Require a Live Photo with Camera Inspection Items

3 min read

What is this?

Camera is an inspection item type that only accepts a photo taken on the spot. When an inspector answers a Camera item, the only option is the device camera. Choosing from the photo gallery or attaching a file is never offered. Use it wherever the photo is proof that someone was at the machine.

Who's this for?

Anyone who builds inspection templates or relies on inspection photos.

Safety managers and admins, require live photos on the items that need proof, and leave the rest flexible.
Equipment managers, trust that walk-around and delivery photos were taken at the machine.
Operators, drivers and mechanics, see one camera button and take the photo right there.

How to use it

Step 1: Open the item type list

Go to Admin > Templates and open a template. Expand a category and click the type dropdown next to an item. Camera sits right below Photo.

Item type dropdown in the Template Editor showing Camera below Photo

Step 2: Set the item to Camera

Select Camera. There is nothing else to set up. Here, the Front photo must be live, while the other sides stay Photo items.

Four Corners category with Front set to Camera and the other items set to Photo

Step 3: Preview and save

Click Preview to see the form as the inspector will. Then click Save. From the next inspection on, the item only offers the camera.

Mobile preview of the Transport Photos Pickup template

The full details

Works on: Web app and mobile app. Templates are set up on the web app.
During an inspection: on the mobile app, a Camera item shows only Take Photo. On the web app, only the camera button shows.
Settings: a Camera item has the same Instructions and Required options as a Photo item.
Allowed Attachment Types: this template setting still controls Photo items and items with Photo Required. It never affects Camera items.
When that setting was never chosen: it means all three options, Camera, Photo and Files. Photo items on those templates also offer a file upload.
Past inspections: switching an item between Photo and Camera only affects inspections started after you save.
Reports: Camera photos show in inspection reports just like other photos.

Allowed Attachment Types setting with Camera, Photo and Files ticked

Tips

Mix both types in one template. Make the machine photo a Camera item and leave the certificate photo as a Photo item.
Pickup and drop-off templates are a natural fit. Set each side of the machine to Camera.
On the web app, allow camera access in the browser. A computer without a camera cannot answer a Camera item.
If a phone still offers the gallery on a Camera item, fully close the Clue app and open it again to get the latest version.