Field service time tracking software offers an easy way to log and monitor your employees’ time. In this article, we explore the top field service time tracking apps of 2024 so you can pick the right one for your organization.
Monitoring your field service technicians’ time is vital, but using traditional time tracking methods like paper time cards is time-consuming and ineffective. It exposes your business to time theft and potential payroll mistakes that can cost you valuable time and money to fix. Not to mention, manual time tracking can negatively impact your team’s productivity.
Thankfully, field service time-tracking apps can help. They’re designed to tackle the unique challenges of tracking field service operations—making managing your team and monitoring their time much easier.
Plenty of field service time-tracking solutions are available, so choosing the right one for your business can be tough. To help you out, we review the 6 best apps for 2024 below.
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 field service time tracking software
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Good for comprehensive field service management
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Good for avoiding time theft
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Our team of unbiased software reviewers follows strict editorial guidelines, and our methodology is clear and open to everyone.
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What to Look For in a Field Service Time Tracking Software
Certain features should be at the top of your list when selecting field service time-tracking software.
- Mobile functionality. Choose software with a mobile app that allows employees to clock in and out anywhere.
- GPS tracking. Features like geo-fencing and real-time location visibility help ensure your team is always at the right place at the right time.
- Job and project management. Software that allows tagging time entries to specific jobs or projects leads to better organization and productivity.
- Work order integration. This feature connects your work orders with your time tracking system and enables real-time monitoring of work progress.
- Payroll integration. Time-tracking software that integrates with your payroll system can save you time and reduce costly errors. Connecteam, for instance, integrates with popular payroll software Gusto, QuickBooks Online, Paychex and Xero.
- Customization. The best field service time tracking software will offer customization options to suit your business’s needs. For example, you might look for customizable reporting features that allow you to track specific metrics. Connecteam offers this feature and many more customization options.
- Timesheet automation. Look for software that automatically compiles accurate digital timesheets. This takes the burden off your shoulders and saves a ton of administrative time.
- Break and overtime management. The ability to automate and manage breaks and overtime can simplify your payroll process. For instance, Connecteam lets you set custom break and overtime rules, which get reflected on employees’ schedules and timesheets.
- Regulatory compliance. A good time tracker should track breaks and overtime hours to help you adhere to labor laws and regulations.
The 6 Best Field Service Time Tracking Softwares of 2024
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Connecteam — Best all-in-one field service time tracking software
Connecteam is a comprehensive employee management platform that caters well to field service time tracking and management needs. It offers real-time GPS location tracking, geofencing tools, automated timesheets, and more—making it stand apart from its competitors.
Let’s dive into its best features.
GPS-enabled mobile time clock for accurate, on-the-go tracking
Connecteam’s built-in employee time clock turns any mobile device into a time tracker. Your employees can clock in and out from any location with a touch of their device.
Connecteam will track workers’ time automatically down to the second, and employees can categorize their time entries by job, client, location, project, and more. Plus, even when a worker’s device dies or loses Wi-Fi connection, Connecteam will continue recording their time.
The time clock also has real-time GPS tracking functionality. It logs your workers’ punch-in and punch-out locations and lets you see your team’s real-time locations during working hours. You can also see a “breadcrumb trail” of where an employee went while on the clock.
Additionally, the geofencing tool lets you create virtual borders around job sites. You can restrict punch-in and out to these locations and set Connecteam to automatically clock workers out when they leave a geofence.
Detailed reports and timesheets for streamlined payroll processing and better oversight
Connecteam offers powerful reporting tools that let you view data on everything from employee productivity to time spent on projects to overtime hours in a certain pay period. Customize your reports based on specific jobs, locations, or clients, and Connecteam will generate them in seconds.
Reports also include timesheets with billable and non-billable hours. Connecteam takes your employees’ time entries and automatically creates digital timesheets, offering a clear view of worked hours and an easy way to spot potential errors. You and your team members can review timesheets before they’re sent off for payroll.
You can export all reports—including timesheets—in PDF or Excel formats. Use timesheets with your payroll provider or one of Connecteam’s direct payroll integrations for smooth processing. Connecteam integrates with Gusto, QuickBooks Online, Paychex and Xero.
Tools for stress-free breaks, overtime, and time off management
Connecteam puts the power back in your hands by enabling you to create custom rules for breaks and overtime.
You can let employees take breaks as needed, require them to submit break requests, or send them automated reminders when they need to go on break during a shift. You’ll also receive alerts whenever an employee fails to go on break.
For stress-free overtime management, Connecteam will automatically notify you when an employee is about to approach unscheduled overtime. You can instantly reject or approve the overtime based on your company’s policies and the amount of overtime the employee has logged. You can even set customizations like daily time limits, auto-clock outs, and overtime pay rates.
Connecteam offers time off management tools as well. Employees can submit time off requests independently, and you can view all requests through your central admin dashboard. Approve or deny requests in seconds, and include notes on any requests you don’t approve.
Also, you can use automation to calculate paid time off (PTO) quickly, easily view workers’ PTO balances, and create custom time off policies using Connecteam’s policy templates or by uploading your own.
Task management tools to stay organized and efficient
Connecteam’s task management tools help you keep tasks organized and monitor project progress. You can create and assign one-time or recurring tasks to team members with detailed descriptions, subtasks, images, files, and due dates.
You can also customize digital forms and checklists—such as safety checklists—and add them to shifts. This way, employees know the proper order of tasks so they stay safe and productive.
As a manager, you have complete oversight of your employees’ tasks and workflows. You can monitor task progress in real time, request status updates from workers, and send automated notifications reminding employees to complete tasks. Connecteam will also alert you when tasks are completed or exceed their deadlines.
Secure team chat for seamless communication
Connecteam’s in-app chat makes it simple to keep in touch with your team at any time of the day. You can chat in one-on-one or group chats and share images, files, videos, audio notes, and checklists within each message.
Managers like you have admin privileges within the chat, meaning you can monitor all conversations and remove any inappropriate content. You can also set custom user permissions so only the right team members access certain chats.
Additionally, Connecteam will notify you and your team members when you receive new messages. But you can mute conversations at any time to avoid distractions.
All chat data is backed up to Connecteam’s secure private cloud, and no users can download or export any chat messages or attachments.
Scheduling, shift attachments, and more
Connecteam also has scheduling tools for quick and easy planning. Use templates, set common shifts to recur, and automatically schedule employees based on preferences, qualifications, or availability. The drag-and-drop editor makes it simple to adjust schedules on the fly, and you’ll receive smart alerts flagging potential scheduling conflicts before you publish them.
The software also lets you add attachments to each shift—like notes, photos, equipment used, and mileage covered. This information can help provide context to time entries and help you maintain accurate records as required by law.
But these features aren’t all that Connecteam provides. There are many other tools included in our all-in-one platform. You can access features for event management, rewards and recognition, employee training and onboarding, document management, and more.
Connecteam also offers a free for life plan – Try Connecteam here!
Key Features
One-touch clock-in and out
Automated timesheets
Break and overtime management
Time off management tools
Direct payroll integrations
In-app chat for seamless communication
Pros
Mobile app for Android and iOS devices
Free for small teams, affordable for all businesses
All-in-one work management tool
Cons
Needs internet or wifi access to work
Pricing
Free-for-life plan availablePremium plans start at $29/month for 30 users
14-day free trial, no credit card required
Start your free trial -
FieldAware — Good for comprehensive field service management
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
FieldAware is a cloud-based tool that allows businesses to manage their field teams, schedules, and work orders. It consists of 2 core applications: the web application and the mobile application.
The web application automates administration, work order management, scheduling, dispatch, inventory, asset management, and the execution of work in the field. The mobile application allows field personnel to create quotes or work orders, update the status of work orders, and invoice customers. It also features route planning and allows customers to sign off on the job directly on the device.
Besides the core applications, FieldAware offers additional modules for enhanced data collection, workflow capabilities, customer portals, business intelligence and analytics, workforce management, route optimization, and inventory integration. FieldAware also integrates with multiple types of enterprise software solutions.
Key Features
- Mobile app for technicians
- Scheduling and dispatch tools
- Work order management
- Real-time tracking capabilities
Pros
- Comprehensive time tracking
- Integration with other field service management tools
Cons
- Learning curve for managers and technicians
- More expensive than other solutions
Pricing
Pricing is not publicly available Trial: No Free Plan: No
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Buddy Punch — Good for avoiding time theft
Buddy Punch is an employee monitoring and time-tracking application. It provides verification solutions, including biometric tools like face ID recognition, to prevent time theft and buddy punching. The app also includes geofencing and a GPS-enabled time clock.
Managers can sync Buddy Punch’s online timesheets with third-party payroll solutions. The app also offers time off management features. However, Buddy Punch lacks several tools that make managing remote teams easier. There are no in-app communication tools or task management features, for example.
Buddy Punch can be a good choice for managers looking only for time and attendance management tools. But other software options on our list have more comprehensive features.
Key Features
- Time tracking
- GPS and geofencing functionality
- Time off management
- Reporting dashboard
Pros
- Offers biometric facial recognition
- Supports third-party integrations
Cons
- No communication tools
- Lacks task management features
Pricing
Starts at $3.99/user/month + $19 base fee/month Trial: Yes — 14-day Free Plan: No
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Timecamp — Good for automatic time tracking and project management
Timecamp is a time-tracking software solution primarily designed for project-based businesses. The smartphone app makes the automatic time tracking system easily accessible for field service staff. Timecamp also offers invoicing tools, making it a decent choice for freelancers and independent contractors. In addition, it offers integrations with popular work management tools like Asana and Monday.com.
Beyond time tracking, Timecamp incorporates additional features like productivity tracking, time-off management, and overtime tracking. However, features like invoicing, timesheet approvals, and billable rates are reserved for the most expensive plan, which costs $7.99 per user, per month. This can quickly add up for larger teams.
Key Features
- Automatic timesheet completion
- Facial recognition software
- Time-off management
- GPS time tracking
Pros
- Comprehensive reporting options
- Integrates with Monday.com, Trello, and Asana
Cons
- Relatively expensive
- No built-in communication tools
Pricing
Starts at $2.99/user/month Trial: Yes Free Plan: Yes
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Harvest — Good for service businesses with diverse project tracking needs
Harvest is a time-tracking and team management tool suited to service professionals such as plumbers or electricians. Its primary feature tracks time spent on tasks or projects through a simple tap or click. This simplicity extends to its reporting suite. Managers can visualize project hours, budgets, and employee utilization.
Harvest also allows managers to create invoices based on hours worked, which can be useful for billing clients per project hour. However, it doesn’t offer the ability to track remote workers with GPS.
Additionally, Harvest provides various integrations with project management software like Asana, payment processors like PayPal, and automated workflow platforms such as Zapier and IFTTT.
Key Features
- One-click time tracking
- Customizable reporting tools
- Expense tracking
- Range of integrations
Pros
- Users can track time across devices
- Can export data to Excel
Cons
- Single wage rate per project
- No GPS functionality
Pricing
$10.8/user/month Trial: Yes — 30-day Free Plan: Yes — Up to 1 seat & 2 projects
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Clockify — Good for break time management
Clockify is a time-tracking software solution that aims to simplify logging work hours. It has some basic features for tracking field staff, such as GPS tracking so managers can see where their employees are.
One of Clockify’s distinctive features is how it handles break time. The software uses a Pomodoro timer, prompting employees to take breaks at regular intervals. Clockify also allows users to track non-billable hours spent on breaks. This feature helps businesses comply with labor laws.
However, for larger teams requiring advanced features like client invoicing and budget tracking, Clockify can become expensive. GPS tracking is only available on the Pro plan ($9.99 per user, per month) or higher.
Key Features
- Project and template creation for simplified tracking
- Pomodoro timer for breaks
- Non-billable hour tracking
- Timesheet lockdown feature for supervisors
Pros
- User-friendly interface
- Extensive software integrations
Cons
- Can be costly for larger businesses
- Lacks features to prevent time theft
Pricing
Starts at $3.99/user/month Trial: Yes — For PRO features Free Plan: Yes
Compare the Best Field Service Time Tracking Softwares
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| Reviews |
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Starts at just $29/month for the first 30 users
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Pricing is not publicly available
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Starts at $3.99/user/month + $19 base fee/month
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Starts at $2.99/user/month
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$10.8/user/month
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Starts at $3.99/user/month
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Best all-in-one field service time tracking software
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Good for comprehensive field service management
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Good for avoiding time theft
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Good for automatic time tracking and project management
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Good for service businesses with diverse project tracking needs
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Good for break time management
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| Available on |
Web, iOS, Android
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What Is Field Service Time Tracking Software?
Field service time tracking software is designed to monitor and record field service employees’ working hours accurately. It’s handy for teams who are mobile or don’t have access to a traditional workspace or desktop.
This type of software offers various features like mobile clock-ins, GPS tracking, project management, and integration with payroll systems. It’s typically user-friendly and can be accessed via a mobile app, making it ideal for on-the-go time tracking.
In short, this software is all about making life easier for you and your field service team.
How Does Field Service Time Tracking Software Work?
Field service time tracking software works by accurately recording the time your employees start and finish their tasks. Employees can use a clock in and out app directly from their mobile devices, and the software will auto-generate digital timesheets. This makes calculating pay, checking overtime hours, and even tracking time spent on projects easier.
The software also offers GPS tracking, giving you peace of mind knowing your team is where they’re supposed to be. Additionally, many of these apps can be integrated with other systems like payroll and project management tools. This can further streamline your operations, ensuring you’re always on top of everything.
So, whether you’re trying to curb time theft, ensure accurate payroll, or want a better way to manage your team, field service tracking could be the solution you’ve been searching for. Connecteam, for instance, is a comprehensive field service tracker that offers all these features and more.
The Benefits of Field Service Time Tracking Software
Field service businesses require intricate logistics and precision in tracking field technicians’ worked hours. Failing to track these hours accurately can lead to reduced productivity, lower efficiency, poor customer service, costly payroll errors, and much more.
That’s why field service time-tracking software is indispensable. Here are some of the key benefits of using these tools.
Enhanced productivity
Firstly, a field service tracker helps improve your field technicians’ overall productivity. Instead of manual methods or traditional time card systems, these cloud-based solutions provide automated tracking. You and your team members won’t have to worry about entering and correcting time data by hand, freeing up your time to focus on getting work done.
Reduced risk of errors
These apps also reduce the risk of human error. They record time precisely, consistently, and automatically. This eliminates the chances of miscalculations that often plague manual processes.
With fewer errors in employees’ time entries, you can also avoid potential payroll disputes or compliance issues.
Streamlined operations
Field service businesses’ operations often require close collaboration between the office staff and field technicians. Cloud-based time-tracking software makes this easy. The software significantly enhances coordination and communication between different teams by offering real-time visibility into technicians’ worked hours and locations. In turn, this helps streamline day-to-day operations.
Increased accountability
Field service time tracking software can also help foster a sense of accountability among your team members. They’re responsible for clocking in and out at the right time and place each day. Plus, with the knowledge that managers and supervisors can see their time entries, workers are less likely to attempt buddy-punch maneuvers.
How Much Does Field Service Time Tracking Software Cost?
The cost of field service time tracking software can vary based on its features and the businesses it caters to.
Some service providers don’t disclose their pricing, but those that do typically charge a per-user monthly fee. They often charge for additional features and services, which can quickly increase costs—particularly when you need access to more than just the basic time tracking features. While many platforms offer free plans, most have minimal features.
Connecteam does things differently. We offer a 14-day free trial for all new users and a free-forever Small Business Plan for teams with 10 or fewer workers. For larger teams, plans start at $29 per month for up to 30 users, plus only $0.50 per month for each additional user. That’s just $39 per month for a team of 50!
FAQs
What is time tracking?
Time tracking is the process of recording the number of hours employees work. It’s essential for accurate payroll, project management, and productivity analysis. Employees can record their time using traditional methods like paper time cards or pen-and-paper spreadsheets. However, using time-tracking software like Connecteam is a much better option. It ensures all time entries are accurate, lowering the risk of payroll errors and reducing time spent on administrative tasks.
Why is time tracking important for employees?
Time tracking is crucial for employees as it ensures they’re paid accurately for the time they have worked. It also helps foster accountability and can improve overall team productivity.
How can I track my employees’ time in the field?
You can use a field service time tracking software like Connecteam to accurately track your employees’ time in the field. They can clock in and out from their mobile devices, and you can easily verify their real-time locations using the built-in GPS location tracking functionality.
Employees can also track their time by task, project, client, location, and more. Once all time entries for a pay period have been logged, Connecteam will automatically generate digital timesheets you can use for payroll.
The Bottom Line on Field Service Time Tracking Software
Field service time tracking software can significantly enhance your service organization’s productivity and efficiency. It offers an easy, reliable way for your employees to track their time, as well as tools to verify their locations, generate timesheets for payroll, and much more.
While many options exist, Connecteam stands out as the best all-in-one field service time-tracking solution. It isn’t just a powerful time-tracking platform—it’s a comprehensive workforce management solution with everything your business needs to run smoothly. And with budget-friendly plans for businesses of all sizes, Connecteam doesn’t make you choose between quality and affordability.