Timecard GPS: Clock-in Lock

Clock-in Lock is a recent feature where companies will be able to restrict the location where the employees can clock in. Basically, if they are outside the expected area, they won't be able to clock in to that job.

Let's setup a clock-in lock rule for an existing job! First we go to Maintain Task/Customer List and click on the Task ID of the job you want to add the rule for:

The task must have an address for this to work. If there is no address available, you can also use the coordinates. Next, click on "Create Custom SmartFence". (A Default fence can also be created and applied for multiple jobs. If  you go this way, make sure to follow the next steps when setting up the Default fence first, then you can select Default on the SmartFence option within the task and click on Save to complete it).

In the next step, name the rule as you see fit. Use the Search option to find the address and set the radius to the desired size. Next, click on "Create New" in the Rules section.

The next will be used to setup the Clock in Lock rule and parameters. Open the Trigger dropdown menu and select the option "Clock In Lock Within Area":

Then, tick on "Lock Phone" if you want employees not to be able to punch in to a job unless they are inside the specified area. Leaving this option disabled will enable them to select the task, but you can always create an alert to be notified whenever this happens. When this is ready, click on Save to go back.

You will notice that the Rules section will be populated with the rule you created in the previous step. Click on "Add Existing" to apply the rule.

When the rule is successfully applied, you will see it listed below.

Next, we will cover how the Clock-in Lock feature works on a Field Worker's perspective. At the beginning of the day, you will be clocking in as normal, by selecting a task from their Tasks List.

This time, these tasks will have the address and clock-in lock rule attached to them. The device will use your current location and compare it to the expected location. If you are inside the correct area, the clock in will be successful.

The device could take a little time to get the location, so you could get a message with suggestions as to what to do to improve the GPS signal. On the other hand, if you are outside of the expected area, you will get a message telling you that you are at the wrong location for that selected task, and the clock in or change task action will be unsuccessful.

Let us know if  you have any questions about this new feature and we will be more than glad to assist you.

-- Econz Team