What is a Bluetooth beacon?
A Bluetooth beacon is a small, battery-powered device that transmits a Bluetooth™ Smart / low-energy (BLE) signal that can be detected by mobile devices.
- Typical battery life of 18 months transmitting every 100ms* continuously, but often 22+ months
- Uses four standard AA alkaline batteries (pre-installed)
- Designed for indoor and outdoor use
- Internal on/off switch
- External button and LED light for battery status and configuration feedback
- Dimensions: 3.4in (l) x 3.0in (w) x 1.0in (h) (86mm x 77mm x 25mm)
How can my company benefit from Bluetooth beacons?
Bluetooth beacons enable the use of the Insperity Mobile app for recording punches, while still ensuring employees are able to punch In/Out only at designated locations. In addition, Bluetooth beacons:
- Promote social distancing by employees punching in/out through their mobile device.
- Only allow employees to punch when they are within range of the strategically placed beacon.
- Allow for more precision in defining approved area than geofencing.
- Have common names to aid in reporting.
- Have a 2-year battery life using replaceable AA cells.
- Work great in both rural and urban areas.
How do my employees punch in and out with the Bluetooth beacon?
Employees must download the Insperity Mobile app and have both Bluetooth and Location Services enabled.
Once the employee is within range of a Bluetooth beacon, the app will prompt the user to enter their punch via the mobile app.
The location, punch type, and time will be recorded and sent to Insperity Time and Attendance.
What is the range of the beacon device?
The range is 20-50ft depending on facility obstruction. It will be the responsibility of the client to determine placement at each facility. It is recommended that the beacon is elevated for best results.
Do I need to activate the beacon device?
No, Insperity will activate the device for you.
How do I turn the beacon on?
After removing your beacon from its box and sleeve, open the beacon by pressing the two latches on opposite sides of the beacon simultaneously with one hand while holding the front part of the beacon with the other hand.
Once you’ve opened your beacon, flip the small power switch located between the two sets of batteries from the ‘Off’ position to the ‘On’ position.
When the beacon has been turned on, you’ll notice a green light flashing on the exterior of the beacon for approximately 10 seconds.
How do I test if the device is working?
Please work with your Insperity Specialist to have the appropriate access in the Time and Attendance system. Please note the Insperity Mobile app will be required to test the workflows between the beacon and Time and Attendance.
How do I know if the beacon needs new batteries?
A flashing red light will be seen from the outside of the beacon. The Insperity staff will also have access to your battery life indicators and will notify you when the batteries need replacement.
Is a mobile device required to use the Bluetooth beacon?
Yes, either a company-provided mobile device or personal mobile device is required as well as the Insperity Mobile app (Android 7.0 or later and iPhone7 or later).
Will my employee be able to punch outside of the range of the beacon device?
The employee cannot use their mobile device for punching if they are not within range of a beacon device.
Will the employee be proactively notified if they are within range of the beacon device?
No, only when they start their Time punch workflow in the Insperity Mobile app will they know if they are within range. The Insperity Mobile app only uses Location Services when it is open.
Can employees also use time clocks or web clocks to punch in and out if we are using a beacon?
If your Insperity Time and Attendance system is configured for time or web clocks these can also be used.
Does my employee need to connect to the Bluetooth device in Settings before they punch?
No, the employee simply needs to have Bluetooth and Location Services enabled. The Insperity Mobile app will prompt the user for these if not enabled before they can punch.
Are Location Services required to use Bluetooth beacons?
Yes, the mobile device will need to use Location Services only while the app is in use.
Do my employees still need to select the organization levels they are working at if they normally specify these?
Yes, the beacon device currently automates the assignment of organization levels, such as Department or Location, to punches. If your employees normally specify organization levels when punching they will still need to do so when punching with a beacon.
Is a wireless network (WiFi) required at the facility?
WiFi is not a requirement.
Can we restrict an employee from a certain beacon?
No, you cannot. However, you will have reporting tools available in Insperity Time and Attendance to see at which beacon devices employees are punching in/out. Please work with Insperity Time & Attendance Support for setting this up.
Can I name each of the beacon devices?
Yes, if you would like specific names for Insperity Time and Attendance reporting purposes please include the activation code which is found on the side of the box or inside the device and the name (up to 50 characters) on a spreadsheet and send this information to Insperity Time & Attendance Support.