Applies to: On-premise Windows Client users setting up barcode scanning workstations. Does not apply to cloud site users who access Standard Time® through a browser — cloud users scan directly in the browser.
Section 1 — Check Prerequisites
Before installing the BC client on a workstation, verify:
- Standard Time® can already connect to your corporate SQL Express database (this must be working first).
- Windows 10 or above (not Android or iOS — Windows only).
- Microsoft .NET 4.8 or above installed.
- Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection to the SQL Server.
- A USB barcode scanner connected to the workstation.
Section 2 — Copy the Credentials File
The credentials file (Standard Time SQL.dsn) tells the BC client how to connect to your SQL database. You only need to create this file once — then copy it to each new workstation.
- Locate a workstation that already has Standard Time® installed and connected to your corporate SQL database.
- Confirm it connects to the SQL database successfully by opening Standard Time® and checking the title bar — it should read "SQL Server: Standard Time".
- Open the Documents folder on that workstation.
- Find the file named Standard Time SQL.dsn.
- Copy the file.
- Navigate to the target machine (the one you are setting up BC on).
- Open its Documents folder.
- Paste the credentials file there.
Note: The credentials file can alternatively be placed in the BC folder alongside bc.exe rather than in Documents — use whichever location is easier to manage.
Section 3 — Copy the BC Folder
The BC application is included with Standard Time® in the Utilities folder. You do not need to run an installer — just copy the folder.
- Find a workstation that has Standard Time® installed.
- Open File Explorer.
- Navigate to:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Standard Time\Utilities\ - Copy the entire BC folder.
- Go to the target workstation.
- Paste the BC folder anywhere convenient — the Desktop is a common choice.
Section 4 — Test the BC Client
Before deploying to the production floor, verify the BC client works correctly.
- Open the copied BC folder.
- Locate bc.exe.
- Double-click to launch it.
- Verify no errors or unexpected pop-ups appear at startup.
- Scan a Standard Time® username barcode label.
- Scan a Standard Time® job number or project name label.
- Optionally scan a Standard Time® task label.
- Confirm a timer has started for that employee in Standard Time®.
- Scan STOP to halt the timer.
- Open Standard Time® and navigate to Time Logs — the record should appear.
Troubleshooting
BC shows an error when I open it
The most common cause is a missing credentials file. Ensure Standard Time SQL.dsn is in the Documents folder or the same folder as bc.exe. Verify the SQL Server connection is active.
Scans produce no result
Check that: (1) the scanned username exactly matches the user in Standard Time® (case-sensitive); (2) the project name matches exactly; (3) the barcode labels were printed correctly — test by opening Notepad and scanning the label to see the raw output.
Can I put the BC folder somewhere other than the Desktop?
Yes. BC can run from any folder. Some sites place it in a shared network folder and create a shortcut on the desktop for each workstation.
Can multiple workstations use the same SQL database?
Yes. Each workstation running BC connects to the same central SQL database. All scans appear in the same Time Logs view in Standard Time® in real time.
Support: 719-488-8697 x2 — Sales: 719-488-8697 x1 — support@strdtime.com