Purpose Statement
This article explains how to configure the General tab in Events and Activities Setup. These settings control payroll tracking, event timekeeping, default start times, inactivity handling, apparatus display preferences, and the modules available in List View.
Background Information
The Events and Activities module is used to manage department events such as public education events, standbys, details, community outreach, and other non-incident activities.
The General tab allows agencies to configure:
- Payroll Summary for stipends, pay rates, and point totals.
- Time Clock functionality for event check-in and check-out.
- The default start time for events.
- Event inactivity settings.
- Apparatus identifiers and apparatus type displays.
- The modules included in List View and its module filter.
Some related features are configured in other modules:
- Payroll Summary is also available in Incident Documentation and Training.
- Activity Types are configured in Personnel Setup because they apply across Events, Incidents, and Training.
- Event timekeeping requires Scheduling and Time Clock functionality to be enabled.
Required Permissions
Users need administrative access to configure Events and Activities Setup.
Additional access is needed when configuring related features:
- Personnel Module Setup for payroll-related settings and Activity Types.
- Scheduling and Time Clock configuration for event timekeeping.
- Appropriate Time Clock permissions for personnel who will clock in and out of events.
Video
Step-by-Step Guide
Navigate to the General tab.
Select the First Due icon in the upper-left corner. Select Events and Activities, choose Setup, and open the General tab.
Enable Payroll Summary, if needed.
Turn on Enable Payroll Summary to add the Payroll Summary tab when creating an event.
This tab allows users to document:
- Stipends.
- Pay rates.
- Point totals.
This option supports agencies with part-time personnel, volunteer stipend programs, or volunteer point systems. Additional Payroll Summary configuration is handled in the Personnel module.
Allow Time Clock enablement for events, if needed.
Turn on Allow Time Clock Enablement for Events to allow personnel to check in and out of events using Time Clock.
Your agency must have Scheduling and Time Clock functionality enabled. Personnel also need the appropriate Time Clock permissions.
Set the default Start of Day.
Locate Start of Day and select the desired default start time. Times are available in 15-minute increments.
Choose a time that reflects when your agency typically begins events. For example, an agency might use 8:00 a.m. for daytime activities or 6:00 p.m. for evening volunteer activities.
Note: This setting applies only to Events and Activities. It does not change shift start times in Scheduling or settings in other modules. The start time remains adjustable within each event.
Configure Event Inactive Time.
Locate Event Inactive Time and set the desired inactivity threshold.
This setting controls how long an event can remain inactive before the active event area closes. It helps limit how long an event remains open when a user steps away from their workstation.
Choose how associated apparatus are displayed.
Locate Display Associated Apparatus By and select the identifier your agency wants to display:
- Apparatus Name
- Associated Dispatch Unit
These identifiers are associated with apparatus in the Assets module. Some agencies use the same value for both, while others use different names.
Enable Apparatus Type, if needed.
Turn on the Apparatus Type option to display the apparatus type in parentheses alongside its name or dispatch identifier during apparatus booking.
Apparatus type values are configured in the Assets module.
Configure List View Module Filters.
Locate List View Module Filters and select the modules your agency wants available in List View.
This setting controls both the module content available in List View and the choices shown in its Module filter. Removing a module here also removes it as a filter option.
- Clear the modules you do not want included.
- Use Unselect All to clear the optional module selections, then select the modules you want to include.
- Events remains enabled and cannot be turned off.
Example: Keep Events and Training selected to limit List View and its module filter to those two modules.
Limiting the selected modules can help improve loading times and keep List View focused on the items your agency needs.
Save and verify the List View filters.
Your changes will automatically be saved as you make them. Look for the green confirmation box to pop up in the bottom left-hand corner as you work.
Best Practices
- Enable Payroll Summary when your agency tracks event stipends, pay rates, or volunteer points.
- Maintain consistent Activity Types in Personnel Setup for Events, Incidents, and Training.
- Confirm Scheduling, Time Clock, and the appropriate user permissions are configured before using event timekeeping.
- Set Start of Day to the time your events typically begin.
- Choose an inactivity threshold that supports your workflow without interrupting normal event management.
- Use the apparatus identifier your personnel commonly recognize.
- Include the modules your agency needs in List View, then save and refresh to confirm the available filter choices.
Troubleshooting & FAQs
Why is the Payroll Summary tab missing when creating an event?
Verify that Enable Payroll Summary is turned on in Events and Activities > Setup > General. Review the related Payroll Summary configuration in the Personnel module and the user’s access to payroll-related features.
Why is Time Clock unavailable for events?
Confirm that Scheduling and Time Clock functionality are enabled for your agency. Verify that Allow Time Clock Enablement for Events is turned on and that the user has the appropriate Time Clock permissions.
Does Start of Day change the start time of our shifts?
No. This setting applies only to Events and Activities. It sets the default event start time, which can be changed within an individual event.
Why is an event area closing after a period of inactivity?
Review Event Inactive Time in the General tab. Adjust the inactivity threshold if it does not meet your agency’s event management needs.
Why are apparatus names displaying differently than expected?
Review Display Associated Apparatus By to confirm whether your agency selected Apparatus Name or Associated Dispatch Unit. Check the corresponding apparatus information in the Assets module.
Why are some modules missing from the List View filter?
Review List View Module Filters in Events and Activities > Setup > General. Modules removed from this setting are also removed from the Module filter in List View. Select the modules you want included, save your changes, and refresh List View. Events always remains available.