Time tolerance in RosterElf controls when employees are prompted to provide a reason for their clock-in or clock-out. Setting it to 0 means the system asks for a reason on every single clock-in and clock-out — no buffer at all. This is useful for businesses that rely on shift notes for accurate record keeping. Setting it to a positive value (e.g. 5 or 15 minutes) creates a buffer, so employees are only prompted if they clock outside that window.
1. Understanding time tolerance
Time tolerance controls when RosterElf prompts an employee for a reason during clock-in or clock-out. There are three modes depending on the value you set.
1.1 What is time tolerance?
1.1.1. Set to 0: The system prompts for a reason on every clock-in and clock-out, immediately. Ideal for businesses using shift notes for accurate record keeping. Employees who don't need detailed notes can enter a short generic message.
1.1.2. Set to a positive value: Employees can clock in or out within that window without a prompt. A reason is only required if they exceed the buffer (e.g. more than 5 minutes early or late).
1.1.3. Not configured: Employees are never prompted, and no reasons are recorded.
1.1.4. Helps identify attendance trends, such as habitual lateness or early departures, when a buffer is set.
2. How to adjust time tolerance
Setting time tolerance in RosterElf is simple. Follow these steps to customise the acceptable buffer period for your business.
2.1 access the time & attendance settings
2.1.1 Navigate to the Sites tab in the main menu.
2.1.2 Select the desired site.
2.1.3 Click on the Time & Attendance tab.
2.1.4 Locate the Time Tolerance field.
2.1.5 Set the tolerance value. Enter 0 to prompt for a reason on every clock-in and clock-out, or enter a buffer in minutes (e.g. 5, 10, 15) to only prompt when employees clock outside that window.
2.1.6 Save your changes to enforce the new tolerance period.
3. Benefits of time tolerance
Time tolerance helps businesses strike a balance between flexibility and accountability. It encourages punctuality and provides insights into attendance behaviour.
3.1 key benefits
3.1.1. Flexibility: Supports a forgiving clock-in/out process within reasonable limits.
3.1.2. Transparency: Prompts employees for reasons, ensuring accountability.
3.1.3. Insights: Identifies patterns for informed management decisions.
3.1.4. Accurate shift records: Setting tolerance to 0 ensures a reason is captured on every attendance event, supporting businesses that use shift notes for compliance or operational record keeping.