10 finest geofencing time clocks in 2023
Geofencing time clocks are time clocks — however higher — and might prevent money and time.
Geofencing makes use of GPS (or related) in order that staff can solely verify in and take a look at after they’re bodily in the best location on the proper time.
Which means they allow you to preserve monitor of employees even in the event you’re distant, or have a big workforce in a number of places. You’ll be able to see how many individuals are on-site, forestall time theft (the place staff verify in even when they haven’t arrived), and precisely calculate pay primarily based on hours.
However selecting the best software generally is a mission. There are a ton of choices on the market, every have completely different options, and a few include different instruments that you could be or might not want. Evaluating and contrasting them can really feel like a full-time job in itself.
We all know you simply wish to discover the best software that does what you want and get again to work.
In order that’s why on this put up, we’re overlaying:
- The important thing options to search for in geofencing time clocks
- Our prime 10 shift geofencing time clocks** (and our choose for one of the best all-in-one choice)
- What to think about when shopping for a geofencing time clock
- And customary pitfalls to keep away from when utilizing the software, to get optimum outcomes.
Key options to search for in geofencing time clocks
We advocate in search of the next options when selecting a geofencing time clock software for your corporation.
- Geofencing expertise — In fact, geofencing time clocks will need to have dependable geofencing expertise in-built, so you’ll be able to precisely monitor worker location and time. Staff can solely clock in when they’re bodily in the best place, guaranteeing exact pay and hour calculation.
- Integration with payroll software program — Now you’ve tracked employee hours precisely, you’ll be able to translate these hours to pay. A software that integrates seamlessly with payroll software program streamlines your payroll processing and helps you guarantee correct pay.
- Cell accessibility — A core a part of any geofencing software, you want your time clock to work on cell gadgets in order that staff can clock out and in from any location, with minimal trouble.
- Actual-time monitoring — A part of utilizing geofencing to trace time is about seeing the place staff are at any time. You’ll wish to search for a software that allows this, to permit supervisors to observe worker hours, and monitor attendance in actual time.
- Reporting and analytics — This allows you to monitor and analyze worker time and attendance information, so you’ll be able to acquire better insights into your staff’ work and habits, and precisely perceive their patterns, hours, and pay necessities.
Our prime choose for geofencing time clocks in 2023 (+ the remaining ranked)
With its complete set of options designed for small companies and hourly employees, we consider that Homebase is without doubt one of the finest geofencing time clock instruments on the market. It presents geofencing and has an all-in-one dashboard to handle different duties like payroll, PTO, scheduling, HR and compliance, onboarding and hiring, and group happiness.
However no software is ideal, and there are others accessible that would work higher for your corporation, relying on what you want. Let’s have a look.
- Greatest all-in-one answer: Homebase
- Greatest for eating places: 7shifts
- Greatest for simplicity: After I Work
- Greatest for ease of use: Deputy
- Greatest for payroll integration: Quickbooks Time (Tsheets)
- Greatest for multiple-location companies: Sling
- Greatest for building companies: ExakTime
- Greatest for cell groups: Timesheet Cell
- Greatest for time-saving automation: Buddy Punch
- Greatest for bigger firms: Hubstaff
Comparability chart: Prime 10 geofencing time clock apps in 2023
A breakdown of the ten finest geofencing time clocks
1. Greatest all-in-one answer: Homebase
Supply: JoinHomebase.com
Caption: Homebase’s geofencing monitoring software works on virtually all cell gadgets
Homebase is an all-in-one group administration and communication system that features a geofencing time clock as simply one in every of its instruments to make time clocking, monitoring, and payroll simpler. Appropriate with virtually any cell gadget, the time clock makes use of GPS.
It additionally sends automated alerts and messages to assist affirm that employees are the place they should be, be certain that nobody forgets to clock out, and assist managers keep away from expensive or unlawful extra time. It additionally integrates with payroll for super-streamlined funds and extra correct hourly time monitoring.
Prime options
- Geofencing monitoring with GPS and pictures, to trace hours, breaks, extra time, and PTO.
- Cell app suitable with iOS and Android.
- Distinctive worker PINs to make sure correct monitoring for everybody.
- Alerts for late clock-ins or forgotten clock-outs.
- Constructed-in messaging and reminders.
- Labor value monitoring, and good monitoring of labor vs gross sales.
- Correct timesheets and payroll integration for straightforward hours-worked-to-pay calculations.
- Immediate conversion of timesheets into payroll wages and correct tax funds.
Execs and cons
The geofencing time clock software integrates seamlessly right into a wider suite of helpful instruments. Customers say that it’s straightforward for workers to make use of “daily”, with a “clean design” and capabilities that are “similar to way more costly software program.”
Nevertheless, it might supply extra instruments that you just want if you’re in search of a easy time clock solely.
Pricing
- Free. Time clock and timesheets for one location and limitless staff.
- Necessities. $20 monthly per location. Every little thing included within the Free plan, plus group communication, efficiency monitoring, and distant instruments.
- Plus. $48 monthly per location. Every little thing in Necessities, plus labor budgeting and PTO instruments.
- All-in-one. $80 monthly per location. Every little thing in Plus, in addition to new rent onboarding, and HR & compliance.
2. Greatest for eating places: 7shifts
Supply: 7shifts.com
Caption: 7Shifts makes use of a variety of instruments to make sure correct geofencing
7shifts presents a spread of highly effective instruments, and is designed for hourly staff within the restaurant business. Its cell time-clocking functionality is included within the “schedule” a part of its platform and goals to make labor compliance and scheduling simpler, all whereas decreasing the danger of time theft and pay errors.
Prime options
- Geofencing and photograph choices to make sure your group is current.
- Cell time clock app for on-the-go monitoring.
- Time clocking works even with out Wi-Fi.
- Editable punches and timesheets to make sure correct funds.
- Set guidelines like solely enabling scheduled employees to clock in, which saves on unbudgeted hours.
- Observe breaks and PTO.
- Automated alerts for no-shows, break reminders, and extra time — to guard staff and keep away from further bills.
- Hyperlink to payroll and timesheets for correct and simple pay.
- Audits and reviews for an at-a-glance overview of employees exercise.
Execs and cons
It presents a variety of highly effective instruments for group administration, and customers reward the “ease of use” and “streamlined reporting”, and significantly like its communication instruments.
Nevertheless, it was created for the restaurant sector, so might not be your best option for different industries.
Pricing
- Comp: Free, for one location and as much as 30 staff. Contains time clock, and scheduling.
- Entrée: $29.99 monthly per location, for as much as 30 staff, Every little thing from the Comp plan plus templates, budgeting, and break day monitoring.
- The Works: $69.99 monthly per location, for limitless staff. Every little thing from the Entrée plan, plus payroll integration and state-based compliance instruments.
- Connoisseur: $135 monthly per location. Every little thing in The Works, plus onboarding, labor forecasting, and nearer help.
7shifts additionally presents a free 14-day trial.
3. Greatest for simplicity: When I Work
Supply: WhenIwork.com
Caption: After I Work has easy group communication instruments to assist handle hours and PTO
After I Work lets staff monitor time with any gadget, and manages when staff can or can’t tackle new shifts. It lets them request PTO, tracks shift information, and automates alerts.
For managers, it lets you use timesheets to run payroll, by way of integrations with in style payroll suppliers.
Prime options
- Works on virtually any cell or desktop gadget.
- Connects time clocking with pay guidelines and scheduling, to make sure correct hours.
- Sends automated alerts to keep away from extra time or labor compliance regulation breaches.
- Lets staff talk and handle their very own shifts.
- Tracks and coordinates PTO, breaks, and general attendance.
- Integrates with payroll instruments.
Execs and cons
After I Work is easy, with a number of simple options that work nicely. Reviewers say that it’s “straightforward to navigate” with a “easy and stylish” design, “agility”, and the flexibility to offer employees entry to their work schedule and guidelines within the “palm of their hand.”
In distinction, it doesn’t supply as many options as some all-in-one instruments — for instance, payroll can solely be carried out by way of an built-in, separate software.
Pricing
- Customary: $4 per consumer monthly. Contains time and attendance instruments, and scheduling.
- Superior: $8 per consumer monthly. Contains superior scheduling with extra dynamic and customizable options, plus time and attendance instruments.
4. Greatest for ease of use: Deputy
Supply: Deputy.com
Caption: Deputy has a color-coded, vivid interface that helps make it straightforward to make use of
Deputy’s time clock app goals to make payroll as correct as doable, and likewise helps employers make it possible for solely employees who’re scheduled to work accomplish that. Its color-coded interface makes monitoring time straightforward, and it makes use of each GPS and facial verification to make sure location-accurate punching in.
Prime options
- Hours and breaks recorded by way of the identical app.
- Works on a cellphone, pill, or pc.
- Makes use of GPS for location stamps or touch-free face verification.
- Robotically creates correct timesheets that managers can export simply.
- Permits labor regulation compliance and retains correct information.
- Touchless choices (voice instructions and facial recognition) for cleaner workplaces and sooner monitoring.
- Alerts employees and managers when breaks are due.
Execs and cons
It features a vary of modern options like touchless clock-ins, and is intuitive to make use of. Clients especially like “the straightforwardness of the appliance” and “how easy it is to navigate”, plus its ease in dealing with “multiple location options.”
Nevertheless, to entry all instruments together with time clocking that you must be on the costlier plans.
Pricing
- Starter: Free, for 100 shifts monthly.
- Time & Attendance: $3.50 per consumer monthly. Scheduling with attendance monitoring, and timesheet administration, however no automation, reporting, SMS alerts; and fewer group communication instruments.
- Premium: $4.90 per consumer monthly. All scheduling, time, attendance, and reporting instruments.
- Enterprise: Value on request. For companies with 250+ staff. Every little thing in Premium, plus customized options.
Deputy additionally presents a free 31-day trial.
5. Greatest for payroll integration: Quickbooks Time (Tsheets)
Supply: Quickbooks.intuit.com/
Caption: Quickbooks Time makes use of GPS as a part of its geofencing time clock instruments
From the payroll and invoicing firm of the identical title, Quickbooks Time (previously referred to as Tsheets) lets managers monitor time precisely. It goals to make payroll painless and contains dashboards designed to indicate who’s working and when at a look. It additionally prioritizes correct reporting.
Prime options
- Works straight inside Quickbooks, a significant plus in the event you already use that software program.
- Cell app for straightforward on-the-go use.
- Generates separate job and worker codes to assist make extra exact reviews.
- Makes use of GPS for geofencing monitoring.
- Displays extra time and sends customizable alerts.
- Syncs with Quickbooks and creates correct timesheets to run environment friendly payroll and invoicing.
- Gives limitless help by way of chat or cellphone.
Execs and cons
A serious professional is that it syncs with Quickbooks’ current highly effective software program and contains many must-have options. Customers say that it’s “handy and simple to make use of”, with extra useful features like “the flexibility so as to add notes once you clock in to simply monitor tasks,” and retains “all of our timekeeping wants in a single app.”
Nevertheless, it’s not supreme in the event you don’t use or want the remainder of Quickbooks’ software program.
Pricing
- Premium. $8 per consumer monthly + $20 base price monthly. Limitless customers.
- Elite. $10 per consumer monthly +$40 base price monthly. Limitless customers.
6. Greatest for multiple-location companies: Sling
Supply: Getsling.com
Caption: Sling’s time clock software works on practically any smartphone
Sling’s time clock software is a part of a wider suite of options that additionally contains job administration, labor value monitoring, labor compliance, and group communication. It additionally helps you handle a number of work places with ease and allows you to monitor and optimize labor prices.
Prime options
- Works on any cellphone.
- Lets employers export timesheets for straightforward payroll working.
- Schedule monitoring for a number of places from a single dashboard.
- Retains monitor of worker breaks and screens extra time.
- Crew communication instruments to make sure everybody is aware of the place they should be, and when.
- Helps you to optimize labor prices and hyperlink schedules for one of the best use of worker hours.
- Process administration to allow employees to work successfully.
Execs and cons
Sling is designed for every type of industries that depend on hourly groups. Many customers stated that they like how it syncs immediately between gadgets, and “increases efficiency.”
On the draw back, that you must improve to Premium for cell time monitoring. Plus, some customers say the app has “glitches”, and others say that they’ve discovered the platform to be gradual.
Pricing
- Fundamental: Free. Contains shift scheduling and time-off requests, however no cell time monitoring.
- Premium: $1.70 per consumer monthly. Every little thing in Fundamental, plus instruments for cell time monitoring, and optimizing labor prices.
- Enterprise: $3.40 per consumer monthly. Every little thing in Premium, plus information and reviews.
7. Greatest for building companies: ExakTime
Supply: Exaktime.com
Caption: ExakTime lets staff use their cellphone to check-in, or an on-site gadget designed for building environments
ExakTime is a cloud-based time clock that’s designed particularly for building companies and busy staff who’re continuously on the transfer. It really works whether or not you’ve gotten one website or many extra, and is meant primarily to assist firms handle labor prices and monitor attendance whereas in a busy surroundings.
Prime options
- Simple clock-in and clock-out interface that makes use of “Go” and “Cease” for super-simple monitoring.
- Makes use of GPS and pictures for clocking in.
- Ensures worker id with ID pictures.
- Syncs to the cloud and worker gadgets for safe backups.
- Works on virtually any smartphone gadget.
- Staff can use an app or an on-site gadget designed particularly for building websites.
- Integrates with payroll processors.
Execs and cons
ExakTime has a super-simple interface designed for use in busy, fast-paced environments. Customers say that the “GPS is useful” and that the payroll function is dependable, “user-friendly, and environment friendly.”
In distinction, it’s designed primarily for the development business, so might not be supreme for different workplaces.
Pricing
- $8 monthly per consumer (paid yearly), plus $50/month base price. Contains GPS, photograph ID, wage monitoring, reviews, extra time alerts, and limitless US help.
8. Greatest for cell groups: Timesheet Mobile
Supply: Timesheetmobile.com/
Caption: Timesheet Cell sends alerts to employees after they’re leaving a piece location
As its title suggests, Timesheet Cell is designed particularly for the cell workforce, and presents geofencing time monitoring together with scheduling, timesheets and reviews, group messaging, and alerts. It additionally lets staff handle PTO and sick days, and presents job administration checklists to make shifts extra environment friendly.
Prime options
- Geofencing throughout scheduled hours.
- Timesheet reporting for fast payroll processing and labor costing.
- Drag and drop scheduling for jobs and staff, with prompt notifications
- EU working time compliance legal guidelines included in its authorized part.
- Venture checklists for job administration throughout every shift.
- Automated alerts for extra time reminders, working time violations, or late arrivals.
- Crew messaging to let employees talk, and make clear directions between websites. Help for 4 languages.
- Break day and trip schedule administration.
- Integrations with invoicing and payroll platforms.
Execs and cons
Timesheet Cell contains EU working time compliance legal guidelines, so a superb choice for Europe-based companies. Clients additionally praise how it lets staff “monitor working hours remotely, which implies anytime and wherever”, extra effectively than different timesheet instruments, whereas others significantly just like the dwell chat help.
Nevertheless, it’s primarily designed for cell workforces, so it might not work if your corporation is extra ‘on-site’.
Pricing
Timesheet Cell calculates its pricing relying on the variety of staff that use it, and whether or not they clock out and in a number of occasions a day.
For instance, for 10 staff:
- Fundamentals: From $16.25 monthly for 3 months. Contains cell app and geofencing.
- Per Punch Plan: $48 monthly for 3 months. Contains Fundamentals, plus payroll integrations and extra time warnings. Not advisable for employees who punch out and in a number of occasions per day.
- Small Enterprise: $64.80 monthly for 3 months. Contains Fundamentals, plus payroll integrations and extra time warnings.
- Medium Enterprise: $87 monthly for 3 months. Contains Fundamentals, plus payroll integrations and extra time warnings. Beneficial for firms with 15 or extra staff.
After three months, Fundamentals rises to $3.49 per worker for limitless punches + $14.99 firm subscription. Per Punch rises to fifteen cents per punch + $29.99 firm subscription.
Small Enterprise rises to $9.95 per worker for limitless punches + $29.99 firm subscription. Medium Enterprise rises to $2.49 per worker for limitless punches + $149 firm subscription.
9. Greatest for time-saving automation: Buddy Punch
Supply: Buddypunch.com
Caption: Buddy Punch makes it straightforward to create correct time playing cards for every worker
Buddy Punch goals to simplify monitoring, regardless of the place employees are working. Its automation saves hours of labor in reviewing, checking, and verifying worker timesheets earlier than processing payroll. It additionally goals to create correct reviews and sheets by way of digital punching out and in.
Prime options
- Makes use of GPS and picture monitoring.
- Works on cell and pc.
- Robotically tracks paid and unpaid break day and sick depart.
- Creates customizable reviews to make payroll working simpler.
- Displays distant staff by way of IP addresses to make sure they’re working.
- Integrates with payroll suppliers, and presents its personal payroll processor, Buddy Punch Payroll.
- Sends notifications to customers mechanically.
- On-line chat help.
Execs and cons
Buddy Punch is easy and simple to make use of, with pictures and color-coded dashboards. Clients like “how fast it’s to punch in and punch out”, its means to “allow remote check-ins”, and the way straightforward to navigate it’s.
On the draw back, it requires further software program Buddy Punch Payroll if you wish to run payroll on the identical platform.
Pricing
- Customary: $2.99 per consumer monthly billed yearly (or $3.49 if billed month-to-month) +$19 base price monthly, together with cell apps, GPS, payroll integrations, reporting, and break planning.
- Professional: $3.99 per consumer/month billed yearly (or $4.49 if billed month-to-month) +$19 base price monthly. Every little thing in Customary, plus worker scheduling, templates, and early or late reporting.
- Enterprise: Value on request. All Professional options, plus API entry.
Buddy Punch additionally presents a free trial.
10. Greatest for bigger firms: Hubstaff
Supply: Hubstaff.com
Caption: Hubstaff has a variety of instruments and supplies detailed information reporting
Hubstaff is a robust worker and workforce administration platform, which incorporates time monitoring as a part of its toolset. It makes use of GPS for cell geofencing, in addition to worker monitoring capabilities like screenshots and pictures. It additionally has payroll, invoicing, and scheduling instruments.
Prime options
- GPS geofencing and customizable job websites.
- Time monitoring and reporting for correct timesheets throughout gadgets.
- Time clock app for particular shoppers and tasks.
- Process administration instruments for further productiveness.
- Payroll monitoring and invoicing inside the identical dashboard.
- Productiveness and hourly information monitoring.
- Help for agile workplaces together with dash planning and digital standups.
Execs and cons
Hubstaff is a fully-fledged, highly effective platform for bigger firms. Customers say they like the way it saves time in comparison with handbook time monitoring, and the way it improves the “efficiency of the work group”.
Nevertheless, it might supply extra instruments than you want, relying in your firm dimension and necessities.
Pricing
- Desk Free: Free for one consumer. Embrace time monitoring and timesheets.
- Desk Starter: $5.83 per consumer monthly. Begins at $140. Contains two customers. Every little thing from the Free plan, plus reviews, 24-hour help, and one integration.
- Desk Professional: $8.33 per consumer monthly. Begins at $200. Contains two customers. Every little thing in Starter, plus break day instruments, mission budgets, restricted API, and expense monitoring.
- Enterprise: Value on request. Every little thing in Professional, plus extra insights, greater limits on API, concierge set-up and VIP help, compliance instruments, and limitless job websites.
Hubstaff additionally presents a 14-day free trial.
What to think about when shopping for geofencing time clock software program
There’s no such factor as a single “finest” platform: all of it depends upon what you want. Right here’s what to consider when shopping for geofencing time clock software program, to ensure it’s proper in your group.
- Decide your corporation’s time and attendance monitoring wants — Think about precisely what you’re in search of in the case of monitoring time. Do you’ve gotten a number of places? A lot of employees? What time monitoring and payroll duties are you at present spending essentially the most money and time on?
- Analysis and evaluate accessible choices — Evaluate and distinction choices, and make a shortlist. Any of the choices we’ve listed may work, however solely you already know which works finest for your corporation. Evaluate options, think about how a lot help you want, and have a look at your finances.
- Think about the price and pricing choices — We don’t advocate selecting a platform primarily based on value alone; a low-priced software should still be a waste of time or cash if it doesn’t do what you want. As a substitute, think about worth. Have a look at how a lot money and time you might save in the long term.
- Consider the software program’s buyer help and safety measures — Buyer help is essential when shopping for a brand new software, particularly in the event you’re not fairly positive precisely tips on how to use it, or have a bigger group to coach. Verify the assistance pages and help choices before you purchase, for finest outcomes.
- Decide and arrange the software program — When you’ve made a shortlist, choose one of the best software and enroll. Many instruments supply a free choice or trial, so you’ll be able to check if it delivers. The most effective platforms may even supply important onboarding assist, so that you’ll by no means be left confused or caught.
Frequent pitfalls to keep away from when utilizing geofencing time clock software program
Even one of the best software program may fall quick if it’s not getting used appropriately. Listed below are some pitfalls to keep away from, so you will get your platform working optimally.
- Not correctly establishing worker data — Not filling in your entire staff’ data appropriately can result in errors in the case of monitoring time, and calculating pay. For finest outcomes, be certain that worker data is correctly arrange.
- Not recurrently reviewing and updating geofencing boundaries — Holding your boundaries updated implies that geofencing will work correctly, and also you’ll have up-to-date information of worker places and correct check-ins and outs.
- Not correctly coaching staff on the software program — If employees don’t know tips on how to use the time clock correctly, this can probably trigger main points with appropriate monitoring. There’s a studying curve with any software program, however serving to employees use it nicely will guarantee essentially the most correct outcomes.
- Not recurrently backing up information — Having common backups of knowledge and digital information helps to guard your corporation in case of technical difficulties or hacking. It additionally enables you to get again in your ft simply within the uncommon occasion that your time clock expertise fails you.
Geofencing time clocks: Location is simply the beginning
Geofencing time clocks are a should for any enterprise proprietor who must preserve monitor of employees remotely, or desires to make it possible for the hourly-paid wages staff obtain are as correct as doable.
Geofencing ensures that employees are the place they are saying they’re, avoids expensive and unlawful extra time, and saves you main time and stress translating hours on the bottom into correct wages (together with ideas, PTO, and breaks).
With so many transferring components, it is sensible to make use of a digital, geofencing time clock to streamline the method — relatively than making an attempt to do every thing manually, or utilizing a sophisticated stack of separate instruments.
When in search of a geofencing time clock, you probably wish to think about key options together with dependable geofencing expertise, integration with payroll instruments, real-time monitoring, a cell app, and insightful reporting capabilities.
Homebase makes a speciality of providing a geofencing time clock that not solely tracks precisely and integrates with payroll (and without cost too!), but additionally connects simply with a collection of different capabilities that small companies have to thrive. These embody group communication, scheduling, hiring, HR, and group happiness.
So you’ll be able to time clock with ease, calculate pay precisely, and save money and time on extra time and handbook scheduling too — all inside the identical platform.
References
**The knowledge above is predicated on our analysis on geofencing time clock instruments. All consumer suggestions referenced within the textual content has been sourced from impartial software program assessment platforms, similar to G2 and Capterra, in February 2023.
