On this page
01. The simple rule02. Attendance only03. Attendance plus door04. Cost of accessories05. Not sure?06. A typical scenario07. Common mistakes08. Quick checklist09. Frequently asked questions
Choose the K40 family when you only need to record attendance. Choose the F18 when the same device should also control a door lock. Both work with ZKTeco's Windows software.
Key takeaways
- K40: mainly an attendance clock.
- F18: built for door access plus attendance.
- Check lock relay and power needs for F18 installs.
- Compare price including accessories.
01The simple rule
If the question is 'who came to work, and when?', the K40 is the natural fit. If the question is 'who may open this door?', the F18 is the natural fit. Our F18 price guide explains the access side.
02Attendance only
- Open-plan offices, shops, clinics, warehouses where staff just need to clock in.
- Quick install on a wall with power and network.
- No lock, no exit button, no power supply for a lock.
03Attendance plus door
- A staff entrance or server room that should open only for enrolled staff.
- Needs a lock, power supply and exit button.
- Wiring and a fire exit rule must be done properly.
04Cost of accessories
Door access means more than the terminal: lock, power supply, exit button, cable and installation. See access control explained.
05Not sure?
Send a photo of the door on WhatsApp and we will tell you which to buy.
06A typical scenario
An office wanted attendance only, so a K40 did the job. A clinic needed the staff door to open on fingerprint, so an F18 with a lock was the right choice. Same brand, different jobs.
Illustrative example based on common cases, not a named customer.
07Common mistakes
- Buying an access terminal for pure attendance.
- Using an attendance clock to open doors.
- Forgetting the lock power supply.
- Ignoring fire exit rules.
- No exit button.
08Quick checklist
- Define the job
- Check the door
- Pick the model
- Plan accessories
- Plan wiring
- Install and test
09Frequently asked questions
Can the K40 control a door?
Many K40 variants have limited or no lock control. Confirm the variant.
Can the F18 be used only for attendance?
Yes, though you may pay for access features you do not use.
Do both use the same software?
Both work with ZKTeco software; features available depend on the model.
Which is more secure?
For doors, a purpose-built access terminal with a proper lock setup.
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.
