QR & NFC Use Cases
This page describes the typical situations in which employees scan a QR code or NFC chip with the LiteLog app — and what the app does in each case.
Which method is enabled for which situation is configured per property. For a method-by-method comparison, see Login Methods.
Why scan instead of tap?
Behind the scenarios on this page is one simple promise: employees always check in at the right property, with minimal effort, and leave a verifiable on-site record. That solves several problems of manual check-in at once:
Fewer human errors
- Always the correct property: the NFC chip or QR code is the property — there is no list to pick the wrong one from.
- No accidental wrong-property check-in: if an employee scans the wrong property, the app switches automatically as long as they are authorized (Scenario 8).
- Check-ins are forgotten less often: the chip at the entrance is a physical anchor in the daily routine — employees notice it more reliably than an app icon.
- Less correction work for dispatch: wrong or missing check-ins are the single largest source of back-office cleanup. Scan-based check-in cuts that workload noticeably.
Tamper resistance
- Physical presence required: an NFC chip can only be scanned with the phone less than 2 cm away. Check-in from home or from the car is out.
- No buddy-punching: while the chip itself can be handed off, the phone cannot — and the phone is tied to a person.
- No photo spoof: static QR codes can be photographed. NFC chips cannot be replicated remotely.
- Tamper-proof contents: LiteLog writes chips as read-only — the content cannot be modified after the initial write.
Verifiable evidence
- On-site proof with the real timestamp: every scan is stored with its original time — even when the phone was offline. The portal shows the scan time, not the upload time.
- Strong in disputes: cleaning, security and care services are routinely asked for solid attendance records. NFC logs are far more convincing than spreadsheets or location pings.
- Complete tour coverage: for guard tours, the app can enforce checkpoint order — short-cut tours are no longer possible.
- GDPR-friendly: compared to pure location tracking, NFC stores only the scan time and the scanned property — no continuous location trail.
Faster day-to-day
- One second instead of three taps: tap the chip and you're done. No app opening, no property picking, no confirmation.
- On Android often without launching the app: the phone detects LiteLog chips in the background and opens the correct action automatically.
- Works offline: in basements, dead zones, or overnight at remote sites — the scan is queued and synced later.
- Self-explanatory: anyone who can use a smartphone can use LiteLog without training.
Economics
- NFC chips cost under 1 € each, are passive (no battery) and last essentially forever.
- Less back-office work thanks to clean data — payroll runs smoother.
- A stronger position with clients thanks to verifiable reports (cleaning, security, care).
:::tip Bottom line Every scan prevents three sources of error at once: the wrong property, an inaccurate time, and the "was the employee really there?" question. That's exactly what the scan workflow is built for. :::
:::tip Background vs. active scanning On Android the app detects NFC chips automatically in the background — the employee does not need to open the app. Apple's security model is stricter on iOS: there the employee swipes left in the app to start the NFC reader. :::
Block A — Sign in to the app
Scenario 1 — First sign-in with a QR code
For whom: A new employee whose phone is not yet set up in the app. When to use: First sign-in or new device.
How it works:
- Manager opens the employee card in the portal and shows the login QR.
- Employee installs the LiteLog app and taps "Scan QR code" on the sign-in screen.
- Employee points the camera at the QR code.
- The app shows "Signing in..." for a few seconds and then opens the most recently used property — or the property selection if the employee is not yet assigned to one.
Troubleshooting:
- QR code expired → manager generates a new one in the portal.
- App says "Code invalid" → scan again; a QR code can be used as often as needed until it is revoked.
Scenario 2 — First sign-in with an NFC chip
For whom: Employees who receive a prepared NFC chip (e.g. a staff tag). When to use: First sign-in in industries that issue chips (security, cleaning).
How it works:
- Employee opens the app and taps "Scan NFC chip" on the sign-in screen (optional on Android — the chip is detected automatically).
- Employee holds the chip against the back of the phone.
- App signs in automatically and shows the assigned property.
Troubleshooting:
- App does not react → wait 1–2 seconds, the chip must lie flat against the back of the device.
- For iPhones with a case, hold the chip closer to the top edge.
Re-login
After a logout, both methods work identically to the initial sign-in. The app remembers the last used property and opens it automatically as long as the employee is still assigned there.
Block B — Tracking work time
Scenario 3 — Start work time with a QR code
For whom: An employee who signs in at the workplace using a laminated QR poster or a kiosk display. When to use: Locations that do not have NFC chips installed.
How it works:
- Employee opens the app and taps "Scan QR code".
- Point the camera at the QR code.
- App confirms the check-in and shows the running session.
Scenario 4 — Start work time with a button click
For whom: Field service, technicians, remote sites without chip or QR poster. When to use: When no on-site binding is required, or when location verification (geofencing) is already enabled.
How it works:
- Employee opens the app.
- Taps "Sign in".
- App starts the session immediately.
Scenario 5 — Start work time with an NFC chip
For whom: Security, cleaning, caretaker services — industries with NFC chips installed at the location. When to use: When tamper-proof on-site presence verification is required.
How it works:
- Employee holds the phone against the NFC chip at the entrance.
- App signs in to the work session automatically.
Scenario 9 — Sign out by re-scanning or re-tapping (toggle)
While a session is open, scanning or tapping again ends the session — regardless of which method started it.
How it works:
- At the end of the shift the employee scans the same QR code/chip — or taps "Sign out".
- App closes the running session and shows the total duration.
Scenario 10 — Pause and resume by scanning
Within an active session a pause can be inserted by scanning again. A subsequent scan resumes the work time.
How it works:
- While the session is running, the employee scans again → app asks "Start break?" and creates a pause entry.
- On return the employee scans once more → app resumes the work time.
- The pause appears separately in the log and reduces productive working time, but not on-site presence time.
:::info Which method when? The industry-by-industry recommendation lives on Login Methods → Industry recommendation. :::
Block C — Checkpoints (Guard tours)
Scenario 6 — Checkpoint via QR code
For whom: A guard on a tour, in an industry without installed NFC chips.
How it works:
- Employee starts the tour in the portal or app.
- At each checkpoint, scans the posted QR code.
- App confirms with a notice and points to the next checkpoint.
- At the end the employee finishes the tour.
Scenario 7 — Checkpoint via NFC chip
For whom: Guards in industries with NFC chips installed at each checkpoint.
How it works: Identical to scenario 6, except the employee holds the phone against the NFC chip mounted at the checkpoint instead of scanning a QR poster.
:::tip Enforced order If the tour is configured with "Enforce order", the app accepts only the next due checkpoint. An out-of-order scan is rejected with a notice. :::
Block D — Special cases
Scenario 8 — Accidental scan in the wrong property
When an employee scans a chip or QR code from a property other than the active one, the app automatically checks whether they have access to that other property.
If they have access: The app silently switches to the correct property and runs the scan there. A short notice "Please choose the correct property" is shown.
If they do not have access: The app shows a notice, ends the running session and returns to property selection. The employee then signs in again at the original or another permitted property.
Special case — administration screens: On screens such as "NFC Reader", "Manage Checkpoints" or "Manage Access Cards", the automatic property switch is disabled. There the app only identifies the chip; nothing else happens.
Scenario 11 — Scanning without internet (offline mode)
How it works:
- Employee scans a known chip or QR code.
- App recognizes the chip even without a connection because property and checkpoint data are stored locally.
- The sign-in, checkpoint scan or sign-out is saved locally and is automatically uploaded to the portal as soon as the device is online again.
- In the portal the entry appears with the original scan timestamp, not the upload time.
Prerequisite: The employee must have signed in online at least once before, so that the app could download the property data.
Scenario 12 — Unknown chip or code
If a chip or QR code is scanned that is not registered locally or in the portal (for example a foreign NFC chip or an expired login QR), the app shows the notice "Tag not found" and returns to the previous screen automatically. No unintended action is triggered.
Scenario 13 — Wrong chip type for the current task
Example: the employee is on an active tour and accidentally holds a work-time chip against the phone — or vice versa. In this case the app silently ignores the scan; the running task is not interrupted.
This makes it possible to deploy work-time chips and checkpoint chips side by side at the same location without the two functions triggering each other.
Block E — Setting up chips and cards
Scenario 14 — Bind a new NFC chip to a property or checkpoint
For whom: Manager or property lead with the "Create checkpoints" permission.
How it works:
- Open the mobile app → "Admin" tab → "NFC Reader" or "Manage Checkpoints".
- Choose "New chip" and pick the target property or checkpoint.
- Hold an empty NFC chip against the back of the phone.
- The app goes through two phases:
- Phase 1 — Waiting: Phone is searching for a chip. The device may still be moved.
- Phase 2 — Writing: As soon as the chip is detected, the screen switches to "Please do not move". During this phase the chip must stay in the field.
- App confirms the successful write and registers the chip on the server.
Troubleshooting:
- "Chip already assigned" → the chip was previously linked to another property. Choose "Overwrite" if intended.
- Write canceled → let the chip rest for a moment and try again.
Scenario 15 — Employee access card
In high-security or shift-heavy operations, individual employees can be issued a personal NFC access card. When scanned, the app identifies the employee without starting a work session or recording a checkpoint.
Typical uses:
- Shift handover at a guard post: the incoming guard scans their card on the outgoing guard's phone.
- Re-login after a session has expired, without having to scan the login QR again.
Access cards are managed under Mobile app → Admin → Manage Access Cards.
Related guides
- Login Methods — comparison of all methods with industry recommendation
- Attendance Control — Overview
- Mobile NFC Reader
- Manage Checkpoints (Mobile)
- Manage Access Cards (Mobile)
- Mobile Time Tracking
- Kiosk Sign-in