Inspiration

The management at GBike decided to deploy a punch system developed in house, due to a rapidly growing team and some specific requirements that weren't solved with available resources. This was considered feasible as I had already completed several smaller projects studying hardware and deploying automation within Google sheets.

Plan

My direct manager and I compiled a long list of detailed requirements that were organised into three categories; punching in and out, approving timecards and editing punches, and individual time cards that were private. This was developed into a combined hardware and software solution with corresponding and comprehensive to-do lists.

Execution

At this point the project was largely left in my hands. I implemented all hardware and software solutions, from deciding to use Raspberry Pi Model 3 B+ for the stations, to the layout of the user interfaces within Google sheets. To test the system there was a limited deployment to the management team, which led to some debugging and feature improvements. I document the development of the project, function lists for the google scripts, setup instruction for the stations, and wrote SOPs to be used when training on how to use the Time Punch System (one for all team members, and one for management).

Performance & Control

With everything tested and functioning the Time Punch System was deployed for the entire team to use. I had built four stations which were deployed to different locations with little issue. I trained the team on; how to use the punch stations, a google form used for time card approvals and punch edits, and how to use google sheets to view their time cards. I also trained the management team on basic solutions for the punch stations and how to fulfill their responsibilities when monitoring and approving timecards.

Project Closure

I continue to monitor the Time Punch System and provide support to the GBike time. The deployment was considered a complete success as the two main goals have been achieved; team members now had accurate reporting on when and where they make their time punches. During development several features had been discussed but considered beyond what was needed for deployment, these where discussed and scheduled for continued development of the Time Punch System.