Developer update - Introducing Time & Attendance
At Sign In App, it's become customary for major product releases to be accompanied by a developer blog, offering insights from the team as we build out our solutions. It seems only fitting to uphold this tradition as we introduce Time & Attendance, the biggest update to our platform since the debut of Spaces in 2021.
Since very early in our journey, we’ve considered employee sign in a critical component of our core visitor management solution. We believe the workplace works better when everyone is signed in; for safety, for compliance and for the optimal workplace experience, whether you're remote or in the office.
Many of our customers already use Sign In App to ensure employee safety, generate simple timesheets or verify contractor hours. However, as the workplace continues to evolve, with teams spreading across various locations and time zones, the demand for a more flexible, comprehensive time tracking tool became obvious.
Time & Attendance exists because our community (politely) demanded it. It wasn't a fleeting suggestion; it was the most requested feature across surveys, chats and events, including our first ever in-person customer summit late last year. Our users told us loud and clear: managing time and attendance in the modern, flexible workplace was a challenge that needed a solution. Time & Attendance is our response to this, designed to be as robust and intuitive as the rest of Sign In App.
From a developer's perspective, building Time & Attendance was an exercise in understanding the diverse needs of modern workplaces. We delved into the specifics of what makes a time tracking tool valuable: simplicity in monitoring work status, flexibility in managing working hours and absences, and efficiency in handling team logistics and reporting. These aren't just features; they're answers to the real questions and challenges businesses face every day.
Key Features of Time & Attendance
- Activity Status: Now, you can easily see whether employees are "on the clock," enabling better management of work and breaks as well as project time, all tailored to your organisation's needs.
- Working Hours and Absence Management: This feature allows for the creation of flexible work schedules and easy recording of leave, supporting both hybrid and remote working models.
- Team Management and Reporting: Improved tools for team management and customizable reports, enhancing compatibility with payroll systems, with more advancements on the horizon.
The process of developing Time & Attendance was guided by direct feedback from our community. The six-month beta phase was especially enlightening, providing us with a wealth of insights that helped refine the solution. This feedback loop is crucial, ensuring that what we build not only meets but exceeds the expectations of those who will use it daily.
Looking at the broader picture, Time & Attendance is more than just an addition to Sign In App. It's a reflection of our ongoing commitment to providing tools that help people manage their work more effectively.
Our journey doesn't stop here. The introduction of Time & Attendance is a significant milestone, but it's part of a larger journey. The future of work is unpredictable and exciting, and we're committed to being a part of it, offering tools that respond to the needs of our customers.
We're immensely grateful for the support and input from our community. Your feedback has been instrumental in shaping Time & Attendance, and it will continue to guide us as we move forward. We're eager to hear how this new feature helps you manage your workplace more effectively.
In closing, thank you for being with us on this journey. Your trust in our team drives us to keep innovating and improving, ensuring we can meet the challenges facing today's visitors and employees together.
Chris Burton
EVP of Experiences & Design