Overview
Time Clock Setup defines how employees clock in and clock out in Shiftlab. These settings control automatic clock-outs, early clock-in prevention, and role-based permissions for timecard and biometric management. Proper configuration supports accurate timekeeping, reduces unnecessary labor costs, and prevents reporting errors.
View the six part video series for the Administrator Setup, and this is video 5 of 6 found below.
When to Use This
Use Time Clock Setup when:
Configuring Shiftlab for the first time
Establishing labor-control rules for early clock-ins
Enforcing consistent clock-out behavior across locations
Assigning which roles can manage fingerprints, approve timecards, or authenticate devices
Preventing missed punches and inaccurate attendance data
Step-by-Step Instructions
Video Instruction
Configure Auto Clock Out
Enable Auto Clock Out.
Select one of the three auto-clock-out methods:
End of Day → sets clock-out to 11:59 PM
End of Office Hour → sets clock-out to store closing time
End of Scheduled Shift → sets clock-out to the shift end time
Decide whether to enable Auto Clock Out Employee Prompt.
If enabled, choose whether to provide Suggested Times based on the scheduled shift end.
Select Save Changes.
Configure Early Clock-In Prevention
Turn on Early Clock-In Prevention.
Select how many minutes early employees are allowed to clock in (5–60 minutes).
Set exception rules:
Allow managers to clock in early
Allow early clock-ins if no one else is clocked in (with required notation)
Allow any employee to clock in early (with required reason)
Configure the same options for Non-Scheduled Employees, if applicable.
Select Save Changes.
Configure Role Mapping for Time Clock Functions
Open Role Mapping.
Assign roles for each available permission:
Fingerprint Management → choose who can capture and edit fingerprints
Time Card Approvals → choose who can edit and approve employee timecards
Authenticate Browsers → choose who can approve devices for clock-ins when not using IP or biometrics
Biometrics Only → choose which roles must clock in using fingerprints
Auto Punch Generation → assign roles that should automatically receive punches when scheduled
Select Save Changes.
Key Details & Definitions
Auto Clock Out: Automatically clocks out employees at a defined time if they forget to do so.
End of Day: Applies a clock-out time of 11:59 PM when auto clock-out runs at midnight.
End of Office Hour: Applies a clock-out time equal to the store’s closing time.
End of Scheduled Shift: Applies a clock-out time equal to the shift’s scheduled end. Helps control overtime calculations.
Auto Clock Out Employee Prompt: Prompts employees on their next shift to correct their auto-clock-out time.
Early Clock-In Prevention: Prevents employees from clocking in earlier than the allowed number of minutes before a shift.
Non-Scheduled Employees: Employees not assigned to a shift on that day. Often treated differently for early clock-in control.
Role Mapping: Defines which roles have access to fingerprint management, timecard approvals, device authentication, biometric requirements, and auto-generated punches.
Auto Punch Generation: Creates punches automatically for roles that need schedules recorded but do not need to physically clock in.
Troubleshooting & FAQs
Employees are being clocked out at the wrong time.
Check the selected auto-clock-out option and whether store hours or scheduled shifts are configured correctly.
Employees cannot clock in early even when they should be allowed.
Review early clock-in exceptions and ensure the correct roles or conditions are enabled.
Biometric clock-ins are required for all employees, but some should be exempt.
Update Biometrics Only role mapping to apply the requirement only to specific roles.
District Managers appear as no-shows in reporting.
Enable Auto Punch Generation for their role.