Tablet-based Staff Time Clock – M8 nP2UE

We previously looked at restaurant kitchen, contact tracing and digital signage applications for the M8 nP2UE – a custom enclosure for the Lenovo Tab M8 HD (ZA5G0060US or TB-8505F) with a built-in LAVA SimulCharge adapter. This article will look at how they can effectively be used in a staff time clock system in a warehouse or manufacturing plant.

The M8 nP2UE enclosure is a custom LAVA enclosure for the Lenovo Tab M8 HD (sold separately) that features an integrated nLTS-P2UE adapter that provides simultaneous tablet charging and access to data (SimulCharge). The built-in adapter provides the tablet with Power over Ethernet (PoE), Ethernet and two USB-A ports for attaching peripherals. The Tab M8 HD is a low-cost tablet that features an eight-inch display, which provides a decent resolution (1,280×800) for everyday use, 2 GB of RAM and 32 GB of storage.

Many employees at warehouses, factories and other industrial settings have traditionally used punch clocks to check in for their shifts. These days, though, the process has become digital and the M8 nP2UE with Lenovo Tab M8 HD provide an excellent staff time clock solution for these industries.

Featuring VESA mounting holes, the enclosure can easily be attached to a wall in the hallway or by the entrance for easy access. Employees can then use the touchscreen to clock in and out for the day. As a safety precaution, a scanner or card reader can be attached to one of the USB ports, allowing for a contactless check-in.

The enclosure comes with a 10/100-capable Ethernet port so check-in information can be sent over a reliable wired network connection to update the factory or warehouse’s employee database. The M8 nP2UE also features PoE, meaning it can be powered by the same Ethernet cable and does not need to be plugged into an AC power source. PoE offers more freedom on where to place the enclosure. It can be installed up to 328 ft (100 m) from the network junction. If the company lacks PoE-capable switches, the enclosure can be plugged into an electrical outlet with a standard 5V power cable.

The M8 nP2UE enclosure and Lenovo Tab M8 HD tablet make an excellent pairing for a staff time clock application in a warehouse, factory or other business. Employees can use the tablet’s touchscreen to clock in and out of work. With the proper peripherals attached, a touch-free option would also be available. The Ethernet port provides a reliable network connection, while PoE and the enclosure’s VESA mounting holes offer a variety of options for how and where to install the system.