Why GPS time tracking is the future for field-based work

Time is money, especially for industries that rely on field workers to get the job done. Keeping track of employee hours, locations, and tasks has always been a challenge – until GPS technology revolutionized time tracking. Today, tools like GPS time clocks and real-time tracking apps offer a game-changing solution for employers and workers alike. Let’s dive into why GPS time tracking is the future and how it can benefit field-based industries. 

Can I track my employees with GPS?

Yes, you can track employee locations using GPS, but there are some cautions. In most regions, including the USA and Europe, employers are required to inform employees about tracking policies and obtain their consent. Tracking employees without permission can lead to legal issues and undermine trust.

When done transparently, GPS location tracking can enhance employee management by ensuring accurate time and location data. For example, employees can only clock in when they’re physically at a job site, reducing time theft and buddy punching.

Employee time tracking in the USA

In the United States, tracking employee locations using GPS is generally allowed, but it comes with specific legal and ethical considerations. Federal laws, like the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), don’t explicitly govern GPS tracking but focus on ensuring accurate timekeeping and fair compensation.

The real oversight lies in state laws, which vary significantly:

• California: Employers must notify employees about GPS tracking. Failing to do so could violate privacy laws under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) or Penal Code Section 637.7, which prohibits tracking a person's location without consent.
• New York: Employers are required to disclose tracking methods, as monitoring without consent could lead to legal claims under the state’s labor and privacy laws.
• Texas and Other States: While tracking is often allowed, it’s critical to establish a clear policy that aligns with reasonable expectations of privacy.
  Employers are encouraged to implement GPS tracking only during work hours, avoid monitoring personal activities, and always inform employees about the tracking system and its purpose.

Employee location data in Europe

In Europe, GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) provides strict rules about processing personal data, including GPS location. Employers are required to follow essential principles:

1. One of them is clearly informing employees about the type of data being collected and the purpose behind its collection. This often includes providing a detailed written policy outlining GPS tracking procedures.
2. While consent is not always the legal basis for processing location data, employers must justify the necessity of tracking for specific purposes, such as ensuring workplace safety or monitoring time and attendance.
3. Employers are expected to collect only the location data that is essential for the specified purpose. For instance, tracking should be limited to work hours and must not encroach on employees’ personal time.
4. It is also critical for employers to securely store GPS data and implement measures to protect it from unauthorized access.
5. Failing to comply with GDPR regulations can lead to significant penalties, reaching up to €20 million or 4% of the company’s global annual revenue, whichever amount is greater.

In practice, European employers must balance their need for location tracking with employees' right to privacy, implementing safeguards to avoid misuse or overreach. Transparent communication and clearly defined policies are essential to maintaining trust and compliance.

Can an employer track an employee's location without permission?

The short answer: no. Tracking an employee’s location without their knowledge or consent is forbidden in most countries. Beyond the legal implications, it also undermines trust.

Instead, companies should leverage apps that include GPS features while clearly communicating their purpose – whether it’s to improve time management, simplify payroll, or ensure safety on job sites.

What’s the deal with GPS time tracking?

Imagine this: your employees can clock in and out without ever needing to fill out a paper timesheet. An app will automatically record their time and location, making it easy to track employee time and ensure accuracy.

GPS time tracking isn’t just about accountability; it’s about making life easier for everyone. Employers get precise data for project time, while employees benefit from simple time clock apps that remove the hassle of manual entries.

Real-time GPS tracking vs. GPS time clock: what's the difference?

Both tools are powered by GPS technology, but they serve slightly different purposes:

• Real-Time GPS Tracking focuses on continuously tracking employee locations during work hours. This is ideal for managing mobile teams across multiple job sites.
• GPS Time Clock is designed to track employee time and location when they clock in and out. It’s a simpler solution for ensuring accurate time tracking without constant monitoring.

How a GPS time clock app works in the field?

A time clock app with GPS combines location tracking with time tracking software. Here’s how it generally works:

1. Employees install the app on their mobile devices.
2. They clock in when they’re at the designated job site.
3. The app will automatically record time entries and GPS data.
4. If the app includes this feature: employers get real-time tracking data for better employee management.

Start tracking time smarter, not harder

Using a GPS time clock is more than just a way to track employee time – it’s a way to streamline operations. Accurately monitoring the time spent on specific tasks allows for more efficient resource allocation and minimizes wasted hours.

What GPS time tracking means for field workers and employers?

For workers, GPS tracking features simplify their day. They’re on the clock automatically when they arrive at a job site, and they no longer need to manually log their hours.

For employers, GPS tracking solutions ensure accurate employee hours, improve payroll accuracy, and boost transparency. Everyone wins!

GPS time tracking app prevents time theft

Time theft and buddy punching are long-standing problems in the workplace, particularly in field-based industries. Traditional methods like paper timesheets or basic time clocks can be easily manipulated, leading to inaccurate time entries and increased payroll costs.

GPS time tracking apps solve this issue by using location-based tracking. Employees can only clock in when they’re at work site, and the app automatically records their location and time entries. This tracking solution eliminates opportunities for fraudulent clock-ins. Employers can rest assured that they’re paying for actual work hours, and workers know their contributions are accurately recorded.

Time tracker with GPS replaces traditional time card 

Paper time cards? Yeah, those belong in a museum! GPS time trackers are the modern alternative, and they’re way cooler.

Instead of filling out a time card or using a clunky old punch clock, employees just use an app. The app will automatically record their hours, and employers can see who’s working and where in real time. It’s simple, efficient, and cuts down on mistakes. Plus, it’s a lot harder to lose an app than a piece of paper!

Location tracking boosts employee safety in the field

Here’s a plot twist: GPS tracking isn’t just about time; it’s about keeping people safe, too.

For field workers, safety can be a real concern. Whether they’re on a remote construction site or driving between locations, things can go wrong. With real-time GPS tracking, employers can see where everyone is and act fast if something happens.

Mobile time tracking apps with GPS offer flexibility for workers

Your field team isn’t tied to a desk, and their tools shouldn’t be either. Mobile GPS time tracking apps are designed to fit the dynamic nature of field work.

Employees can clock in from their phones, track project time, and (in some apps) even log mileage. This flexibility makes their day-to-day tasks easier while giving you the accurate data you need to manage time effectively.

Employee GPS tracking fosters transparency

Implementing GPS tracking isn’t about micromanaging – it’s about creating an environment of trust and accountability.

When employees know that time and location data are being tracked fairly, disputes over hours worked become a thing of the past. For you, it’s a way to ensure accurate records. For them, it’s reassurance that their hard work is being recognized. Everyone benefits from the clarity and transparency GPS tracking brings.

Discover also how the right technology can be a game-changer for workplace happiness in our article: Software as a benefit? Discover how good tech stack can make your employees happy.

Mileage tracking simplifies expense reporting

 Field work often means racking up miles, and keeping track of those miles manually is a pain – for both you and your employees.

Many GPS time tracking apps come with mileage tracking capabilities, simplifying the process for employees to record their travel. This data integrates seamlessly with expense reporting systems, saving time and ensuring accurate reimbursements. That’s one less concern to handle when managing payroll.

How accurate is the location tracking?

Modern GPS technology offers highly accurate tracking, often within a few meters. This ensures employers can rely on the data for managing time and location tracking.

Does Calamari mobile app offer any tracking features?

Yes, the Calamari mobile app offers tracking features. When an employee clocks in or out using the app, their GPS location is recorded. This lets you know whether they punched in after arriving at the office or while still sipping their morning coffee at home.

As technology continues to evolve, the integration of tools like GPS time clocks and real-time tracking will only become more essential. The question isn’t whether to adopt GPS time tracking – it’s how soon you’ll start reaping its benefits.

Are you ready to make the switch? Discover GPS tracking apps and find out how they can revolutionize your business today.