Time theft is a significant issue in today’s work environment, especially in remote work settings where direct supervision is lacking. Recent data reveals the alarming frequency of this problem, emphasizing the need for business owners to implement effective geofencing apps.
Geofencing apps serve as virtual boundaries around job sites. These apps use technologies like GPS, RFID, cellular data signals, and Wi-Fi to create these digital perimeters. By using geofencing apps, businesses can track employee time accurately and eliminate tactics like offsite and buddy punching, saving money and ensuring fair reimbursement.
In this guide, we will discuss the top five geofencing apps for tracking employee time and eliminating time theft. But before we dive into that, let’s understand the basics of geofencing.
What is Geofencing?
Geofencing involves creating a virtual boundary, like a perimeter wall, around a worksite using a geofencing app. Employees’ actions, such as clocking in and out, can be configured to happen automatically when they enter or leave this boundary.
Different geofencing apps offer various automation features, and we will explore each app’s details to help you find the best fit for your needs.
Benefits of Geofencing in Time Tracking
Geofencing offers several benefits for companies with salaried or hourly employees. One key advantage of using a geofencing app for time tracking is improved accuracy. By configuring the app to clock in employees only when they are within the job site, you eliminate the possibility of employees clocking in while on their way or leaving before their shift ends.
According to statistics, offsite and buddy punching can cost companies up to 7% of their annual payroll. Eliminating these fraudulent practices can result in significant savings for businesses.
Geofencing also enables timely notifications for employees. You can set up the tracking system to send automatic reminders for employees to clock in as they report for work and clock out as they leave.
Key Features of the Best Geofencing Apps
Simply having geofencing capabilities is not enough. The best geofencing app for employees should also include reliable time-tracking features, GPS location tracking, reporting capabilities, and integration with relevant software.
Let’s now explore the top geofencing apps for employees:
1. Hubstaff
Hubstaff is an all-in-one solution for time tracking, project workflows, and workforce management. It effectively tackles time theft problems with its geofencing capabilities. Setting up geofences with Hubstaff is straightforward as it requires you to name the job site, enter the address, and select the geofence radius.
Furthermore, Hubstaff offers automation features like starting or stopping the timer when an employee enters or exits the geofence and sending reminders to punch in or out. Pricing plans start from $5.83 per user per month, and a 14-day trial is available.
2. OnTheClock
OnTheClock is another reliable time and GPS tracker with geofencing. While it offers many features, it may take some time to navigate for new users. Setting up geofences with OnTheClock requires specifying location names and selecting punch locations.
The app supports different geofence radius options. Setting up automation features is pretty straightforward and it’s a good option for companies with many employees. In addition, OnTheClock offers a 30-day free trial, and pricing starts from $10.50 per month for three employees.
3. AllGeo
AllGeo offers a feature-packed admin side but maintains an easy-to-use mobile app. Geofencing with AllGeo can be done by adding job site addresses and choosing the geofence radius or using longitude and latitude for more accuracy. The app supports uploading site details for managing multiple job sites.
Also read: How to track someone for free on Google Maps without them knowing
Automation options include clocking employees in and out automatically or allowing manual punches with customizable notification rules. Pricing starts from $5 per user per month, and a 14-day free trial is available.
4. HelloTracks
HelloTracks is specifically designed for industries like mobility and transportation, repair and maintenance, and logistics and distribution. Geofencing with HelloTracks is done by creating places and setting job addresses and geofence radius. The app supports both job sites and job zones (geographical areas).
Furthermore, it offers configuration rules for places and zones, allowing you to customize alerts and trigger actions. HelloTracks automatically clocks employees in when they enter the geofence or zone. Pricing starts from $10 per user per month, and a 30-day free trial is available.
5. Timeero
Timeero provides robust features like geofencing and facial recognition to prevent time theft. The app is user-friendly for both business owners and employees. Geofencing can be easily set up by ticking the “require geofencing” option for a job’s location details. Timeero integrates with payroll systems for quick and accurate processing.
The app also offers smartphone notifications, reminders, and additional features like workplace accountability. Pricing starts from $4 per user per month, and a 30-day free trial is available.
Final Words
The best geofencing app for time tracking depends on your specific needs. For businesses dealing with offsite and buddy punching, these apps are quite suitable choices because of their geofencing and facial recognition features. As seen above, they offer affordability and compatibility for both small and large businesses.
