Accurate timekeeping is essential in every organisation — especially in healthcare, where shift compliance, payroll accuracy, and staff visibility are vital. Within the OnTime app, two core methods can record attendance: Clock In/Out and Swipe-and-Go.
Both methods send data to Optima via AirStack, ensuring that every event is captured and processed. Understanding how they differ helps your organisation choose the configuration that best supports its workflow.
Clock In/Out — Full Control and Clarity
The Clock In/Out method is the default setup in the OnTime app, providing explicit control for users to indicate whether they are starting or ending a shift.
How it works:
- The user identifies themselves using fingerprint, PIN, or NFC card/fob.
- They manually select Clock In or Clock Out on the screen.
- A confirmation message confirms successful submission.
Behind the scenes, the system creates a data string that includes user ID, device ID, event type, and timestamp — all synchronised with Optima for precise reporting.
This method is ideal for organisations needing clear start/finish tracking and minimising event confusion.
Swipe-and-Go — Simplicity and Speed
Swipe-and-Go offers a more streamlined experience. Instead of manually selecting an action, users simply authenticate — and the system automatically decides whether it’s a clock-in or clock-out based on their previous record.
How it works:
- The user authenticates via fingerprint, PIN, or NFC card/fob.
- The system auto-detects the correct event and confirms it on-screen.
This approach reduces user steps but requires Optima configuration to handle Swipe-and-Go events. Setup should be completed by a super-admin in OnTime, with guidance from Cube Purple or RLDatix support.
Which Method Should You Use?
- Clock In/Out: Greater control and reliability, ideal for complex rosters or multi-shift environments.
- Swipe-and-Go: Faster and simpler but can cause more exceptions if users work back-to-back shifts.
Most healthcare organisations prefer Clock In/Out for its accuracy and audit trail, while Swipe-and-Go suits fast-moving teams prioritising convenience.
Before changing configurations, it’s best to consult your Allocate/RLDatix or Cube Purple support team for seamless integration.
Summary
Both Clock In/Out and Swipe-and-Go serve as reliable methods for timekeeping in the OnTime app, feeding accurate data to Optima via AirStack.
Your choice ultimately depends on the balance between control and convenience — and ensuring your configuration supports the workflows of your teams.
If you’re unsure which setup fits best, Cube Purple’s support team can guide your organisation toward the most effective and compliant solution.
