TTI's Software partner Smart Media Innovations (SMI) has developed a range of Mustering products – specifically designed to operate when the Mustering facility provided by the core access control system is not available for use. The products are designed to operate with TTI Handheld devices and a range of card technologies.
 

Some Access Control systems can generate this file within their base functionality, or as part of a reporting mechanism.

Alternatively, if Microsoft SQLServer is being used as the host Access Control database, then a useful utility called Data Transformation Services (DTS) found within the Management Tools can be utilised to extract the data and generate the required file, either arbitrarily or on a scheduled basis.

SMI’s data synchronisation utility (SMISync) would then be used to transfer that file to the Handheld, as shown (right):



 

The data then “seeds” the Handheld with a list of who is expected to be seen.

If the core system is capable of indexing the file by location – then the user may specify which location they are operating at – decreasing the expected list accordingly.

As cards are presented the details of that individual are moved from the “Not Seen” list (left) to the “Seen” list – as shown (right).

In the event of a Muster then the laptop is disconnected from the network and taken to the relevant location.

The application then displays the data as shown (right):

 

When the Details option is selected then the following is displayed:











Handhelds are then deployed to the relevant personnel. A “peer to peer” wireless network is established between the Handhelds and the laptop. As cards are read then the user will be presented with similar simple feedback to the Data Collection application. The “read” will be sent to the laptop and that individual moved to the seen column. In this way multiple personnel may carry out the Muster – with a central point being able to see the complete situation.

If the wireless network should fail or be out of range (approx 150 yards) then the reads are stored in the Hand Held until either the network is re-established or the device is cradled.

The maximum number of Handheld connections in this option is 10, imposed by Microsoft Operating System characteristics.

Bar Code and Mag Stripe – via readers available from Socket – which are CF based

HID Prox – a CF form reader is available directly from SMI

Mifare/DESFIRE – the reader from HID ITG may be utilized (again CF form)

In all of the above cases the CF form readers may be fitted to either a normal or rugged hand held – contact SMI for details of devices currently in use.

iCLASS – In order to read the Access Control number from an HID iCLASS card then a device with an HID OEM unit must be utilized – s