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PureData Knowledge Base
Attendance Management Plugin: FAQsFrequently asked questions about Attendance Scan, tardy stations, kiosk mode, location-based attendance, scanners, receipt printers, notifications, PowerSchool updates, and implementation. |
This FAQ guide answers common questions about the PureData Attendance Management Plugin, including how students scan or enter their ID, how attendance records are updated in PowerSchool, what hardware is supported, and how the plugin fits into existing school workflows.
Tip: Expand each FAQ card below to review the answer. Hardware recommendations are grouped into quick-reference cards for easier planning.
How students can scan or enter IDs securely
Understand kiosk mode and how students can be processed without giving them access to the full PowerSchool admin experience.
Where scanned attendance is recorded
Review how scanned tardies and location-based check-ins appear in PowerSchool and plugin reports.
What scanners, printers, and pin pads are supported
See common hardware options such as Epson, Star Micronics, Bixolon, Targus, Kensington, Honeywell, and Zebra.
How notifications, attendance codes, and onboarding work
Learn how notifications are sent, how attendance codes update, and what to expect during implementation.
Typical Attendance Scan Flow
A student scans their ID card or enters their student number, the plugin processes the check-in or tardy, and the attendance information is recorded in PowerSchool based on the configured workflow.
Flexible Location-Based Tracking
Attendance Scan can support more than tardies. Schools can use location-based attendance workflows for areas such as the nurse’s office, library, math center, or other campus locations.
1. Does the plugin provide a secure screen where students can type in their Student ID Number?
Yes. The plugin includes a student kiosk mode within the PowerSchool admin portal. This allows students to enter their name or student number for tardy processing without giving them access to choose their name from a full PowerSchool dropdown.
2. Can Attendance Scan be used for locations beyond tardies, such as the nurse, library, or math center?
Yes. The plugin includes functionality that allows users to scan students for location-based attendance workflows.
3. Once a student has scanned into a location, where is that information recorded and who can see it?
The information is recorded directly in the student’s current class based on the bell schedule in real time. You also have the option to view the student list in the plugin’s out-of-box reports.
4. How does the scanner work if different schools have different types of IDs?
As long as the ID has a barcode that can be scanned, students can be processed using the scanner. If the ID does not have a barcode, staff or students can type in the student ID or name to scan the student.
5. What hardware is required? Do we need specific barcode scanners or printers?
Any standard scanner should work seamlessly. The system is flexible and generally works with most standard USB-connected pin pads and receipt printers.
Receipt Printers
Epson TM-T88VII: 350mm/sec, USB, Ethernet, and Bluetooth
Star Micronics TSP143III: 250mm/sec speed
Bixolon SPP-R300
Pin Pads
Targus or Kensington pin pads may be used as reference options.
Barcode Scanners
Honeywell or Zebra barcode scanners are commonly referenced options.
Helpful Hardware Vendor Links
Zebra Education Solutions
Brother Mobile Solutions Thermal Printers
POSGuys
6. Can existing student ID cards be used, or would new ones need to be issued?
Yes. Existing student ID cards can be used as long as the student number is embedded in the card.
7. When a tardy is scanned and recorded, where does it appear in PowerSchool?
When a tardy is scanned, it appears in Meeting Attendance as well as Daily Attendance, including the comment and time stamp. Optionally, the plugin can also be configured to create a log entry on the student record and trigger a consequence for repeated tardiness.
8. Do parents and students receive email notifications for each tardy period or once per day?
Parents and students receive a notification as soon as they are checked in or scanned through the Attendance/Tardy Plugin.
9. If a tardy is changed to an absence in the plugin dashboard, does it update PowerSchool SIS?
Yes. When a tardy is changed to an absence through the plugin, the Attendance code is updated on the PowerSchool side as well.
10. Are there conflicts with third-party attendance intervention systems?
There are no known conflicts. The system is flexible enough to customize with a district’s attendance workflow, including workflows that may involve third-party attendance intervention systems.
11. What does implementation and onboarding look like?
Plugin installation typically takes 5 to 10 minutes unless customizations are required. Once installed, license issuance typically takes 24 to 48 hours.
Receipt printer reference option with 350mm/sec speed, USB, Ethernet, and Bluetooth.
Receipt printer reference option with 250mm/sec speed.
Portable receipt printer reference option.
Pin pad reference options for student ID entry.
Barcode scanner reference brands for scanning student ID cards.
Student does not have an ID card?
The student can enter their student ID or name through kiosk mode, depending on the school’s configuration.
Barcode will not scan?
Confirm that the barcode contains the student number and that the scanner is properly connected. Students can still be processed by manually entering the student ID or name.
Need a custom attendance workflow?
The plugin can be customized for different attendance workflows, including location-based attendance, tardy processing, notifications, log entries, and consequences.
Have more attendance questions?Our team can help with Attendance Scan setup, hardware planning, notifications, PowerSchool workflows, and custom attendance use cases. Submit a Support Ticket Product Inquiry |