---
title: "Trigger Block – Manual vs. Clock In/Out Workflows and Enforcement Logic"
url: "https://help.ontraccr.com/en/article/trigger-block-manual-vs-clock-in-out-workflows-and-enforcement-logic"
language: "en"
last_updated: "2025-05-26T21:46:01.845Z"
---

# 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

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## 🚦 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.

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## 🔧 How to Configure the Trigger Block

1.  Go to your form’s **Step 3: Workflow**
2.  The ‘**Triggers’ Block** appears at the top automatically
3.  Choose from the available trigger types (you can enable more than one):

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## ⚙️ 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)

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### 🕓 **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

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### ⚙️ 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

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## 🔐 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.

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## 🧠 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 |

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## 🔁 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

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## 📝 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.