to manage increasing threats, the possibility of integration, the capacity to more functionality and more. Hence, with cloud access control, we can gain more from technology for security.

Q

Indeed the cloud has become one of the strongest systems. Moving a step back to what you have mentioned earlier, this QF Master App is able to grant and deny door access by using a smartphone? How does this access control actually work?

A

For users’ concern, by using the QF Master powered smartphone alone, you can’t really open a door. You must paired the smartphone with TimeTec BLE-2/B1E-5 Bluetooth controller. Other door lock accessories like EM lock, key switch, push exit button also required.

Q

How does the QF Master actually work as an access control tool?

A

A user needs to get verified at the QF Master App installed on an Android device at any access point. Once verified, the TimeTec BLE controller sends a signal to the unlocking mechanism such as EM lock to unlock the door, or release the barrier gate or turnstile.

Q

So is this BLE-2/BLE-5 controller a compulsory to use QF Master App for door access and other access control points?

A

Yes.

Q

How many controllers must be installed, if the user has asked for more than 2 QF Master devices for In and Out purposes?

A

Just one controller is required per door.

Q

That’s convenient! With this controller, I presume that the user will still be able to open a door if the Internet is down?

A

Yes. Because TimeTec BLE-2 and QF Master device are using Bluetooth to communicate. The only shortfall is the transaction activities will keep in the Face Master App until the Internet resumes.

Q

It makes sense. So where is the storage of all the transactions kept then?

A

The transaction data or activity logs of QF Master will be all saved in the cloud server.

Q

Is it easy to register a face template registration? Where are those templates stored? Are they safe? Can they be manipulated for other purposes?

A

The face template registration is a breeze, can be completed in less than a minute for one person. There is no image taken of your face, but several points from your face strategically tabulated and calculated using a proprietary algorithm and stored in each device for use during verification. The templates are safe and not susceptible to reverse engineering; hence, they cannot apply for other purposes.

Q

Seems like your team has really invested time into building a stronger security system.

A

Yes, indeed security system concerns many of the businesses. We have been developing this overtime and still strive for continuous improvement.

Q

That is something your team should be proud of! How many face templates can be stored in one smartphone?

A

For QF Master, about 10,000 face templates.

Q

Wow, that’s terrific! Is it safer to use QF Master than the standard biometrics terminal?

A

Yes. QF Master App always paired with cloud applications. For example, TimeTec Access is a safer choice for the access control solution. When you can access and view what’s happening in real-time and get notifications about security concern immediately, the rectification process can be immediate. The centralization of data and real-time monitoring also add safety to another level.

Q

Tell us more about other benefits of using QF Master.

A

Sure!
First, when the QF Master smartphone is idle, it can set it to play your commercial ads. Second, because you load the App in a smartphone, the hardware is familiar, and you can deal with it more confidently. Third, the installation is wireless, if otherwise, it only requires minimal cabling. Lastly, the updating of our software is quick and easy.

Q

Sure there are tons of benefits of choosing the QF Master. I’m already interested to have this installed in our office. One quick thing, since the wall-mounted smartphone is accessible by the public, how can a user reduces the risk of user intrusion or messed by any random stranger?

A

We would recommend them to download a third party Applock to prevent access to the smartphone. Here comes another plus point for our special casing. It will protect the smartphone from vandalism and block unnecessary access to the phone. So users don’t really have to worry about it too much.

Q

All in all, I am really convinced that TimeTec has brought us an alternative option that can address to many businesses’ security concern and another level of door access control system.

A

Thank you for your kind words indeed.

Q

You are most welcome! Seems like we have run out of questions. Wow! Wow! Wow! Again, this has been such an informative session with you. I’m sure the readers will find this most useful.

A

This has been such a great honour. I really enjoy sharing all the knowhow about our products to enhance our user experience.

Q

Great products, Great team. What are the readers waiting for?

A

In fact, we have also come up with a detailed comparison between

I am sure this can help our readers to make informed decisions.

Q

How considerate! Let’s link them on the article. Thank you for dropping by today! Anything else you would like to add for your prospective reader before we end this session?

A

I hope all the readers enjoy reading this article and hope this session has address to your concern. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions or enquiries, we will be at our station and help you to sort things out! We welcome interested customers to also contact us if you wish to deploy our services at your premises. Find out more at www.timeteccloud.com or drop us an email at info@timeteccloud.com