How to Build Long-Range Reports in TimeVue

Building long-range reports in TimeVue allows businesses to combine multiple months of punch data into a single working dataset for accurate historical reporting. This method is safe when performed correctly and does not delete permanent records, provided proper archiving is completed first. By following a structured restore process, you can analyze extended time periods without disrupting live clock operations.

Archive Current Data Before Reporting

Before creating long-range reports, you must secure today’s working data to prevent loss or corruption.

• Archive today’s data and label it with today’s date

• Save the file in your designated Archive folder

• Do not delete any existing punch records

While performing this process:

• Do not poll the time clock

• Disconnect the data cable from the clock for safety

• The clock will continue collecting punches while disconnected.

This ensures your live data remains protected throughout the reporting process.

Restore and Append Historical Archives

Once current data is safely archived, you can begin building your extended reporting file. First restore the earliest archive you want included:

• Select Restore

• Choose the earliest archive file

• Select Overwrite Existing Data

Then for each additional month:

• Select an archive file from that month

• Choose Append (not overwrite) This process builds one continuous list of punches covering your full reporting range.

To verify:

• Open the Punches section

• Confirm all records appear correctly You can now run long-range reports across multiple months.

If errors occur, your data remains safe because: • Your current system data was backed up first

• No historical records were deleted

Operational Takeaway

TimeVue’s restore and append functionality makes long-range reporting both powerful and secure when proper archiving is performed first. By overwriting the first archive and appending each additional month, businesses can temporarily create comprehensive reporting datasets while keeping all original records fully protected. Always archive before restoring, avoid polling during the process, and restore your original data when finished to return to normal operations. This method ensures accurate reporting with zero risk to live payroll data.