Background: The TimeStar support and implementation teams use two legacy cloud-based applications to manage connected time clocks: Custom Exchange and AssistIT. Grosvenor, TimeStar’s clock manufacturer, publishes both applications.

Custom Exchange manages employees’ biometric data (or biometric template), allowing an employee to enroll on one clock and have the template propagate to other clocks so the employee can clock in and out on the other clocks without enrolling at each clock.

AssistIT remotely manages all aspects of time clocks besides biometric templates, i.e., updating clock firmware, querying clocks’ built-in database, configuring clock punch menu buttons, and managing clock configuration settings.

Most customers do not have access to Custom Exchange and no customers have access to AssistIT.

However, some long-time customers have an on-prem version of Custom Exchange installed locally and managed by the employer’s IT resources. Grosvenor ended support for this version back in September 2020. If you have Custom Exchange installed on-prem, we will reach out to you to discuss your options and our recommendations:

• Move your on-prem TimeStar database to the TimeStar data center.
• Migrate your on-prem Custom Exchange to TimeStar’s cloud-based Custom Exchange.
• Upgrade obsolete time clocks, i.e., IT31s

If you don’t have Custom Exchange installed on-prem, there is nothing you need to do in preparation for the new GT Connect (other than replace any IT31 clocks).

Grosvenor will migrate TimeStar’s Custom Exchange and AssistIT to GT Connect in the June/July 2023 timeframe. Note: IT31 time clocks will not migrate to GT Connect.

GTConnect is a subscription service designed to streamline time clock processes and reduce your technology and data challenges. This cloud platform connects your time clock devices with TimeStar, building an integrated network that enables real-time remote diagnostics and data management across all connected devices. GT Connect replaces Custom Exchange and AssistIT.

GT Connect improves our TimeStar support team’s ability to support your connected time clocks using a single unified application that provides:

Remote Management: Centralized management of your networked devices means you can easily manage updates, run system diagnostics, and check the real-time status of your entire estate, whether that’s one clock or 1000.

Data Management: Simplify integrations from devices to your TimeStar software with our ‘cloud-to-cloud’ middleware platform.

Identity Management: Ensure stringent compliance with data protection using encryption and informed consent. Biometric and personal data can be managed, distributed, and backed up securely and automatically throughout your network of devices.

System Management: With seamless backup and recovery services, your data is automatically saved to the cloud, ensuring that it is always secure, available, and protected against data loss.

Data Management: Simplify integrations from devices to your TimeStar software with our ‘cloud-to-cloud’ middleware platform.

Remote Device Diagnostics: The cloud-based diagnostic platform minimizes the disruption of troubleshooting. The advanced tools eliminate the need for engineer visits, reducing downtime and improving service delivery.

In addition, in late 2024, we plan to enable self-service access to GTConnect for customer’s authorized IT members.