Skip to main content

HR Hub Setup Guide

Thomas H. Karafonda
  • Updated

Congratulations on the purchase of your new HR Hub.  This guide will walk you through the process from unboxing to fully deploying your new device.  Feel free to reach out to SchoolFront Support or your BOCES team should you need any assistance along the way.

Before Your HR Hubs Arrive

Site Preparation

Survey potential installation areas:

  • Avoid locations where doors or furniture may interfere with the device.
  • Low-traffic areas are ideal (especially low student traffic).
  • Portrait orientation is recommended for the best user experience.

HR Hub Computer Unit Specifications:

  • Weight (with RFID scanner and wall mount): Approx. 12 lbs
  • Dimensions (portrait): 12.57" (W) x 20.7" (H) x 2.07" (D)
  • RFID reader adds approx. 2" depth in the mounted direction.

Computer Power Requirements:

  • Grounded 110V outlet nearby (6 ft power cord included).
  • Use of an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is recommended.

Network Access:

  • Supports both Wi-Fi and wired Ethernet connections. Note: Ethernet cables are not included.
  • Ensure firewall access to the following IP ranges: 157.238.136.176/29 and 157.238.136.152/29

IT Environment Considerations:

  • HR Hub computer ships with Windows 11 Pro. Your district is responsible for maintaining Windows updates.
  • For complex managed environments, see below for more information on running the HR Hub in a managed IT environment. You may contact SchoolFront Support and provide details on domain integration and management policies that may interfere with the HR Hub operation.

Mounting Guidelines

The included wall mounting kit features two brackets:

  • One attaches to the rear of the HR Hub.
  • The other mounts to the wall.
  • This allows for easy removal while remaining secure when tightened.

Included Screws:

  • Four M4x6 Phillips pan head screws are provided to mount the bracket to the HR Hub.
  • Wall mounting screws are not included—ensure appropriate fasteners are used based on your wall type (e.g., drywall, concrete).

System Preparation

  1. Work with your SchoolFront Solution Architect to set up Time and Attendance
  2. Prepare an Excel file with the following columns:
    • EmployeeID
    • RFID Card Identifier
  3. Contact your SchoolFront team or submit a support ticket here or through email at support@schoolfront.com for credentials.

For Managed IT Environments:

  • Do not install third-party client software (e.g., Microsoft Office, Zoom, Google Drive, and etc).
  • Endpoint protection is recommended, but should exclude proprietary SchoolFront software to avoid false positives. The following is a list of software installed and their respective paths.
Datto RMM C:\Program Files (x86)\CentraStage\CagService.exe
FrontEdge Kiosk Software C:\Program Files\FrontEdge\Kiosk\CheckinKiosk.exe
FrontEdge Kiosk ScreenCapture C:\Program Files\ScreenCapture\FrontEdgeKioskScreenCapture.exe
Microsoft POS for .NET 1.14 C:\Program Files\Microsoft Point Of Service\Microsoft.PointOfService.Service.exe
Microsoft SQL Server 2022 LocalDB C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\160\LocalDB\Binn\sqlservr.exe
Posiflex OPOS Control C:\Program Files\Posiflex Inc\Posiflex OPOS Control
SiteKiosk C:\Program Files (x86)\SiteKiosk\SiteKiosk.exe
  • The HR Hub comes with the built-in Administrator account enabled. If your policy requires this to be disabled, ensure another account with admin rights can access the computer.
  • It is recommended to create a separate OU or configuration policy for HR Hubs.

FrontEdge Inc. Remote Management Software:

  • Each HR Hub unit is equipped with our remote management tool, Datto RMM. This software enables the SchoolFront support team to assist district IT administrators with deployment and initial configuration. Remote access is provided for setup and troubleshooting purposes during the deployment phase and will be removed after the first time setup support period has ended.

What’s in the Box

  1. Touchscreen Computer (SchoolFront HR Hub unit)
  2. RFID Reader (pre-configured for your district’s access cards)
  3. Mounting Kit (wall or tabletop, based on your order)
  4. Power Supply and Cord:
    • NEMA 5-15P to C5 (“Mickey Mouse” plug)
    • 10A 125V, 6 ft total length

HR Hub Installation and Configuration

Physical Installation

  1. Confirm all components listed above are present upon unboxing.
  2. Mount Bracket A to the rear of the HR Hub using the provided screws.
  3. Mount Bracket B to the wall using appropriate fasteners.
  4. Unscrew the rear plate on the Hub to connect the USB-C power cable.
    • Confirm the device powers on.
  5. Connect an Ethernet cable, if using wired internet.
    • Ensure cables are not overly bent and leave some slack.
    • Reattach and secure the rear plate.
  6. Mount the RFID reader on the right side of the Hub (portrait orientation) using the provided screws.
  7. Join Brackets A and B. Once the unit is powered on and online, tighten the locking screws underneath to secure.

Running the Kiosk in Lockdown Mode

  1. Log in as Administrator. 
  2. Contact your SchoolFront team or submit a support ticket here or through email at support@schoolfront.com for credentials.
  3. Open Microsoft Edge and visit https://app.schoolfront.com to confirm connectivity.
  4. Launch “Start SiteKiosk” and select Auto Start. The device will reboot and automatically start the SchoolFront HR Hub application in a locked down configuration.

Exiting Lockdown Mode

  1. Connect a USB keyboard.
  2. Press ESC.
  3. Enter the SiteKiosk admin password.
  4. Contact your SchoolFront team or submit a support ticket here or through email at support@schoolfront.com for credentials.
  5. To resume lockdown, re-enable Auto Start in SiteKiosk.

Cleaning instructions

  • Please follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

 

Related articles