Getting Started with the BambooHR Time Kiosk

I've downloaded the BambooHR Kiosk app. Now what?

Purpose: This guide will walk you through an admin's setup for the BambooHR Kiosk app. It will explain how to set up the app, where to find an employee's clock-in ID, and identify what time tracking actions may and may not be done via the app.

Table of Contents

Want more of the Time Kiosk fun? Check out our BambooHR Learning course!

BambooHR Time Kiosk Setup Checklist

To ensure you are ready to start using your BambooHR Kiosk app, please ensure you have completed each of the tasks below. Let's get started!

1. Verify Time Tracking Settings (must be done via web app)

If you are a new time tracking user and you have not completed the time tracking setup checklist before, make sure you do so before moving on in this guide. If you're an existing time tracking customer and are adding Time Kiosk to your stack, we just need to make a few changes. Let's get started!

1. Ensure your time tracking group settings include Kiosk capabilities by checking the "Enable Time Clock" button.

2. Determine what time tracking methods your employees are allowed to use.

3. Set up your Clock-In IDs.

1. Navigate to Settings > Time Tracking

2. On the Employees tab, click the gear icon

3. Select Clock-In ID Settings

4. Select Enable Clock-in ID

5. Choose to use BambooHR employee number or random number assignments

6. Click Save

You may choose whether the ID numbers should be your BambooHR employee numbers or a random four-digit number. When you enable clock-in IDs, our system will assign IDs to each employee in time tracking, regardless of their time tracking method. However, those clocking in via the web app or mobile will not need to use these ID numbers.

Do you want to watch a video about clock-in IDs?
How do I select a time tracking method for my employees?

You can determine your employee's clocking method via Time Tracking settings. You must determine the time tracking method separately for each time tracking group you create.

Web app

If you want your employees to clock in and out using the web app, you can choose the Start & End Times option or the Total Hours Worked option. If you do not have a BambooHR Time Clock or have not set up the BambooHR Time Kiosk app, checking the Enable Time Clock option will enable the web time clock. To see what the different web clocking methods look like in action, check out this help guide.

Time Clock or Time Clock Plus

If you want your employees to exclusively use your BambooHR Time Clock, you must select the Start & End Times option, check the Enable Time Clock box, and check the Disable clock-in and clock-out on web box.

You will also need to ensure that neither option under the Mobile section of your time tracking settings are selected. If you have not selected the top option, you will not be able to select the bottom option.

Time Kiosk

If you want your employees to exclusively use your BambooHR Time Kiosk, you must select the Start & End Times option, check the Enable Time Clock box, and check the Disable clock-in and clock-out on web box.

You will also need to ensure that neither option under the Mobile section of your time tracking settings are selected. If you have not selected the top option, you will not be able to select the bottom option.

2. Open the BambooHR Time Kiosk app and login

The login process will be the same as your web and mobile experience. Don't worry, only those with permission can open and login to the app as an admin! Once you login, the kiosk app will sync with your BambooHR account.

3. First time set up

You can set up the Time Kiosk app in no time. Complete the three, easy steps below to get it up-and-running!

1. Grant Location Access: To begin, enable precise location. This step is required for setup.

2. Create a Location Name: This location name will sync over to the BambooHR web app under Time Tracking Settings > Devices

3. Camera Access: Enable camera access so we can snap a picture of your employees when they clock in and out.

Hooray! Your setup is complete. Skip For Now will take you straight to the home screen, while View Time Kiosk Tour will give a short overview of the app.

4. Take a tour or go to the home screen

The tutorial includes four parts: Home, Clocking In, Switching Projects, Clocking Out. It's designed to be short and easy, so we recommend taking a look!

If you choose to skip the tour, you can go back to it later by clicking the lightbulb icon at the bottom of your kiosk screen.

5. Enable kiosk mode on your iPad device

Kiosk mode locks the iPad to a single app and restricts certain features. Follow the directions below to enable Guided Access.

To turn on kiosk mode in your iPad settings:

1. Navigate to Settings > Accessibility > Guided Access

2. Toggle the switch to ON.

3. Tap Passcode Settings to set a passcode to exit Guided Access mode.

You will only need to follow these steps once.

To turn on kiosk mode in-app:

1. Open the BambooHR Time Kiosk app.

2. Triple-click the side (or top) button.*

3.  Select Start.

Depending on your iPad model, the button to enable Kiosk Mode may be different. For more help enabling Guided Access, check out this Apple support article.

To exit kiosk mode:

1. Triple-click the side (or top) button.

2. Enter your passcode.

3. Select End.

BambooHR Time Kiosk Settings (must be accessed through the app)

To access the Kiosk settings, click on the gear icon at the bottom of your screen. Upon tap, the app will prompt you to re-enter your BambooHR credentials to verify your access permissions, ensuring only those with admin permissions can access the Kiosk settings.

Kiosk-specific settings may be edited on the kiosk itself. However, any settings that may affect an additional kiosk or individual employee data must be edited via the BambooHR desktop experience.

Time Kiosk Events

Selecting Time Kiosk Events brings up a searchable page with basic information about each kiosk event.

Selecting See Event or See Multiple Events allows you to review the picture captured upon clock in/clock out, review the time and location of their action, and determine the projects the employee logged time to during their shift.

Update Kiosk Nickname

Clicking Update Kiosk Name bring up a modal for you to change the nickname. If you have multiple kiosks, each must be renamed on its own device.

Time Kiosk Access Permissions

Account Owner

  1. Can see and perform all actions on EE Keypad ID. (BambooHR Time Clock)
  2. Can set up the BHR Time Kiosk App
  3. Can remove time tracking devices from the account

Admin

  1. Can see and perform all actions on EE Keypad ID. (BambooHR Time Clock)
  2. Can set up the BHR Time Kiosk App
  3. Can remove time tracking devices from the account

Custom Time Tracking Access Level

  1. Enable/Disable Time Tracking for all Employees
  2. Can see and perform all actions on EE Keypad ID. (BambooHR Time Clock)
  3. Can set up the BHR Time Kiosk App