The NFC-based clock in/out capability makes time tracking faster, more accurate, and easier for teams that start their shifts at a physical location. NFC (Near Field Communication) is a short-range wireless technology that allows devices to interact when held close together, similar to how contactless payments work. This enables employees to clock in with a simple tap, confirming on-site presence, reducing routine friction, and minimizing errors or misuse. It’s a straightforward, reliable way to ensure accurate time tracking for both employees and managers. Let's dive in!
This article will cover:
Please note that this capability is currently in Beta testing. If you have an NFC device and would like to try it out please reach out to our support team.
How to Set Up a New NFC
Before we begin, please ensure you have a physical NFC tag and an NFC app downloaded to set it up. A few recommended NFC apps which can be found in Google Play and App store are:
NFC Tools
NFC Smart Tool
NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader
NFC Tag Reader
NFC Reader and Write
If your NFC device already has an ID and is associated with Connecteam, you can proceed to adding the NFC in Connecteam.
To set up your NFC tag and associate it with Connecteam, start by accessing your NFC app, and click on Write.
Select Add a record, and select Text.
Name your NFC tag, for example; CT-NYSite. This will be the NFC ID which will be inserted in the Time Clock settings later on. Please note that the name must begin with 'CT-'.
Next, select Add a record again and click on Application.
Insert the name of the application you would like to associate with your NFC tag, in this case Connecteam, and click Save.
If you are using an Android device instead of iOS, click on the Android icon and search Connecteam from the play store in order to add it.
Click on Write and hold the NFC tag to your mobile device so it can be scanned.
That's it! Your NFC tag is ready to be added to your Connecteam platform.
How to Add a New NFC in Connecteam
To add a new NFC to your Time Clock, follow these steps:
Access the Time Clock feature from the left sidebar and enter the relevant Time Clock.
Head over to the Clock in & out tab.
Choose whether employees can clock into scheduled shifts, or without a scheduled shift, and enable NFC clock-in from the dropdown menu.
Click on the gear icon found in the NFC option, which will open a separate modal allowing you to set up your NFC.
In the modal that opens, select Add NFC.
Insert the NFC ID which you set up earlier. This can also be found in your NFC app under the Read tab.
Add a display name and location which will be associated with your NFC and click Save.
That's it! All employees assigned to the Time Clock will be able to clock in by attaching their mobile phones to your NFC device, as long as they have the Connecteam app installed.
What Users Will See When Clocking in
If you selected the option to allow users to clock in via NFC only, users will see a blue button allowing them to clock in, and will be asked to scan the NFC device:
If you selected the option to allow users to clock in both via NFC and via Mobile, users will be able to clock in by clicking on the blue Clock in button, or by clicking on the Scan NFC button, and scanning the NFC device.
How NFC Clock-in is Reflected on Users' Timesheets
By hovering over users' clock-in and out times in their timesheets, NFC clock-ins will be reflected by the NFC icon and display name, allowing admins to verify users clocked in via the NFC device.
*Enabling NFC Clock in is available from the Advanced plan on the Operations hub*
Need more guidance? 🙋 Our LIVE support team (at the bottom right corner of your screen) replies to ANY question.