5 Minute ‘On Time’ Check-In Buffer Added To the Beginning of Arrival Windows
You asked. We listened. We’ve heard from providers that arriving onsite a few minutes ahead of schedule shouldn't have a negative impact on your Timeliness Score. That's why we're introducing a 5-minute check-in buffer to the beginning of Arrival Windows.
What's changing?
Previously, checking in any time before the start of an Arrival Window would be marked as early, even if you were only a minute or two ahead of schedule.
Now, you can check in up to 5 minutes before your Arrival Window begins and still be marked "On Time."
For example, if your Arrival Window goes from 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM, a check in any time between 7:55 AM to 10:00 AM will be marked "On Time."
This small change gives you even more flexibility when arriving onsite, without changing the expectations for when work should begin.
Pro Tip: If you need a reminder of how the different Arrival Window schedule types work - check out this past Tuesday Tip.
What else do you need to know?
- You have the entire Arrival Window to check in and be marked on time. You don't need to arrive right when the window starts.
- Your work can continue after the Arrival Window ends. Just be sure to review the buyer's Schedule Notes for any required completion deadlines.
- Arrival Windows are different from Hard Start schedules. Hard Start has its own 30-minute early check-in buffer. Arrival Windows enable you to check in anytime within the given window, plus these 5 additional minutes before it begins, and be marked "On Time."
- The same 5 min check-in buffer will not be added to the end of an Arrival Window, so check-ins even 1 min after an arrival window has ended will still be marked as "Late."
Why does arriving too early matter?
We know many providers believe that being early means being on time. But arriving well before the scheduled arrival window can create challenges for buyers, especially when the work order manager isn't online yet, the site isn't open or the onsite contact isn't ready.
The new 5-minute buffer gives you a little extra flexibility while helping ensure your arrival aligns with when the buyer and work order location are prepared for you.
Thanks for sharing your feedback and helping us make Field Nation better for everyone.
