Begin is a workforce management platform that helps companies track working hours, plan schedules, manage absences, and generate payroll-ready reports. Whether your employees clock in from a smartphone, a fingerprint reader, a tablet, or by phone call — Begin brings all the data together in one place.
Who uses Begin?
Begin is designed for three types of users:
Admins — full access to all settings, employees, reports, and integrations. Admins set up the system and manage the company account.
Managers — can view and confirm timesheets, approve requests, and oversee employees in their department. Managers cannot change company-wide settings unless granted specific permissions.
Employees — can clock in/out via the mobile app or other devices, view their own timesheet, and submit time-off requests.
What can you do with Begin?
Here are the main features available from the left sidebar:
Dashboard — a quick overview of who is currently working, today's activity, and key stats.
Timesheets — view, edit, and approve recorded working hours for all employees.
Scheduler — plan shifts and work schedules ahead of time.
Requests — manage employee time-off and absence requests.
Reports — generate detailed reports on hours worked, pay, overtime, and more.
Exports — send data to CSV files or directly to payroll systems like Merit, Directo, or Taavi.
Employees — add and manage employee profiles, contracts, and login credentials.
Objects — define work sites or locations where employees clock in.
Job Types & Jobs — categorize work for tracking and reporting purposes.
Devices — manage fingerprint readers, face readers, and tablets used for time tracking.
Settings — configure overtime rules, pauses, rounding, notifications, billing, and more.
How to navigate Begin
The left sidebar is your main navigation. Click any item to open that section. To access Settings, click your account name at the bottom of the sidebar and select Settings from the menu. Your profile and logout options are also in this menu.
What time tracking methods are available?
Begin supports multiple ways for employees to register their working hours:
Mobile app (iOS & Android) — the most common method. Employees tap to start and stop work.
Fingerprint reader — employees scan their fingerprint at a physical device.
Face reader — employees use facial recognition to clock in.
Tablet / Kiosk — a shared device at the workplace entrance.
Phone call — employees call a number and enter a PIN code.
Self-service — employees enter hours manually through the web interface.
Manual entry — admins or managers add hours directly on the timesheet.