ShopPulse (Operator Dashboard) Driven Job Tracking

1. Overview

Job Tracking in MachineMetrics delivers real-time visibility into work order execution by synchronizing ERP job data, operator activity, and machine performance. It enables manufacturers to track work order progress, validate labor inputs, and align actual production with planned schedules.

This capability is essential for:

• Tracking labor and production for costing and compliance

• Capturing scrap and runtime per operation

• Monitoring work order progress and bottlenecks

• Enabling ERP-integrated labor ticketing

• Supporting schedule adherence and capacity planning

Job Tracking includes integrated Clock In/Clock Out functionality to track operator shift duration and labor tickets directly in ShopPulse—eliminating the need for separate systems or kiosks.

2. Feature Availability

3. How It Works

Job Tracking integrates three essential data sources:

1. ERP Work Orders: Job and operation data synced from your ERP (e.g., work order number, operations, routings, parts).

2. Operator Input: Operators log into ShopPulse, start jobs, and submit labor tickets with real-time validation.

3. Machine Data: MachineMetrics automatically tracks cycle time, part counts, and downtime per job.

Clock In/Clock Out Integration

MachineMetrics captures operator clock-in and clock-out events directly within the ShopPulse interface, unifying time tracking and job execution into a single, shop-floor-native experience. This eliminates the redundant data entry that comes from managing time in disconnected systems and ties actual labor hours directly to machine activity and production context.

How It Works

Operators clock in and out through one of two interfaces:

• ShopPulse Dashboard — The standard operator interface on a tablet or terminal at the machine. Clock in/out is performed directly within the same interface used for job execution, downtime tracking, and part reporting.

• Kiosk Mode — A standalone, lightweight interface designed for shared terminals. Kiosk Mode does not require a full ShopPulse deployment and is optimized for shop floor environments with large, touch-friendly controls. Operators authenticate via badge scan, PIN entry, or username/password. This application can be found in My Apps > Operator Kiosk

Clock-In Behavior

When an operator clocks in, ShopPulse captures shift context — including schedule details and machine assignment — and begins tracking time immediately. This ensures that every labor record is tied to a specific operator, machine, and shift from the moment work begins.

Clock-Out Behavior

At clock-out, the system automatically prompts the operator to review and close any open labor tickets across all resources they are currently signed into. This ensures complete labor data before the shift ends and eliminates the risk of unclosed tickets skewing costing or payroll records. Closing those tickets also automatically signs the operator out of the associated resources.

Time Tracking Capabilities

• Automatic calculation of total shift duration for payroll and analytics

• Built-in time validation to prevent invalid or incomplete entries

• Labor ticket reconciliation tied to specific jobs and machines

• Audit trail with a complete history of all time punches for compliance and verification

ERP & Payroll Integration

A bi-directional ERP connection enables direct syncing of clock events and labor tickets for payroll processing and job costing. This works out-of-the-box with Epicor Kinetic and Infor Visual. For customers using external Time & Attendance systems — such as Paylocity, Kronos, or ADP — MachineMetrics can sync clock events automatically, eliminating the need for operators to interact with a separate time clock system entirely. Custom integrations are available for other ERP connectors and payroll platforms.

Job Start/End Time Selection (Optional)

MachineMetrics now enables operators to retroactively select the start or end time of a job based on predefined machine or operator events. This feature improves data accuracy when job interactions are not perfectly timed with machine activity or operator login.

Why This Matters

• Improved Accuracy: Ensures job timestamps of Labor Tickets and Production Runs better reflect actual production activity.

• More Flexibility: Allows operators to correct for missed start/end actions.

• Streamlined Data Capture: Reduces the need for post-run manual edits by supervisors.

Available Time Selection Options

Operators can now choose from the following when setting job start or job end time:

Machine-Based Options:

• Time of Last Part Completed

• Last Active Time (machine's last recorded active execution)

Operator-Based Options:

• Time of Clock In

• Now (current timestamp)

These options appear as a dropdown in the Start Job and End Job modals within ShopPulse.

💡 Note: These options are only visible if the feature is enabled in Settings > Company > Job Time Selection Settings.

How to Enable

1. Navigate to Settings > Company > Job Tracking Configuration.

2. Toggle “Allow operators to select start/end time from machine or operator events”.

4. How to Use It

Operator Workflow

1. Operator logs into ShopPulse (MachineMetrics’ Operator Dashboard)

2. System checks and records Clock In at sign-in

3. Operator selects and starts job from the machine’s queue

4. MachineMetrics captures part counts and runtime automatically

5. Operator enters scrap (if any) and ends job with a labor ticket

6. Operator Signs Out, prompting Clock Out and submission of any open labor tickets

Supervisor or Manager View

• Use the Production Schedule to view active and upcoming jobs across machines

• Monitor individual operator clock-in/out status

• Use the Schedule Attainment Dashboard to track how closely production is aligning with the planned schedule and to identify at-risk operations

5. Tips, Examples & Best Practices

• Ensure job naming conventions are consistent for operator clarity

• Use clock-in data to validate labor costs and identify production inefficiencies

• Combine Job Tracking with MachineMetrics’ clock in/out functionality to generate timecard-ready data for payroll systems via custom integration (e.g., ADP, Paylocity)

6. FAQs & Troubleshooting

Q: Can I use Job Tracking without an ERP?

A: No. Job Tracking requires structured work order and operation data from your ERP or other systems where work order data is located.

Q: What if an operator forgets to clock out?

A: Labor ticket reconciliation prompts operators to submit open work and ensures shifts are closed properly.

Q: Can we split time between multiple jobs?

A: Not within the same active session, but operators can switch jobs to isolate labor time by task.

7. Related Articles

• [Operator Dashboard (ShopPulse)]

• [Schedule Intelligence]

• [ERP Data Studio]

• [Clock In/Clock Out Overview]

• [Labor Ticketing and Payroll Integrations]

8. Need Help?

For help configuring Job Tracking, ERP integrations, or labor ticket workflows, contact your Customer Success Manager or email support@machinemetrics.com.