One of the very first features in the new greytHR ESS application is attendance marking. The ESS application allows you to configure employee sign-in using various methods. The innovative methods allow you to verify employee sign-in efficiently.

Different types of sign-in and attendance verification methods

The different types of sign-in and attendance verification methods available in the greytHR Employee Self-Service Portal (Attendance Marking) are as follows:

Manual Mobile Sign In: This method allows employees to mark their attendance using the application with a single click by capturing selfies using the default camera button. The selfie is then sent to their manager for verification.
Manual Mobile Sign-In with Selfie Recognition: This method encourages employees to mark their attendance by capturing selfies. To capture selfies, employees must place their faces inside the camera frame available in the greytHR mobile application. The application automatically captures the selfie. The selfie is then automatically verified with the employee's photo stored in the database.
Geofence: This method captures employee attendance when the employee signs in from the locations predefined by the organization. You can define these locations using the greytHR web application.
Geofence with Manual Selfie Capture: This method captures attendance when the employee signs in using selfie capture from the predefined locations. Employees must take the selfie manually using the default camera button. The selfie is then sent to the manager for verification.
Geofence with Face Recognition: This method captures attendance when the employee signs in using selfie capture from the predefined locations. To capture selfies, employees must place their faces inside the camera frame available in the mobile application. The application automatically captures the selfie. The selfie is then automatically verified with the employee's photo stored in the database.
Geotrack (Geomark): This method captures the attendance and location of the employee when the employee signs in. This option is beneficial when employees do not have a fixed working location.
Geotrack with Manual Selfie Capture: This method captures the attendance and location of the employee when the employee signs in using selfie capture. Employees must take the selfie manually using the default camera button. The selfie is then sent to the manager for verification.
Geotrack with Face Recognition: This method captures the attendance and location of the employee when the employee signs in using selfie capture. To capture selfies, employees must place their faces inside the camera frame available in the greytHR mobile application. The application automatically captures the selfie. The selfie is then automatically verified with the employee's photo stored in the database.
Geofence Auto Sign in: This method captures the employees' attendance automatically. The application tracks the employee’s device location in real time. Once the employee enters the vicinity of the location configured as office premises, he/she is signed in automatically.

Enable swipe capturing methods

To enable the swipe capturing methods, raise a request with the greytHR support team to enable the New Features for attendance capturing methods and face recognition verification.

Note: To enable the selfie capture method for tracking attendance, the Attendance Verification by face recognition option must be enabled from the New Features page.

Admin configuration for attendance capturing methods

After the support team enables the new features, you need to configure the Swipe Verification method in the attendance scheme:

Go to Settings > System Settings > Attendance > Attendance Scheme.
On the Attendance Scheme page, click the Edit icon for any scheme. A page opens.
From the Swipe Capturing Method dropdown list, select the required option.
Note: Swipe verification options such as Geofencing, Geomarking, Geo Tracking, Web Sign In, and Manual Mobile Selfie Sign In methods.
If you want to enable the face recognition method, then from the Selfie Verification drop-down, select Manual Selfie Capture or Face Recognition - Selfie Capture.
Click Save to activate the new method.

Factors affecting GPS accuracy

GPS location capture via Google Maps or other Google services may not work or may be inaccurate under various circumstances:

Weak or Blocked GPS Signal

Indoor Environments: Inside buildings—especially those with thick walls or underground structures—GPS signals can be significantly weakened or completely blocked.
Urban Canyons: Tall buildings in dense urban areas can obstruct the line of sight to GPS satellites, leading to poor signal reception and reduced accuracy.
Obstructions: Mountains, dense foliage, or even certain metallic window films in vehicles can interfere with GPS signals.

Device Settings and Permissions

Location Services Disabled: If location services are turned off on the device, or if Google Maps (or related apps) lack permission to access location data, GPS capture will not function.
Low Battery Mode: Some devices automatically disable or reduce GPS accuracy when the battery is low to conserve power.
Incorrect Location Mode: If the device’s location mode is set to Battery saving or Device only instead of High accuracy, location determination may be less precise.

Software and App Issues

Outdated App Version: An outdated Google Maps app may contain bugs or compatibility issues that affect location tracking.
Corrupted Cache/Data: Accumulated or corrupted cache and data files can lead to erratic GPS behavior.
Software Glitches: Temporary glitches within the device or app may disrupt GPS functionality.

Environmental Factors

Electromagnetic Interference: Strong electromagnetic fields near the device can interfere with GPS signals.
Poor Network Connection: While GPS primarily relies on satellite signals, Assisted GPS (A-GPS) uses Wi-Fi and cellular networks to improve accuracy and speed. A weak or absent network connection can therefore impact performance.

Hardware Malfunctions

Faulty GPS Receiver: A malfunctioning GPS unit within the device may prevent accurate location capture.

Various employee attendance marking methods using greytHR ESS: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the attendance marking feature in the greytHR ESS application?

The attendance marking feature allows employees to sign in using different methods like Manual Mobile Sign-In, Geofence, and Geotrack (Geomark). These methods use various verification techniques, including selfie capture and location tracking, to efficiently verify an employee's attendance.

What's the difference between Manual Mobile Sign-In, Geofence, and Geotrack?

Manual Mobile Sign-In allows employees to mark attendance from anywhere using their mobile device.
Geofence requires employees to be within a predefined, static location (like the office premises) to mark attendance.
Geotrack (Geomark) is a more flexible option that records an employee's attendance and location, which is useful for employees who don't have a fixed work location, such as sales representatives or field agents.

How does Selfie Recognition work?

With Selfie Recognition, the app automatically captures a selfie when the employee's face is within a designated frame. This selfie is then automatically verified against the employee's photo stored in the company database, eliminating the need for a manager's manual verification.

What is the difference between Manual Selfie Capture and Selfie Recognition?

Manual Selfie Capture requires the employee to manually take a selfie using the app's default camera button. This selfie is then sent to their manager for manual verification.
Selfie Recognition automates the process: it takes the selfie automatically and verifies it against the database, which is a faster and more efficient method.

What is Geofence Auto Sign-in?

Geofence Auto Sign-in automatically marks an employee as "signed in" as soon as their mobile device's location enters a pre-configured office location. It eliminates the need for manual sign-in, as long as the device's location tracking is enabled.

Can employees sign in automatically without any action?

Yes! With Geofence Auto Sign-In, attendance is marked automatically when an employee enters the defined office location. No selfie or tap required.

What is Geotrack (Geomark) used for?

This is ideal for employees who work in the field or don’t have a fixed location. It captures both attendance and current location when the employee signs in.

How do I enable swipe capturing methods in greytHR?

To enable swipe capturing methods, you need to raise a request with the greytHR support team. They will activate the New Features for attendance capturing methods and face recognition verification.

Is there any prerequisite for enabling selfie capture for attendance?

Yes. To use the selfie capture method, the Attendance Verification by Face Recognition option must first be enabled on the New Features page.

How can I configure swipe capturing methods once they are enabled?

After the support team enables the new features, follow these steps:

Go to Settings > System Settings > Attendance > Attendance Scheme.
On the Attendance Scheme page, click the Edit icon for any scheme.
From the Swipe Capturing Method dropdown list, select the required option.
To enable face recognition, choose either Manual Selfie Capture or Face Recognition – Selfie Capture from the Selfie Verification dropdown.
Click Save to activate the method.

Can I configure multiple swipe capturing methods at the same time?

Yes. You can configure more than one swipe capturing method within an attendance scheme. This flexibility allows organizations to combine options like geofencing, web sign-in, or selfie capture based on their policies and workforce needs.

What factors can affect GPS accuracy for location-based attendance?

GPS accuracy can be affected by several factors:

Weak or blocked signals from being indoors, in dense urban areas ("urban canyons"), or near obstructions like mountains.
Incorrect device settings, such as disabled location services, low battery mode, or the location mode being set to "Battery saving" instead of "High accuracy."
Software and app issues, like an outdated app version, a corrupted app cache, or temporary glitches.
Environmental factors, like electromagnetic interference.
Hardware malfunctions with the device's GPS receiver itself.

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