Crew management software helps businesses efficiently manage their workforces through digital scheduling. Read my review of the top 5 solutions.
Managing crew schedules, tracking work hours, and coordinating team members across multiple locations creates endless administrative burdens.
Modern crew management software offers real-time GPS tracking, simple scheduling, and automated time logging that saves hours of manual work.
In this article, I compare the 5 best platforms to streamline your workforce operations.
If you don’t have the time to read through our research, jump down to our quick comparison table.
Our Top Picks
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Best all-in-one crew management software
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Good for straightforward time tracking
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Good for comprehensive crew management
Why trust us?
Our team of unbiased software reviewers follows strict editorial guidelines, and our methodology is clear and open to everyone.
See our complete methodology
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Tools considered
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Tools reviewed
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Best tools chosen
How I Chose the Best 5 Crew Management Software
Here are some key features I looked for when selecting the best crew management software:
Must-have features
- Real-time scheduling: Drag-and-drop interfaces for quick schedule adjustments and instant updates to all crew members.
- GPS-enabled time tracking: Mobile clock-in/out capabilities with location verification for tracking crew members’ work hours.
- Task management: Assignment tracking, progress updates, and deadline reminders to keep teams on track.
- Document management: Tools for storing and tracking certifications, licenses, and training records.
- Compliance monitoring: Automatic alerts for expired documents and violations of work/rest hour regulations.
I also made sure the software is:
- Mobile-optimized with intuitive apps that work seamlessly.
- Integration-friendly to connect with existing payroll and HR systems.
- Scalable to accommodate growing team sizes and multiple locations.
- Cost-effective with transparent pricing that scales with your crew size.
Finally, I checked for features that make crew management software great:
- Automated reporting to track overtime, attendance patterns, and more.
- Communication tools for instant team messaging, shift/job announcements, and more.
- Resource management to track equipment assignments and availability.
The 5 Best Crew Management Softwares of 2025
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Connecteam — Best all-in-one crew management software
Connecteam is an all-in-one crew management platform designed for mobile-first teams that combines scheduling, time tracking, and operations management tools.
Why I chose Connecteam: I like how Connecteam combines crew scheduling software with real-time GPS time tracking and mobile-first operations. Its intuitive platform works just as well for small teams as it does for large-scale operations—all at a competitive price point.
Intelligent scheduling
The drag-and-drop employee scheduler transforms complex crew planning into a straightforward process. I love that you can create recurring shifts or jobs, copy previous schedules, and instantly notify crew members of changes through the mobile app. You can also set up shifts/jobs so that only qualified workers can be assigned to them.
For quick scheduling, I love Connecteam’s auto-scheduler, which automatically generates optimized schedules based on availability, workload, and compliance rules—making it especially valuable for large crews.
Another feature I find particularly useful is the conflict detection function that alerts you to overtime risks or certification issues before they become problems.
I think crews will also appreciate the ability to schedule equipment—with conflict alerts preventing issues like double-booking machinery.
Finally, the scheduler integrates with the task manager—so you can even schedule tasks for your crew to complete during their shifts or jobs.
Time and location tracking
Connecteam’s employee time clock function allows crew members to clock in/out using their mobile devices, with GPS verification ensuring they’re at the right location. The system captures breaks, overtime, and travel time automatically, while managers get real-time visibility of crew whereabouts and hours worked. All time data is seamlessly compiled into payroll-ready timesheets, reducing admin work and ensuring accurate payroll processing.
I also appreciate the geofencing feature, which uses GPS technology to create virtual boundaries around specific locations and prevents workers from tracking time outside those locations. This is especially valuable for managing multiple sites or mobile crews.
Another thing I love? You can require crew members to submit certain pieces of information (called “shift attachments”) when they’re clocking out—such as their mileage.
Document and compliance management
You can stay ahead of certification renewals and training requirements with automated tracking and notifications. The system stores all crew documentation securely and alerts both managers and team members about upcoming expiration dates. I like how this proactive approach helps avoid last-minute scheduling scrambles due to expired certifications.
Communication and operations
The built-in chat function supports group chats and private conversations, replacing scattered WhatsApp groups and emails. I appreciate that managers can share updates, safety protocols, and job details directly through the platform, while crew members can report issues or ask questions instantly.
There’s also a company updates feed you can use to share announcements with your whole crew.
Custom forms and checklists
You can create digital forms for everything from safety inspections to equipment checks, eliminating paper-based processes. I think the real advantage here is the ability to require photos or signatures, ensuring proper documentation and accountability across all operations.
And so much more
Connecteam offers plenty of other features that can help managing your crews a lot easier. Other standouts include time off management, direct payroll integrations, an employee directory, training features, field ticketing software, and much more.
Key Features
- Drag-and-drop and automated scheduling with instant shift notifications
- Task management
- GPS-verified time tracking with geofencing
- Digital checklists and forms
- Automated certification tracking
- In-app chat for crew communication
Pros
- Flexible shift capabilities
- 1-click scheduling
- Tailored push notifications
- Multi-site management
Cons
- Requires internet access to function
Pricing
Free-for-life plan availablePremium plans start at $29/month for 30 users
14-day free trial, no credit card required
Get started for free -
Crewmeister — Good for straightforward time tracking
Crewmeister offers straightforward time tracking and shift planning tools designed for crew management.
Why I chose Crewmeister: I appreciate its no-fuss approach to crew scheduling and time tracking, particularly its ability to generate compliant timesheets instantly and handle overtime management without a complex setup.
Time and attendance tracking
The time tracking system offers second-by-second accuracy across all devices. The mobile app handles basic clock-ins well, although I noticed it lacks geofencing capabilities.
Creating timesheets is efficient. You can generate and export them with a single click, and the digital overview provides a much clearer picture than traditional paper records.
Quick and easy shift planning
The shift planner stands out for its rapid setup. The system lets you create layer templates that you can duplicate, which I found made creating recurring schedules easy. While the interface isn’t as polished as some competitors, it’s functional across all devices without requiring additional hardware.
I really appreciate the absence management feature—when someone calls in sick, you can quickly identify available replacements with the right qualifications. The automatic notifications via app or email eliminate the need to chase down crew members for shift confirmations.
The template system saves time, but it’s missing the drag-and-drop functionality that more modern platforms offer. That said, Crewmeister offers 1-click auto-scheduling.
Streamlined vacation requests
With the vacation planner, crew members can instantly check their remaining leave balance without sending emails or making calls. I like that they can submit requests through any device—this means your team can plan their time off whenever they think of it, rather than waiting to get to a computer.
I also like that managers can enable compensatory time off: Instead of receiving overtime for extra hours worked, employees can accrue them as paid leave to take at a later date. That said, US businesses in the private sector with non-exempt employees can’t use this option, as they must pay employees for overtime to comply with labor laws.
Unfortunately, I noticed the system lacks sophisticated conflict checking. While it tracks availability, it doesn’t automatically flag potential staffing shortages when multiple leave requests overlap—something I’ve seen handled better in other platforms.
What users say about Crewmeister
When using Crewmeister employees have increased workflow and gained more working time because of the efficient software.
Program sometimes slow even after moving to new server.
Key Features
- 1-click timesheet generations across multiple sites and crews
- Vacation planner for checking leave balances
- Real-time absence management with instant replacement suggestions
- Template-based shift patterns that can be duplicated across teams
Pros
- Quick and easy setup with no complex onboarding required
- Straightforward overtime tracking
Cons
- No task management capabilities
- Lacks drag-and-drop functionality
Pricing
Starts at $12.40 per month Trial: Yes — 14 days Free Plan: No
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Sling — Good for comprehensive crew management
Sling is a scheduling and time-tracking platform designed for small to medium-sized businesses, especially in retail and hospitality.
Why I chose Sling: I liked how Sling wrapped scheduling, time tracking, and team communication into one simple platform. During our testing, it felt like a practical solution for small teams looking to get organized without paying for expensive extras they don’t need.
Accurate time and attendance tracking
Sling makes it easy for employees to clock in and out using their phones or a shared kiosk. I found the geofencing feature especially useful—it gave me peace of mind knowing that clock-ins were happening from approved locations. I also liked how the system can block early clock-ins and auto-end shifts to avoid accidental overtime, which helps keep payroll accurate.
One limitation I noticed is that if you’re working from the mobile app, you can’t view the total number of hours an employee has worked. For things like approving extra shifts, I had to hop back onto the desktop version.
Efficient shift scheduling
I found scheduling in Sling to be fast and intuitive. The drag-and-drop interface, shift templates, and recurring schedules definitely saved me time. I also appreciated how the platform flags short rest periods between shifts, which is great for avoiding “clopening” issues and staying compliant with labor laws.
Sling’s shift scheduling dashboard on the desktop version That said, I ran into limitations when working with larger teams. You can only sort employees by role or location when building schedules—there’s no way to filter by skill set or experience, which would have made assigning the right people to shifts a lot easier. I can see how this could become frustrating for growing businesses.
Integrated task management
I tested Sling’s task management by assigning checklists to specific shifts, and it worked well. It’s straightforward to use, and the ability to add subtasks and reminders really helped keep things organized. This feature gave me more confidence that responsibilities wouldn’t fall through the cracks.
Still, it would be even better if Sling allowed tasks to be assigned based on employee qualifications or previous performance. As it stands, the task tool is useful—but not as smart or flexible as it could be.
Streamlined communication
Sling’s built-in communication tools impressed me. I was able to message team members directly, send group updates, and even share files and photos—all without switching apps. The newsfeed is also handy for posting general announcements and keeping everyone in the loop.
Sending announcements is straightforward, but the messages are barely customizable. The only drawback I ran into was the notification system. It piles everything into one feed with no real way to organize or prioritize messages, which can get overwhelming if you’re juggling a lot.
What users say about Sling
Super easy to create recurring schedules for the team, keep track of time off requests, and fill in gaps in scheduling when necessary.
The price is quite expensive and it doesn’t have as many features as its competitors. I also wish that I could disable features, such as being able to post your shift.
Key Features
- Time clock app with geofencing technology
- Task management tool with checklists and subtasks
- Automated alerts for exceeding labor budgets
- Private and group chat messaging
Pros
- Ability to auto-assign shifts
- User-friendly app
Cons
- Limited integrations compared with other platforms
- Advanced features come at an extra cost
Pricing
Starts at $1.70/user/month Trial: Yes — 15-day trial Free Plan: Yes — Up to 50 users (Changing to 30 users from March 1st, 2025)
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Deputy — Good for employee engagement
Deputy is a workforce management platform built for shift-based businesses, offering tools for scheduling, time tracking, and real-time team communication.
Why I chose Deputy: I like how its shift management tools—such as availability checks, role-based filters, and calendar sync—are especially helpful for managing teams across multiple locations. The built-in communication features also make it easy to share updates and confirm team alignment without juggling multiple apps.
Efficient crew scheduling
Deputy’s scheduling system offers a streamlined way to build and manage shifts, whether from scratch or using templates. During testing, I found it especially helpful that the system takes employee availability and certifications into account when assigning shifts. It also supports open shifts that employees can claim, and allows for shift swapping with manager approval.
Deputy’s scheduler gives a clear overview of your staff and their scheduled work times. Publishing schedules is quick, and automatic notifications keep everyone informed. My only issue was that the mobile app’s schedule layout felt a bit cluttered. I also noticed that the system doesn’t alert you if you’re assigning shifts to someone with an unapproved leave request—something that could help reduce scheduling errors.
Clear communication channels
Deputy uses a centralized newsfeed for workplace updates. I liked being able to send announcements, attach files, and ask team members to confirm they’ve read important posts—especially for sharing things like safety updates or scheduling changes.
That said, I found the newsfeed interface a bit too formal for one-on-one messages. A messenger-style chat would feel more intuitive for private conversations.
Task management
The platform also includes a basic task management feature. You can assign tasks or subtasks, add due dates, and track progress from your phone or browser. While I liked the simplicity, I wished for more flexibility—like the ability to add attachments or customize how recurring tasks are assigned.
Automated time tracking
Deputy turns any device into a time clock, whether through the mobile app, desktop, or a shared kiosk. Employees can clock in and out using GPS-based location tracking, geofencing, or even facial recognition, which adds an extra layer of accountability.
I also appreciated the ability to bulk-approve timesheets and sync everything with payroll platforms like Gusto or OnPay, which significantly reduces manual admin work.
Exporting employee timesheets to an external payroll system is fairly easy and straightforward. What users say about Deputy
I absolutely love the online time clock and schedule feature. It also helps me keep track of a large team across multiple locations. My labor has never been more accurate.
Cons: Lack of customer service support, along with few customization options, and lack of accessibility features!
Key Features
- Smart scheduling tools
- Real-time availability tracking
- 1-click shift replacement
- Read receipt tracking
Pros
- Smart shift feedback captures instant team sentiment after every shift
- Rapid schedule building with automated qualification and budget checks
Cons
- Key analytics features require costly HR subscription upgrade
- Communication tools lack sophisticated features
Pricing
Starts at $4.5/user/month, for Scheduling or Time & Attendance Trial: Yes — 31-day Free Plan: No
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Skedulo — Good for offline crew management
Skedulo is a crew management platform built for field service teams that need intelligent scheduling, real-time coordination, and strong mobile capabilities.
Why I chose Skedulo: Its ability to assign shifts based on skills, availability, and geography—combined with smart route optimization and real-time job dispatching—makes it ideal for managing large or mobile crews.
Intelligent shift scheduling and dispatch
Skedulo’s AI-powered scheduling engine stood out to me. It automatically matches the right workers to the right jobs using parameters like skill tags, certifications, and working hour limits. If a crew member doesn’t meet shift criteria, the system flags it with a warning, which is extremely helpful for preventing assignment errors.
When the assigned resource doesn’t meet the tagged requirements for the shift, a red exception icon appears. I also appreciated the drag-and-drop shift editor and how easily you can filter schedules by location, role, or resource type. Once published, shift updates sync directly with the mobile app.
Route optimization and job management
For distributed teams, Skedulo’s route optimization is a big win. It calculates the most efficient travel plans by factoring in job locations, worker home addresses, and live traffic patterns—minimizing downtime between jobs.
Schedulers can also manage jobs in bulk, notify entire teams, and track progress in real-time from the Work Console. All updates flow directly to the mobile app, helping field crews stay aligned and responsive.
Mobile app with offline access
The Skedulo mobile app supports key crew tasks—like job status updates, travel logging, shift views, and data capture. I found the offline mode especially useful: crews can complete tasks without connectivity, and everything syncs once they’re back online.
The app also includes accessibility features like text resizing and color contrast adjustment, which help improve usability for all team members.
Performance tracking and analytics
Skedulo’s Looker-powered dashboards let you analyze shift coverage, travel times, and individual crew productivity. While there’s a bit of a learning curve, the filtering options and export formats give you flexibility to track performance across regions, job types, and more.
Skedulo offers 4 analytics dashboards that show a variety of insights What users say about Skedulo
The ability to track and see where my crews are in simplicity. This tool has helped make scheduling a dream, the drive times, the logging of travel.
Sometimes gliches and internet connection issues for field crew.
Key Features
- Time-on-job monitoring
- Offline data synchronization
- Template-based form creation
- Calendar interface
Pros
- Offline functionality
- Customizable forms and workflows
Cons
- Regular updates can cause disruption
- Complex customizations require tech expertise
Pricing
Contact vendor for price Trial: No Free Plan: No
Compare the Best Crew Management Softwares
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Start for free
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| Reviews |
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| Pricing |
Starts at just $29/month for the first 30 users
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Starts at $12.40 per month
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Starts at $1.70/user/month
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Starts at $4.5/user/month, for Scheduling or Time & Attendance
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Contact vendor for price
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| Free Trial |
yes
14-day
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yes
14 days
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yes
15-day trial
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yes
31-day
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no
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yes
Free Up to 10 users
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no
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yes
Up to 50 users (Changing to 30 users from March 1st, 2025)
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no
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no
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| Use cases |
Best all-in-one crew management software
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Good for straightforward time tracking
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Good for comprehensive crew management
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Good for employee engagement
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Good for offline crew management
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| Available on |
What Is Crew Management Software?
Crew management software is a digital solution designed to help businesses coordinate and manage their workforces, particularly those with mobile teams. It combines scheduling, time tracking, communication, and task management tools in one platform to streamline operations.
These systems are particularly valuable for industries like construction and field services where managing multiple crews across different locations or job sites is essential.
How Does Crew Management Software Work?
Modern crew management platforms operate through cloud-based systems accessible via both desktop and mobile applications. The core functionality typically centers around a scheduling engine that helps managers create and distribute work schedules while tracking employee availability and qualifications.
Managers can use these platforms to share schedules and broadcast updates, track time and attendance through GPS-enabled mobile apps, and assign and monitor tasks in real-time. Team members receive notifications about their schedules and can clock in/out from their smartphones, view scheduled tasks, and communicate with colleagues through integrated messaging systems. The software automatically syncs data across devices, ensuring all crew members have access to current information—even when working remotely.
The Benefits of Crew Management Software
Streamlined scheduling operations
Automated or semi-automated scheduling tools dramatically reduce the time spent creating and adjusting crew schedules, with systems that help account for availability, skills, and labor costs. This automation can cut schedule creation and crew time management, while ensuring optimal crew coverage.
Enhanced real-time communication
Centralized communication channels ensure critical updates reach the right crew members instantly, reducing confusion and improving coordination across teams. This immediate access to information helps prevent costly miscommunications and delays.
Improved accountability, compliance, and safety
GPS-enabled time tracking and digital attendance records create accurate documentation of work hours and location data, helping businesses comply with labor regulations while reducing time theft and unauthorized overtime. Location tracking can also be used to monitor crew in hazardous locations—and if issues arise, they can receive timely assistance.
Increased operational efficiency
Digital task management and real-time progress tracking help crew managers identify and resolve bottlenecks quickly, leading to more efficient resource allocation and improved project completion rates.
Better data-driven decision making
Comprehensive reporting tools provide insights into labor costs, productivity patterns, and crew performance, enabling managers to make informed decisions about staffing levels and resource allocation.
Enhanced worker experience
Mobile accessibility and self-service features empower crew members to manage their schedules, submit availability, and communicate with their teams directly, leading to improved job satisfaction and reduced turnover.
How Much Does Crew Management Software Cost?
Most crew management software providers operate on a per-user, per-month pricing model. For example, Deputy’s prices start from $3/user/month for a basic plan, which can add up for large businesses.
Enterprise-level solutions with advanced features like AI-powered scheduling and custom integrations may require custom pricing.
That said, some providers offer free plans. For instance, Connecteam’s Small Business Plan is free for up to 10 users, making it an accessible option for growing teams.
FAQs
Connecteam offers a comprehensive solution ideal for small businesses, with a free plan for up to 10 users that includes essential features like scheduling, time tracking, and team communication.
By automating scheduling, reducing overtime, preventing time theft through GPS tracking, and optimizing crew allocation, these systems can significantly save time for managers and reduce labor costs.
Yes, some modern crew management apps offer offline functionality, allowing crews working to clock in/out and access important information even without internet connectivity. Data syncs once a connection is restored.
The Bottom Line On Crew Management Software
Effective crew management is crucial for maintaining operational efficiency and profitability.
Among the available crew management solutions, I think Connecteam stands out by offering the most comprehensive all-in-one platform with an intuitive interface and free plan for small businesses with up to 10 users.