REST API, webhooks, privacy notes, and troubleshooting
Use this page to explain Pro integrations, attendance data storage, GPS/privacy expectations, common setup issues, and frequently asked questions.
Pro REST API
WPChef Tracker Pro registers REST API routes for manager-level users. The user must be logged in and have permission to manage team attendance.
| Namespace | Endpoint | Method | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
wpchef-tracker-pro/v1 | /attendance | GET | Returns attendance entries. Supports parameters such as from, to, user_id, approval_status, and limit. |
wpchef-tracker-pro/v1 | /employee/{id} | GET | Returns employee ID, name, email, disabled status, department ID, location ID, and shift ID. |
staffpulse-pro/v1 | /attendance | GET | Legacy-compatible namespace for attendance entries. |
staffpulse-pro/v1 | /employee/{id} | GET | Legacy-compatible namespace for employee details. |
Webhook events
In Pro, add a Webhook URL in WPChef Tracker Pro > Settings. Attendance events are posted as JSON to the configured endpoint.
| Event | When it runs | Common use |
|---|---|---|
clock_in | Employee successfully clocks in. | Notify external systems or attendance dashboards. |
clock_out | Employee successfully clocks out. | Send total minutes and overtime minutes to reporting or payroll automation. |
break_in | Employee starts a break. | Track break events externally. |
break_out | Employee ends a break. | Track break completion externally. |
Privacy and data storage
Free edition stores
Attendance records, clock times, break times, break notes, total minutes, status, location name, timezone, IP address, user agent, and device/browser details.
Pro edition stores
All core attendance data plus employee ID, department, location, shift, GPS latitude/longitude, GPS accuracy, geofence distance/pass status, flags, explanations, approval status, approval notes, overtime, and integration event data.
Troubleshooting
| Issue | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Employee sees login or access message | User is not logged in, role is not allowed, or Pro account is disabled. | Confirm the user is logged in, has the correct role/capability, and is not disabled in the manager dashboard. |
| Shortcode appears as plain text | Plugin is inactive or shortcode was pasted into a module that does not process shortcodes. | Activate the correct plugin and use a Divi Text or Code module that renders shortcodes. |
| GPS/geofence fails | Browser location blocked, site not using HTTPS, location coordinates missing, or employee is outside radius. | Use HTTPS, allow browser location, check employee location assignment, confirm lat/lng and radius, then retry. |
| Address autocomplete does not work | Google Maps API key is missing, invalid, restricted incorrectly, or required APIs are not enabled. | Add a valid key and enable Maps JavaScript API, Places library, Time Zone API, and Static Maps API as needed. |
| Timezone looks incorrect | Free uses one company timezone; Pro uses assigned location timezone first and default timezone as fallback. | Review Free company timezone or Pro location/default timezone settings. |
| Employee cannot clock out while on break | The system requires the active break to be ended first. | Press End Break, then Clock Out. |
| Missing clock-out record appears | Pro auto-detected an open shift beyond the shift template threshold. | Manager/HR should review, adjust if needed, and approve/reject the record. |
| CSV export has fewer records than expected | Filters are active. | Clear or adjust date, employee, department, location, status, or approval filters before exporting. |
Frequently asked questions
Does the Free plugin include GPS?
No. The Free edition captures IP address and device/browser details. GPS, maps, geofence, multiple locations, shifts, manager dashboards, approvals, webhooks, and REST API are Pro features.
Does Pro require the Free plugin?
No. WPChef Tracker Pro is standalone and uses its own roles, tables, settings, shortcodes, dashboards, and export workflow.
Can admins edit Free attendance records?
Yes. Free includes an Edit action for attendance entries and stores adjustment details.
Can managers create users in Pro?
Yes. The Pro manager dashboard includes a Create User tab for Employee, Manager, and HR Admin users with department, location, shift, and password setup options.
What happens if an employee is disabled?
In Pro, disabled users are blocked from using WPChef Tracker and can be enabled again from the Employees & Managers table.
Can Pro export payroll data?
Yes. Pro exports a payroll-ready CSV with employee identity, department, location, time, break, total hours, overtime, flags, approval, GPS map, explanations, and admin notes.