Purpose
Some biometric devices store attendance data in a .DAT file instead of sending it directly to HRStop. This method is useful when your device does not support real-time ADMS integration. This article explains how to export .DAT files and how they can be used to troubleshoot punch sync issues or integrate using HRStop’s utility.
If you're not sure which integration method to use, start here:
🔗 Biometric Integration Options in HRStop
Who Should Read This
- IT/Admin teams handling biometric device setup
- Biometric vendors supporting data extraction
- HR/Admin users reporting sync issues
What Is a DAT File?
A .DAT file contains raw attendance logs captured by biometric devices. It includes:
- Punch-in and punch-out timestamps
- Employee enrollment/user IDs
- Device ID and log data
DAT files are often required by the HRStop support team when punches are missing or not reflecting correctly in the system.
When to Use the DAT File Method
- Your biometric device does not support ADMS
- The device has a USB export option
- You are troubleshooting missing or incorrect punches
If your device supports real-time sync, refer to:
🔗 Integrating Biometric Device with HRStop (Real-Time Setup Guide)
How to Export the DAT File
Please follow these steps on your biometric device:
- Go to Menu → Data Management or USB Manager → Download Attendance Log
- Insert a USB device into the biometric machine
- Choose to Export the attendance log as a
.DATfile - Safely eject the USB once export is complete
What to Do Next
If punches are missing in HRStop:
- Email the
.DATfile to support@hrstop.com - Include a short note mentioning the issue (e.g., “Punches not syncing since [date]”)
HRStop’s team will analyze the file and help sync the data or identify issues.
Troubleshooting Tips
- Ensure your USB drive is properly formatted (e.g., FAT32)
- Check that the device has write access to USB
- Confirm the biometric device has recent punches before exporting
Summary
DAT file export is a quick way to collect attendance data from non-ADMS devices. Whether you're setting up sync through a utility or troubleshooting a punch issue, sharing this file helps HRStop provide faster support.