Understanding the TCD Interface

This section discusses the interface process between Time and Labor and third-party data collection systems. The term TCD refers to the badge-based terminal that can range from a very simple TCD to a very sophisticated data collection system.

The TCD Interface uses the PeopleSoft Integration Broker to send and receive data from the TCD system. Data in Time and Labor and the TCD system are synchronized by either a full data replication or an incremental approach (changes only).

The TCD Vendor Interface process is part of the Time Reporting feature of Time and Labor. The TCD Vendor Interface process:

1. Identifies a generic set of input data to be sent to the various TCD systems. Each TCD vendor determines which data elements are needed based on the customer's business requirements and the capabilities of the devices it markets and supports.

2. Identifies a generic set of output data to be produced by the various TCD systems. The TCD vendor populates all required fields and optional fields when applicable.

3. Provides TCD vendors with the following detailed information to implement the interface process:

   • Instructions to implement the PeopleSoft Integration Broker service operation.

   • Information to interpret the input data elements and data structures and their relationships.

   • Instructions to populate the output data structures.

The frequency for passing data between the TCD system and Time and Labor is determined by your business requirements. PeopleSoft and your TCD vendor collectively determine the frequency of communications on an implementation to implementation basis.