Terminals
ZKTeco attendance terminals: choosing a model and integrating it with software
PUSH (ADMS) mode, USB attlog.dat export, SDK: the ways to connect a ZKTeco terminal to attendance software, and what to check before you buy.
ZKTeco terminals
Attendance software for ZKTeco terminals: PUSH and USB import
Tempo can receive punches from ZKTeco terminals in two ways: in PUSH (ADMS) mode, where the terminal itself sends its events to the PC over the local network, or by importing the file exported to a USB stick. PUSH mode is experimental: no physical ZKTeco terminal has used it with Tempo yet.
At a glance
- PUSH / ADMS mode: experimental
- USB attlog.dat or CSV import: implemented
- Punches only (no terminal user management)
- Binary protocol on port 4370 and Windows SDK: not supported
Experimental: to be validated on your model
The PUSH receiver was written from ZKTeco’s PUSH protocol format and tested in software with requests in that format; no real ZKTeco terminal has used it yet. attlog.dat import is tested on sample lines, not yet on real exports from several model families. We do not offer ZKTeco without a prior test on your device.
PUSH (ADMS) mode: the terminal sends its events
On terminals whose firmware offers “Cloud server / ADMS”, you enter the Tempo PC’s address and the port (8081 by default). The terminal then sends its punches to the PC over the local network.
- Tempo accepts a connection only if both the serial number and the IP address match a registered terminal
- Only attendance logs are requested; user, template and photo tables are ignored without being read
- Tempo never sends a command to the terminal
- Resume after an outage: the position is saved after each batch, and a batch not saved is resent by the terminal
- The PC needs a fixed address; Windows must allow Tempo on private networks only
USB file (attlog.dat) or CSV import
Without a network link, you export punches from the terminal to a USB stick, then import the file into Tempo. Tempo reads the person number and the time; the following columns, which vary by firmware, are ignored.
A preview shows, before anything is saved, the number of lines, unknown numbers and rejected lines with their reason and line number. Future-dated lines are refused. Importing the same file again adds nothing.
What is not supported
- The binary protocol on port 4370 and the Windows SDK (zkemkeeper): not used, on purpose (non-public protocol, Windows-only components)
- ZKTeco C3 access controllers: not designed for attendance
- Enrolling employees or managing the terminal’s fingerprints from Tempo: done on the terminal
Before buying a ZKTeco terminal
Check that the model and its firmware offer PUSH/ADMS mode (Communication → Cloud server menu), or at least USB export of punches. If you are choosing between two devices, contact us before buying: Tempo’s reference model remains the Hikvision DS-K1T321MFWX terminal.
Frequently asked questions
Does my ZKTeco terminal work with Tempo?
If it offers PUSH/ADMS mode or USB export of punches, probably — but nothing is guaranteed until it has been tried. We run that test with you before you commit.
Can I mix Hikvision and ZKTeco?
Yes: every punch goes through the same pipeline in Tempo, whatever the manufacturer. Each terminal is registered with its link type.
Related articles
Terminals
How to choose a time clock terminal for a small business
Face, fingerprint or card, capacity, network, clock and software compatibility: the practical criteria for choosing an attendance terminal for a small business.
Let’s test with your terminal
Tell us the ZKTeco model and firmware version: we will tell you whether a PUSH test or a USB import is possible.
A quick question? Message us on WhatsApp