---
title: "Time Tracking Methods: Clock-In, Manual Entry, Tablet Mode & Forms"
url: "https://help.ontraccr.com/en/article/time-tracking-methods-clock-in-manual-entry-tablet-mode-forms"
language: "en"
last_updated: "2025-05-26T23:18:13.487Z"
---

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

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

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### ✅ **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.

![](https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/bb1f8bf6-0df9-4c3f-a61a-c67fb83363d0)

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## 🕒 **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.

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## ✍️ **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.

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## 📱 **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.

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## 🧾 **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.

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### 💡 **Pro Tips & Edge Cases**

| Use Case | Best Method |
| --- | --- |
| GPS-verified time | Live Clock-In / Clock-Out |
| Missed punches | Manual Entry |
| No personal devices | Tablet Mode |
| Daily logs + time in one form | Form-Based |