Overview
Geofencing creates virtual boundaries around work locations, automatically triggering time clock events when employees enter or exit these zones with their mobile devices, eliminating manual clock in/out while verifying on-site presence.
How Geofencing Works
Setup
- Define geographic boundaries around job sites
- Set radius (typically 100-500 feet)
- Configure auto-clock rules
- Enable location permissions on mobile devices
Automatic Actions
- Enter geofence: Auto clock-in
- Exit geofence: Auto clock-out
- Inside boundary: Continuous verification
- Outside boundary: Alert if working remotely
Benefits
For Employees
- No forgotten clock ins/outs
- Automatic accurate time capture
- No manual app interaction needed
- Hands-free operation
For Employers
- Verified on-site presence
- Prevented buddy punching
- Accurate job site time allocation
- Reduced time theft
- Automated compliance
Use Cases
Construction
- Multiple job sites daily
- Worker location verification
- Site-specific time allocation
- Equipment location tracking
Field Service
- Technician site visits
- Service call duration tracking
- Travel time vs on-site time
- Customer location verification
Healthcare
- Home health visits
- Multiple facility workers
- Patient location verification
- Mileage tracking
Privacy Considerations
- Location tracked only during work hours
- Employees must consent
- Clear policy communication
- Ability to manually clock if preferred
- No continuous tracking outside work
- Timeero (specialized in geofencing)
- ClockShark, Workyard
- Connecteam, Hubstaff
- QuickBooks Time
Accuracy Improvements
5 MPH motion detection threshold prevents false triggers from nearby movement, ensuring clock events occur only when workers actually arrive at or leave sites.
ROI
Geofencing time tracking prevents 16-20% of potential buddy punching incidents and recovers average 4.5 hours/week per employee in accurate time capture.
