Quick answer

Either download the attendance data from the machine to a USB stick (Menu > USB Manager > Download > Attendance Data) and import it into the attendance software, or, if the machine is on the network, sync it in the software and run the monthly report. The machine itself saves raw punches; the report comes from the software.

An attendance machine stores each punch: who, and at what time. Hours worked, late arrivals and overtime are calculated by the attendance software on your computer (ZKTeco's ZKBio Time, ZKTime or another program). So there are two steps: get the data off the machine, then run the report.

Option A: Download to a USB stick

Use this when the machine is not connected to your network.

  1. Insert a USB stick (FAT32 format, 32 GB or smaller works best) into the machine's USB port.
  2. Press M/OK (or tap Menu) and log in as admin.
  3. Go to USB Manager > Download > Attendance Data. On older models this is PenDrive Mng > DwnLoad AttLog.
  4. Wait for the "Download complete" message, then remove the stick.
  5. On the computer, open your attendance software and use Import (or USB / Import attendance) to load the file. It usually has a name like 1_attlog.dat.

Menu names vary a little between models, but they always sit under the USB or pen drive menu.

Option B: Sync over the network

Use this when the machine is connected to your network and added to the software.

  1. Open the attendance software.
  2. Sync or download the attendance logs from the device. Newer software such as ZKBio Time does this automatically.
  3. Go to Reports, choose the employees or department, and set the date range (for example 1 to 31 of the month).
  4. Choose the monthly or summary report and Export to Excel or PDF for payroll.

Why the report looks wrong

  • Only raw punch times, no hours: shifts and timetables are not set up in the software yet. Each employee needs a shift.
  • Missing days: the machine's date or time is wrong. Check it in the machine's Date/Time settings.
  • An employee shows twice or not at all: the user ID on the machine does not match the employee number in the software.
  • Missing punches: the person did not get a "verified" message, often because a fingerprint is worn or the face was not enrolled well. Re-enrol them.

Before you clear the machine

Do not delete attendance records from the machine until they are safely in the software and backed up. Deleted punches cannot be recovered.

Still stuck?Send us a photo or short video of the screen on WhatsApp. We support systems from any installer in Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman.
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Frequently asked questions

Can I open the attlog file in Excel?

It is a text file, so it opens, but it only shows raw punches with codes. Import it into the attendance software to get a proper report with hours and late arrivals.

Can the report go straight to our payroll system?

Usually yes. Most attendance software exports to Excel or CSV in a layout payroll can import. We can set this up for you.

Do you support machines installed by another company?

Yes. We can connect existing ZKTeco machines to the network, set up the software and shifts, and train your HR team.

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Menu names can differ slightly between models and software versions. Last reviewed 24 October 2026. Back to the help centre