How to Set Up Attendance Tracking in Odoo 19

Overview

The Attendance module (hr_attendance) in Odoo 19 tracks employee check-in and check-out with multiple input methods: backend, kiosk, badge scan, and mobile. It includes overtime calculation with configurable rulesets (new in v19), geolocation tracking, and integration with timesheets and payroll.

Prerequisites

• Odoo 19 with the Attendance module installed
• Employee records configured
• HR Officer or Administrator access

Step 1: Configure Attendance Settings

Navigate to Attendances > Configuration > Settings:

• Kiosk Mode — Enable the self-service kiosk for check-in/check-out
• Overtime — Enable overtime tracking and calculation
• Geolocation — Enable GPS tracking on check-in/check-out (requires employee consent)
• PIN Code — Require PIN for kiosk authentication

Step 2: Set Up Kiosk Mode

The kiosk provides a self-service station for employee check-in/check-out:

• Access the kiosk from Attendances > Kiosk Mode or via the dedicated kiosk URL
• Employees identify themselves via badge scan, PIN code, or selection
• The kiosk displays the current time and the employee's check-in/check-out status
• Mount a tablet at your office entrance for hands-free operation

Step 3: Configure Check-In Methods

Employees can check in through multiple channels:

• Backend — Click Check In on the main Attendance screen
• Kiosk — Self-service station with badge or PIN
• Barcode Scanner — Scan employee badge barcode at the kiosk
• Mobile — Check in from the Odoo mobile app

Step 4: Configure Overtime Rulesets

Odoo 19 introduces overtime rulesets (hr.attendance.overtime.ruleset) with configurable rules:

• Navigate to Attendances > Configuration > Overtime Rules
• Create a ruleset defining when overtime starts (e.g., after 8 hours daily, after 40 hours weekly)
• Configure overtime rates and categories
• Assign rulesets to employees or departments

Step 5: Set Up Geolocation

If enabled, geolocation captures the GPS coordinates at check-in and check-out:

• Useful for field workers and remote employees
• Location data appears on the attendance record
• Requires the employee's device to share location (browser permission)

Step 6: Monitor Attendance

Track attendance through the Overview and Reporting views:

• Attendances > Overview — See today's attendance status for all employees (present, absent, late)
• Attendances > Reporting — Analyze attendance patterns, overtime hours, and absenteeism
• Filter by department, employee, or date range

Step 7: Integration with Time Off

Attendance integrates with the Time Off module:

• Approved leave days appear in the attendance overview
• Employees on leave are not expected to check in
• The hr_holidays_attendance module reconciles attendance with leave records

Step 8: Integration with Timesheets

Compare attendance hours with timesheet hours using hr_timesheet_attendance:

• View the difference between time present (attendance) and time worked (timesheets)
• Identify gaps where employees were present but did not log time

Best Practices

• Place kiosk tablets at all entry points for easy access
• Use badge scanning for speed in high-traffic environments
• Configure overtime rules before going live to ensure accurate tracking from day one
• Review attendance reports weekly to identify patterns and address issues
• Communicate attendance policies clearly to all employees before implementation