Empeon's Time and Attendance system includes a geofencing feature that enforces a virtual boundary around designated locations where mobile punches are allowed. For employees permitted to punch in and out using mobile devices, a geofence ensures punches are recorded on-site, preventing off-site clock-ins.
Setting geofencing parameters is done within each Location’s settings, found in the Company’s Job Info Card. For every Location that is added, a geofence can be configured along with any IP restrictions that should be enforced when employees attempt to punch.
Once geofencing parameters and any IP restrictions are configured for each Location, there are two methods for enforcing them:
- Enable the Restrict Clock In To Company Locations Only setting – Found in the Attendance Settings Card, this setting applies geofencing enforcement across all Locations, regardless of whether an employee is assigned to that Location.
- Use Punch Location Filters – If the setting above is disabled, Locations must be manually assigned under the Punch Location Filters section of the Employee Profile. Multiple filters can be assigned for employees who work at more than one Location.
Geofencing & IP Restrictions
To configure the Geofencing and IP Restrictions for a Location, navigate to the HR section within the Company tab select the Job Info Card.
For existing Locations that have been established, click the 'pencil' icon to Edit. For new Locations, select the "+ New Location" button.
After entering the address for the Location, there is a Clock Settings tab that includes the Geofencing settings. This is where the distance around the location can be established. The geofence is structured as a circular boundary around the location, with a minimum radius of 100 feet and a maximum of 3,000 feet. While the shape is fixed as a circle, the distance is customizable to accommodate the size and needs of the Location.
Below the Geofencing toggle is the option to set up IP Restrictions. This feature allows a list of approved IP addresses to be registered. When one or more IP addresses are added, employees will only be able to clock in from a mobile device if connected to one of the approved addresses. If no IP addresses are listed, the system will not enforce any IP-based restrictions.
To register an IP address, click the blue "+ Add IP" button and enter the address. Repeat this process for any additional IP addresses that need to be authorized.
Be sure to click "Save" to finalize these settings within the Location.
Punch Location Filters
If the Restrict Clock In To Company Locations Only setting is enabled within the Attendance Settings Card, geofencing parameters will be enforced across all registered Company Locations for all employees, without the need to assign specific Locations on Employee Profiles.
However, if this setting is disabled, geofencing and IP restrictions will only be enforced when a Location is manually assigned under the Punch Location Filters section of the Employee Profile.
It is important to note that adding the Location to the employee's Job Info Card within the Employee Profile is NOT where these geofencing parameters are assigned. Instead, the Location needs to be assigned within the Attendance section of the Employee Profile under Punch Location Filters.
Click on either the blue "+" icon in the top right of this section, or the grey bar labeled "+ Add Punch Location Filters" to add a Location to the Employee's Profile. This process is as simple as assigned the Location and clicking "Save".
For employees who work at multiple locations, this process can be repeated as needed for the necessary Locations.