Contents
- Intro
- Prerequisites
- Humanforce startup scripts
- Creating the batch file
- Deploying the startup script
- Putting the Humanforce website into Kiosk Mode
- Further assistance
Intro
The Humanforce website can be launched automatically upon startup of a Windows device through the use of a specific startup script.
The script is primarily utilised on kiosk devices to ensure that the website launches any time the machine is restarted or turned on.
This article outlines the startup scripts used, as well as the procedure of placing the script within the machine's Startup folder so that it is executed on each system boot.
It also covers the procedure for setting the Current Location Override setting within Humanforce to place the website into Kiosk mode for clocking operations if needed.
Prerequisites
To complete the deployment of a startup script for launching Humanforce on a kiosk, you will require the following:
- Remote or physical access to the machine
- Humanforce Local Service installed on the device
- Hitachi Vein Scanner drivers also needed on the device if utilising vein scanner authentication
- Information on installing both items can be found in the below Help article:
If you are additionally completing the section on placing the website into Kiosk Mode, you will require logon credentials to an employee profile in Humanforce with the following access level permissions enabled:
- TimeTarget Online > View Administration Section > Current Location Override
More information on adjusting access level permissions can be found in the below Help articles:
Humanforce startup scripts
The startup scripts are saved as a batch file on the kiosk machine using the .bat file extension. These scripts are then placed within the machine's Startup folder, and run each time the user logs on.
There are two startup scripts available for launching the Humanforce website in Google Chrome, with the differences between each script being how the website will behave while it is in fullscreen mode within Google Chrome.
Below is the script for using Google Chrome's fullscreen mode - while in this mode, a user can exit fullscreen mode from the tablet by tapping towards the top of the touchscreen, which will reveal an Exit button.
@echo off
echo Awaiting Humanforce Local Service startup...
Ping -n 9 1.1.1.1>=NUL
start chrome.exe -fullscreen https://
Below is the script for using Google Chrome's kiosk mode - while in this mode, the user will receive no option to exit the browser by tapping, as fullscreen mode provides.
@echo off
echo Awaiting Humanforce Local Service startup...
Ping -n 9 1.1.1.1>=NUL
start chrome.exe -kiosk https://
Creating the batch file
It is recommended to prepare the batch file in .bat format locally on your machine so that this can be transferred to any required kiosks for easy deployment.
You can additionally perform the same process below directly on the kiosk device itself if required.
After copying one of the above startup scripts, open Notepad and paste the script in. Add your Humanforce website URL in the bottom line after https://
Select File > Save as...
In the File Explorer window that appears, navigate to a directory that you wish to store the script in, then change your Save as type to All files (*.*).
Enter a name for the script and ensure it ends in the .bat extension, then press Save to finish creating the batch file.
This batch file can now be copied to your kiosk device for deploying into the Startup folder.
Deploying the startup script
After you have transferred or created the .bat file on the kiosk, right-click on the Start menu and select Run.
Enter shell:startup into the input box, then click OK.
This will launch a File Explorer window within the kiosk user's Startup folder. Copy & paste the startup script batch file into this directory.
You can double-click the batch file after pasting it into the Startup folder to confirm that it launches the website correctly in your intended mode.
It is also recommended to restart the machine and confirm that it works as normal upon the kiosk user's log on.
Putting the Humanforce website into Kiosk Mode
Some configurations of Humanforce will restrict clocking functions to only allow usage when the website is in Kiosk Mode - this is defined as a browser with a Current Location Override setting defined in the Humanforce Admin section.
If you have access to credentials that meet the permission requirements outlined in the Prerequisites section, the below steps can be followed to place a browser into Kiosk Mode.
When logged into Humanforce on the kiosk device, select the Admin section.
In the System Configuration section, select the Override Current Location Selection option.
Select the desired Humanforce location from the drop-down menu that matches the kiosk device, and click Apply to place the browser into Kiosk Mode.
You can confirm that this was successful by navigating back to the Humanforce log in screen, which should now be showing as Kiosk Mode and also showing the selected location:
Further assistance
If you experience any issues while deploying the startup script or placing the website into Kiosk Mode, we recommend logging a Help ticket so that our consultants can assist you.