Time Tracking Methods: Clock-In, Manual Entry, Tablet Mode & Forms

⏱ Time Tracking Methods: Clock-In, Manual Entry, Tablet Mode & Forms

✅ What This Covers

Ontraccr supports four ways to track time:

1. Live Clock-In / Clock-Out
2. Manual Entry
3. Tablet Mode (Shared Kiosk)
4. Form-Based Time Entry

Each method offers different levels of control, automation, and flexibility depending on your job site setup.

🕒 Method 1: Live Clock-In / Clock-Out

What it is:

Workers punch in and out in real-time using the web app, mobile app, or tablet.

Where it appears:

• Default dashboard
• Dedicated clock page on mobile app

How it works:

• User selects:
  • Project
  • Optional: Phase & Cost Code
  • Optional : Union & Work Class
• Hits Clock In
• Later hits Clock Out or Switch (to change tasks)
• Optional: User can also add notes to time entries

Ties into:

• ⛳ Geofencing (Clock-In & Clock-Out)
• 📸 Facial Capture (optional selfie at clock-in/out)
• 📤 Automatic Submission
• 📑 Triggering Forms via clock-in/out

Best for:

Field crews, service techs, or anyone needing real-time tracking with GPS enforcement.

✍️ Method 2: Manual Entry

What it is:

Users log time entries after the fact, with or without exact start/end times.

Where it appears:

• Clock screen (button: Manual Entry)
• Mobile app + Web app

Input Options:

• Start/End Time or Total Hours (toggle appears if enabled)
• Add Breaks
• Attach Custom Fields (based on division)
• Add time for multiple people at once

Ties into:

• 🛠️ Manual Entry Role Permissions
• ⏱️ Manual Entry Rounding
• 📝 Custom Time Card Fields
• 🧾 Global or Project Cost Codes

Best for:

Foremen or supervisors entering time for a crew, office users entering missed time.

📱 Method 3: Tablet Mode (Shared Kiosk)

What it is:

A shared tablet that runs Ontraccr in kiosk mode for group clock-in/out.

How it works:

• Configure tablet accounts in Settings > Tablet Mode
• Users select their name and clock in/out
• Auto logout available (1–5 mins)
• Can restrict to:
  • Specific teams
  • Specific projects

Linked to:

• 👤 User Roles (who can clock in/out or be visible)
• 📍 GPS tracking (if on mobile network)
• 🕵️ Admin view of tablet-entered time

Best for:

Lunchroom kiosks, trailer stations, or job sites without personal device use.

🧾 Method 4: Form-Based Time Entry

What it is:

Time is entered through Forms that include a Time Entry Table and a Create Time Entry workflow block.

Key Requirements:

• Use the Time Entry Table field (added in Form Builder > Section 2)
• Add the Create Time Entry block to the workflow
• Optional: Add an Approval Block before auto-creating entries

Advanced Options:

• Attach photos, documents, weather logs, and more alongside time
• Prevent duplicate entries
• Map answers to custom time card fields

Ties into:

• 🧠 Full form workflow engine
• ✅ Auto Approval (bypasses standard approval if enabled)
• 📤 Summary Exports

Best for:

Companies collecting rich job site info daily — e.g., foremen submitting logs + time in one go.

💡 Pro Tips & Edge Cases