By installing the Kiosk by Fluida app on an Android device, it is possible to record timestamps via smartphone geolocation or via NFC Badge without having to purchase a timestamping device such as the Fluida Beacon or the Fluida Station.
Configure your Android device
Before getting started check that:
The Android device you wish to use as a timestamping machine is connected to the Internet and has been updated to version 6 or higher, up to version 10.
The Android device has not already been assigned to one of your company's other workplaces.
You have enabled location services (GPS) and Bluetooth on the smartphone you use to manage Fluida, and you have authorized the Fluida app to use Bluetooth and access your location data.
You have an Administrator profile or a Power User profile.
You have created the workplace you wish to assign the Android timestamping machine to.
Download the Kiosk by Fluida app
To use your Android device as a timestamping machine, you must download the Kiosk by Fluida app. The app is free and can be downloaded from the Google Play Store.
Once the application has been downloaded, the Android timestamping machine can be assigned to the desired workplace as if it were a Fluida Station or Fluida Beacon.
Assign the Android timestamping machine to a workplace based on the timestamping method you wish to use
To record timestamps via NFC badge
Before getting started check that:
The Android device is equipped with an NFC module that will allow it to read NFC Badges.
Follow the directions outlined in the section that explains how to Assign the Fluida Station to a workplace to record timestamps via NFC Badge that can be found in this article. The sole difference is that the Android device will be used in lieu of a Fluida Station.
The Android timestamping machine has now been assigned to the workplace and is visible in that workplace's settings, in the NFC section. The device can now record the timestamps of users working from this location, if said users have been authorized to use their "NFC Badge" as a timestamping method.
We recommend that you assign a badge to your Fluida user profile and record a test timestamp to verify that the device is working properly before permanently placing it the workplace it was assigned to.
To record timestamps via smartphone
Before getting started check that:
The Android device is equipped with Bluetooth 4.0 or newer.
Follow the directions outlined in the section that explains how to Assign the Fluida Station to a workplace to record timestamps via Smartphone that can be found in this article. The sole difference is that the Android device will be used in lieu of a Fluida Station.
The Android timestamping machine has now been assigned to the workplace and is visible in that workplace's settings, in the Bluetooth section. The device can now record the timestamps of users working from this location, if said users have been authorized to use their "Smartphone" as a timestamping method.
We recommend that you record a test timestamp to verify that the device is working properly before permanently placing it the workplace it was assigned to.
Tips to guide the placement of the Android timestamping machine
Once the device has been properly configured and a test timestamp has been recorded, it is ready to be placed permanently.
Place the Android timestamping machine indoors, near the entrance of your workplace, such that users will be able to interact with it easily. If users will be recording timestamps via NFC Badge, make sure the Android timestamping machine is easy to reach so that users may comfortably hold their badges close to the reader.
What could go wrong: questions and answers
I cannot find the Kiosk by Fluida app in the smartphone app store
Kiosk by Fluida is a free app that can be downloaded from the Google Play Store.
If you are unable to find it in the Google Play Store, it may be that your phone is running a version of the Android mobile operating system that does not support the app. The Kiosk by Fluida app is currently available for Android version 6 or higher, up to 10.
If your Android device is running version 11 or higher of the Android mobile operating system, and you would like to be able to install the Kiosk by Fluida app, you can leave your vote here: