Frequently Asked Questions
Software
What is the Sentinel software?
Sentinel is a well-known, established attendance monitoring software,
which has been successfully used, as part of a swipe
card based electronic registration system, in schools throughout
the UK for over 15 years. The software records attendance data,
however it is input into the system, and produces a wide range of
real-time reports, which can be instantly viewed on screen or printed
out. The reports include, but are not limited to, all the statutory
reports required by the Government – see our Software
section for more details of the reports available.
What is included on the software disc?
Your disc will include the Sentinel software, the fingerprint reader
drivers and the middleware required to enable the two to interface.
It will also hold a clear and comprehensive installation and user
manual to enable you to start using the system immediately.
How is the data initially input into
the system?
The data for staff, pupils and timetables are generally downloaded
from the school MIS system. Interfaces for SIMS and Facility are
built in as standard. Other systems are relatively easy to include.
At year-end the school databases rollover to the new school year
with a copy of the old year database kept live for easy historical
access.
What language is the Sentinel software
written in?
The Sentinel software is Microsoft’s Visual Basic and the
database is Microsoft’s Access Database.
What is the middleware & why is it
required?
The middleware enables the Sentinel software to interface with the
USB fingerprint reader drivers so the information can be passed
between the two.
How are changes made to the registration
details for pupils?
Different schools have different procedures for doing this. Some
schools download data to, and update from SIMS. Some manually adjust
the data on the Sentinel system, while others use an Optical Marker
Reader (OMR) interface.
Can information be passed to Messaging
Systems for parent communication?
Yes, Sentinel will work directly with Voice Connect and Truancy
Call systems. As Sentinel and these systems operate in real-time,
this facility can work automatically or on confirmation by the School
Administrator.
Will Sentinel download data to School
MIS systems?
Yes it will. As soon as the fingerprint is recognised it will update
your SIMS or Facility database and the Sentinel database with the
registration data. With continuous product development other interfaces
are always being added to our capabilities.
How secure is the database?
The database, which is stored on the network server, not locally
on the PC or laptop, is password protected so only authorised users
and administrators have access to the data. The fingerprint data
is stored as an encrypted digital code, not as an image, the fingerprint
cannot be retrieved or reproduced.
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