Trigger Block – Manual vs. Clock In/Out Workflows and Enforcement Logic
📄 Workflow Trigger Block: Manual, Clock In/Out, and Mandatory Form Logic
The Trigger Block is the first—and required—step in every Ontraccr form workflow. It defines how and when a form gets launched, and can be configured to respond to:
- Manual user action
- Clock In or Clock Out events
- Day-based scheduling
- Mandatory enforcement rules
🚦 What Is the Trigger Block?
The Trigger Block tells Ontraccr what will initiate the form. It’s always the first block in Step 3: Workflows, and cannot be deleted.
🔧 How to Configure the Trigger Block
- Go to your form’s Step 3: Workflow
- The ‘Triggers’ Block appears at the top automatically
- Choose from the available trigger types (you can enable more than one):
⚙️ Trigger Types
🟢 Manual
- User launches the form by tapping it in the Forms list (web or mobile)
- Required if you want the form to be manually accessible
- Necessary for favoriting a form
✅ Best for: Forms that can be filled out anytime (e.g., Daily Logs, Site Inspections)
🕓 On Clock In / On Clock Out
- Launches the form automatically when a user clocks in or out
- Pops up immediately after clocking action
- Ideal for safety, compliance, and shift-start processes
✅ Best for:
- FLHAs
- Toolbox Talks
- Post-job Checkouts
- Incident Reporting
⚙️ Gear Icon Settings
Click the gear icon beside Clock In or Clock Out to configure:
1. Day Filtering
- Choose specific days when the form should trigger
- Example: Only show Toolbox Talk on Wednesdays
2. Enable Mandatory Submission
- Prevents user from clocking in/out until they complete and submit the form
- Enforces field compliance policies
- Works even in remote/offline scenarios
🔐 What Happens with Multiple Clock-In Triggers?
If multiple forms are triggered at the same time:
- They stack in the mobile app
- User must submit the first to see the next
⚠️ Avoid overwhelming users—use day filtering and audience control to streamline.
🧠 Use Case Examples
| Use Case | Trigger Type | Additional Settings |
|---|---|---|
| FLHA (Field Level Hazard Assessment) | On Clock In | Mandatory + Wednesday only |
| End-of-Day Report | On Clock Out | Optional |
| Incident Form | Manual | Always accessible |
| Safety Talk | On Clock In | Wednesday only |
| Equipment Check | Manual | Ensure quick access |
🔁 Tips & Best Practices
- ✅ Keep Manual enabled if you want users to fill forms on demand
- ⚠️ Manual-only forms must also be assigned to show up in the user's list
- 🧩 Combine trigger logic with assigned users to ensure correct visibility
- 📌 Mandatory submission is one of Ontraccr’s most powerful compliance tools—use it for high-stakes workflows
📝 PDF Export & Trigger Linkage
Forms triggered via clock in/out or parent-child links can still be:
- Exported
- Automatically numbered
- Pushed to other workflow steps
Triggering logic does not restrict any downstream automation.