Configure Inactivity and Auto Sign-Out Timers in Simphony

Description: Learn how to configure and adjust the primary inactivity and auto sign-out timers in Simphony, and how these settings are adjusted depends on whether staff are configured as pop-up operators or stay-down operators.

---

Overview

This article covers two configuration methods:

• Method 1: For Popup Operators (Automatic Operator "Popup" Interval)
• Method 2: For Staydown Operators (Inactivity Dialog and Timeout)
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Method 1: For Popup Operators (Automatic Operator "Popup" Interval)

The Automatic Operator "Popup" Interval in Simphony controls how long the workstation waits before automatically signing out an inactive operator who is configured as a popup user.

Configure the Automatic Operator Popup Interval

1. Log in to the Enterprise Management Console (EMC) and navigate to the Enterprise, Property, Revenue Center (RVC), or Zone level.
2. Select Setup, then select Control Parameters.
3. Select the Configuration tab.
4. Locate the Automatic Operator "Popup" Interval (min:sec) field.
   
5. Enter the desired inactivity time, in minutes and seconds.
6. Select Save, then perform a database update on the workstations.

Method 2: For Staydown Operators (Inactivity Dialog and Timeout)

Staydown operators in Simphony, such as bartenders or cashiers, can remain signed in between transactions to speed up operations. To prevent guests or unauthorized staff from tampering with an unattended terminal, you can enable a security backup timer that displays a prompt asking "Do you need more time?" before signing the operator out.

Configuring the staydown timeout is a two-step process: enable the security timer on the employee class, then adjust the inactivity seconds on the workstation.

Enable the Security Timer on the Employee Class

1. Select the Property level, select Configuration, then select Employee Classes.
2. Double-click the target employee class, such as Server or Bartender.
3. Go to the Operator Options (or Operator Records) tab.
4. Ensure Option 8 (Staydown Operator) is checked. Leave it unchecked if the employee class is a popup operator.
5. Check Option 15 (Auto Pop-Up Timer / Enable Auto Pop-Up Timeout) to activate the security pop-up if the terminal is left unattended.
   
6. Select Save.

Adjust the Inactivity Seconds on the Workstation

Different workstations require different levels of security. For example, a terminal in a dark corner needs a faster timeout than a secure terminal behind a bar. Because of this, inactivity timing is configured per workstation.

1. Go to the Property level, select the Setup tab, then select Workstations.
2. Double-click the workstation record you want to adjust.
3. On the General tab, locate the following fields:
   • Check Inactivity Timeout: Enter the number of seconds the workstation must be idle before displaying the "Do you need more time?" dialog box. Set this field to 0 to disable the prompt entirely.
   • Check Inactivity Dialog Timeout: Enter the number of seconds the "Do you need more time?" prompt stays on the screen. Once this timer expires, the workstation automatically cancels the active transaction and signs the operator out.
     
4. Select Save.

Warning: Leaving a staydown operator signed in without an inactivity timeout enabled poses a significant security risk. Unauthorized staff or guests can access an unattended workstation, potentially leading to unauthorized transactions or loss.

Note: If Follow Me is enabled in the Revenue Center (RVC) Parameters, reaching the inactivity timeout automatically suspends the check instead of canceling it, so the server does not lose any items already rung up.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Difference Between a Popup Operator and a Staydown Operator?

A popup operator is automatically signed out of the workstation immediately after completing a transaction, which is standard for most servers. A staydown operator, typically a bartender or cashier, remains signed in to the workstation between transactions to support fast-paced operations.

Can I Disable the "Do You Need More Time?" Prompt for Staydown Workstations?

Yes. Set the Check Inactivity Timeout field on the workstation configuration to 0 to disable the prompt entirely. Disabling this prompt leaves the workstation active indefinitely until the operator manually signs out, which may pose a security risk.

What Happens to a Transaction in Progress When the Workstation Times Out?

By default, the workstation automatically cancels the active transaction and signs the operator out. However, if Follow Me is enabled in the Revenue Center (RVC) Parameters, reaching the inactivity timeout suspends the check instead, protecting the server's items already rung up.