On this page
01. The design question02. Per-branch rules03. Local contact04. Reports and payroll05. When a branch is offline06. A typical scenario07. Common mistakes08. Quick checklist09. Frequently asked questions
For several branches, give each branch its own terminal and department, connect them to one system through a VPN or a cloud-capable option, and let HR run reports across all branches from one place.
Key takeaways
- One department per branch.
- VPN or cloud connection.
- A fixed IP address on every terminal.
- One HR view across branches.
01The design question
Terminals at different branches sit on different networks. Either connect the networks through a VPN so one PC or server can reach every terminal, or use a cloud-capable setup where terminals send punches over the internet. See multiple devices and branches and desktop versus cloud.
02Per-branch rules
Branches often differ: Saturday hours, opening times, local holidays. Create a department per branch and set timetables per branch (timetables and shifts).
03Local contact
Each branch needs one person who can restart the terminal, check the cable and report problems. Remote fixing works only if someone on site can follow instructions.
04Reports and payroll
HR can run the monthly summary across all branches or filter by department. Export to Excel for payroll (export).
05When a branch is offline
A terminal stores punches locally and sends them when the connection returns. Nobody loses a punch because the network was down. Troubleshooting: device offline.
06A typical scenario
A retailer with five branches replaced five monthly spreadsheets with one summary report. HR now spots a branch that opens late on the first morning of the month instead of the last.
Illustrative example based on common cases, not a named customer.
07Common mistakes
- No network plan between branches.
- The same IP range used at every branch.
- No trained local contact at each branch.
08Quick checklist
- Count staff and entrances before you buy.
- Write the working hours down as timetables.
- Enrol everyone, including casual and part-time staff.
- Run a one-week trial and compare it with your old register.
- Name one person who owns the reports.
09Frequently asked questions
Do we need a VPN?
If terminals are on separate networks, you need a VPN or a cloud-capable option so the software can reach them.
Can each branch manager see only their staff?
Reports can be filtered by department. Access rights depend on how you set up users.
Can we mix terminal models across branches?
Usually yes within the same family. Check compatibility first.
This guide is part of our ZKTeco K40 and ZKBio Time.Net series. For the full start-to-finish walkthrough with screenshots, read How to Configure a ZKTeco K40 Pro with ZKBio Time.Net.
ZKTeco and ZKBio are trademarks of ZKTeco Inc. Menu names on the K40 Pro and in the software vary slightly by firmware and software version; where yours differ, look for the nearest match. Qyvea is a ZKTeco reseller and installer in Kenya.
