> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.pockethrms.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.pockethrms.com/hr-and-admin-portal/cloud-configuration/setting/attendance/single-punch.md).
# Single Punch
### **Single Punch Setting**
The **Single Punch** feature lets employees record their attendance with one punch instead of separate in and out punches.
HR or the administrator can enable **Single Punch** for selected employee categories or for individual employees. When the system detects a single punch from an employee, it allocates the shift assigned to that employee.
This helps in:
* Tracking attendance for employees on flexible hours, remote work or staggered shifts
* Recording attendance with one punch per day
* Reducing manual attendance correction by HR
### **How to Activate the Single Punch Attendance Setting?**
**Path: Login into Cloud Portal → Settings → Attendance → Attendance Setting → Single Punch**
**Step 1: Open Single Punch Settings**
Log in to the **Cloud portal** and go to **Settings**. Select the **Attendance** tab,
click **Attendance Setting** in the left panel, and scroll down to click **Single Punch**.
**Step 2: Activate Single Punch**
Enable **Activate Single Punch**. The employee selection section is displayed once toggle is the enabled.
**Step 3: Choose Whether to Consider the Actual In-Punch**
Enable **Consider actual In-Punch** if the employee's actual punch time should be used as the effective in time.
For example, if the shift time is 09:00 to 18:00:
| **Employee punches in at** | **Effective In/Out time** |
| -------------------------- | ------------------------- |
| 08:30 | 08:30 to 18:00 |
| 10:30 | 10:30 to 18:00 |
**Step 4: Select Employees by Category or Employee wise Filters**
Under **Select Employees**, select one of the following:
* **Category** – to apply **Single Punch** to employee categories
* **Employee** – to apply **Single Punch** to individual employees
**Step 5: Select the Categories or Employees**
Tick the categories or employees for which **Single Punch** should apply. Tick **Select All** to select every item in the list.
**Important:** Ensure a shift is **already** assigned to every selected employee before saving.
**Step 6: Save the Settings**
Click **Save** to apply the **Single Punch** settings.
### **How Single Punch Works?**
#### **Shift Allocation**
When a single punch is detected for an employee, the system automatically marks the employee as **Present** for the day, provided that the punch occurs within the shift time range already assigned to the employee.
#### **Effective In/Out Time**
If **Consider actual In-Punch** is enabled, the punch time becomes the effective in time and the shift end time remains the effective out time.
### **Auto Punch Setting**
The **Auto Punch Setting** is available on the same page, below the **Single Punch** settings. If enabled, the configured set of employees is automatically marked with In and Out punches as per the shift assigned for individuals for the Leave Calendar Period.
**Step 1: Activate Auto Punch**
Enable **Activate Auto Punch**.
**Step 2: Select the Business Unit and Business Value**
Select a **Business Unit**, and then select the **Business Value** under it. The **Choose Employee** list shows only the employees under the selected **Business Value**.
**Step 3: Select the Employees**
Under **Employee**, click **Choose Employee** and select the employees to be marked with attendance automatically.
**Step 4: Add the Employees**
Click **Add**.
The **Overview** table displays the **Code**, **Name** and **Action** for the added employees.
You can use **Search** to find an employee in the **Overview** table.
**Step 5: Save the Auto Punch Settings**
Tick the employees in the **Overview** table and click **Save** to apply the **Auto Punch** settings. Employees left unticked are not included in **Auto Punch**.
**Step 6: Delete Multiple Employees**
Tick the employees in the **Overview** table and click **Delete** to remove them.
**Step 7: Delete a Single Employee**
Click the **trash** icon in the **Action** column to remove that employee.
**Path Link:**
For any queries, contact [**support@pockethrms.com**](mailto:support@pockethrms.com)
