How to Enable and Use Raken Photo ID

Raken Photo ID uses AI-powered identity verification to reduce buddy punching and time theft. When enabled, employees are required to take a photo of themselves when clocking in or out. Raken then matches that photo against the employee's profile photo — flagging any mismatches for administrator review.

Quick Answer

To enable Raken Photo ID:

Log into the Raken web app.
Click Company, then Time, then Policies.
Click Edit policy on the relevant policy.
In Settings, under Verification, toggle on Photo ID.
Select when photos are required — clock-in only, clock-out only, or both.
Click Save & finish.

Photo ID is available for employees using Time Clock or Kiosk. It requires the Time Clock add-on.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Enabling Photo ID (Web)

Step 1: Navigate to the Time Policy

Log into the Raken web app. Click Company in the left side menu. Click Time, then click Policies. Click Edit policy on the policy for which you want to enable Photo ID.

This feature is only available on the Raken web app.

Step 2: Enable Kiosk or Time Clock

In the Settings section under Time tracking, confirm that Kiosk mode and/or Employee time clock is toggled on. Photo ID only applies to employees clocking in via Kiosk or Time Clock.

Step 3: Enable Photo ID

In the Settings section under Verification, toggle on Photo ID. Select the configuration for when photos are required:

Clock in and out — employees take a photo at both clock-in and clock-out
Clock in only — employees take a photo at clock-in only
Clock in and out, start and end breaks — employees take a photo at clock-in, clock-out, and at the start and end of breaks

Step 4: Save

Click the orange Save & finish button. All employees assigned to this policy will now be required to use Photo ID when they clock in or out via Time Clock or Kiosk.

How Employees Use Photo ID (Mobile)

When Photo ID is enabled, the clock-in and clock-out flow automatically includes a photo capture step.

Step 5: Employee Clock-In with Photo ID

The employee taps Clock In (via Time Clock or Kiosk). A camera screen appears using the device's front-facing camera. The employee centers their face in the frame and taps the shutter button to take the photo. The captured image appears for review — the employee can tap Retake to take a new photo or Use Photo to proceed. The employee is successfully clocked in and the photo is submitted for verification.

The Raken app requires permission to access the device's camera for Photo ID to work. If prompted, the employee should allow camera access in their device settings.

Reviewing Photo ID on the Web

Administrators can review Photo ID verification results from the Time > Review section.

Step 6: Navigate to Photo ID Review

Log into the Raken web app. Click Time in the left side menu. Click Review, then click Photo ID. All Photo ID verification events are displayed here. Review any flagged mismatches — where the captured photo does not match the employee's profile photo.

Step 7: Schedule Photo ID Summary Reports

To receive regular Photo ID reports by email, click the blue Schedule/Send button in the top right corner of the Photo ID page. Set up the report schedule and recipients.

Step 8: Disable Photo ID Summary Emails

To stop receiving summary emails, navigate to Time > Review > Photo ID. Click the blue Schedule/Send button. Select Delete on the verification reminder.

Troubleshooting & FAQ

Does Photo ID work with both Time Clock and Kiosk?

Yes. Photo ID is available for both Time Clock (individual device) and Kiosk (shared device) clock events.

What happens if the photo doesn't match?

A mismatch is flagged in the Time > Review > Photo ID page for administrator review. The clock event is still recorded — administrators can review and take action as needed.

Does Photo ID require a profile photo on file for the employee?

Yes. For AI matching to work, the employee must have a profile photo saved in Raken. Without a reference photo, mismatches cannot be detected accurately.

Can I require photos only at clock-in and not clock-out?

Yes. When enabling Photo ID in the Time Policy, select Clock in only to require photos only at clock-in events.

What camera permissions are required?

The Raken mobile app must have permission to access the device's camera. Employees can enable this in their device's Settings app under Privacy & Security > Location Services (iOS) or App permissions (Android).

Technical Specifications

Compatibility: iOS 15+, Android 10+ (mobile only — Photo ID is a mobile feature, web is review-only)
Offline Capability: No — Photo ID requires an active connection
Data Format: Photo ID events are logged and viewable in the web app. Summary reports are available via email.
Plan Required: No plan restrictions — the Time Clock add-on is available on all Raken plans
Add-on Required: Time Clock add-on required — contact your account manager to enable
Role Required: Account Administrator to enable. Team Members and Project Workers to use.

Considerations

The Time Clock add-on is required to use Photo ID. Contact your account manager to add it to your account.
Photo ID applies only to employees clocking in via Time Clock or Kiosk. Supervisor entries do not require Photo ID.
Employees must have a profile photo saved in Raken for AI matching to be effective.
The Raken app must have camera permission on the employee's device for Photo ID to function.
Photo ID mismatches are flagged for review but do not block the clock event — administrators review and act on mismatches from Time > Review > Photo ID.
No plan restrictions apply to the Time Clock add-on — it is available on all Raken plans.