If you run a business with workers who travel to different job sites, you know how hard it can be to track their time. Your team might be fixing equipment, visiting customers, or moving from one location to another. When employees are always on the go, it’s easy for time records to become confusing or inaccurate, especially if you still use manual timesheets. This is why many small and mid-sized businesses use field service time tracking software. These tools let employees clock in and out right from their phones. Managers and HR teams can see when someone starts work, where they are, and what job they’re working on all in real time. This helps reduce mistakes, makes payroll faster, and improves overall productivity.
In this article, we will explain what field service time tracking is, the features you should look for, and the top software options for 2026.
What Is Field Service Time Tracking?
Field service time tracking is a way to keep track of the hours worked by employees who spend most of their day out in the field. This could include workers visiting customers, fixing equipment, or moving between different job sites. Since they don’t work at a single desk, it can be tricky to know exactly when they start and finish work.
- Spreadsheets can be hard to update and easy to make mistakes with.
- Basic time apps may only track hours, not location or tasks.
- Old attendance systems can be slow and don’t always work with payroll or other business software.
Modern field tracking software is built for teams on the move. Employees can clock in and out on their phones, log where they are with GPS, and record which job or task they are working on. Managers and HR teams can see this information in real time, making payroll faster, reducing mistakes, and keeping everyone on the same page.
In short, field service time tracking software is a smarter, easier way to track mobile employees than spreadsheets or basic clock-in tools.
Key Features of Field Service Time Tracking Software
When choosing a field service time tracking tool, it’s important to know which features are most important. Besides tracking hours, the best software helps you manage your team, improve productivity, and make smarter decisions. Here are the key features to look for:
1. Mobile App Accessibility
Field employees need a way to clock in and out while on the move. A mobile app lets them log their hours, start jobs, and update tasks directly from their phone or tablet. This makes it much easier for your team to stay accurate and for managers to get real-time updates. Offline time tracking is also important for areas without internet coverage.
2. GPS & Geofencing
Location tracking ensures your team is where they need to be. GPS shows managers where employees are, while geofencing software can automatically clock them in or out when they arrive at or leave a job site. This helps prevent errors and keeps everyone accountable
3. Real-Time Data
Instead of waiting until the end of the week to see timesheets, real-time data allows managers to track hours, tasks, and locations instantly. This helps with scheduling, payroll, and making quick decisions when jobs change or unexpected issues come up.
4. Reporting & Analytics
Good software gives you reports that show trends, like which jobs take the most time or which employees are most productive. Analytics can help you spot problems, improve scheduling, and plan for future projects more efficiently.
5. Integrations
Field service software often works better when it connects with other tools you already use, like payroll, HR systems, or accounting software. Integrations save time, reduce mistakes, and make your workflow smoother.
These five features are essential for any SMB or HR team managing mobile employees. They help you track hours accurately, reduce mistakes, and make it easier to manage a field workforce.
Benefits of Field Service Time Tracking Software
Using field service time tracking software is more than just keeping track of hours. It can actually make your business run smoother and help your employees work better. Here are the main benefits:
1. Increase Productivity
When employees can easily clock in and out and managers can see what everyone is working on, time is used more efficiently. Teams spend less time on paperwork and more time completing jobs.
2. Improve Accuracy
Manual timesheets or spreadsheets can have mistakes. Field service time tracking software records hours automatically, reducing errors in payroll and making sure employees are paid correctly.
3. Stay Compliant
Certain industries have strict labor rules about working hours, overtime, and breaks. Modern software helps you follow these rules by tracking hours accurately and keeping records in case of audits.
4. Better Recordkeeping
All the data is stored digitally, so you can quickly access it whenever needed. This makes reporting, payroll, and HR tasks much simpler, and you don’t have to worry about lost or misplaced timesheets.
5. Enhanced Visibility
Managers can see where field employees are, what they’re working on, and how long tasks take. This transparency helps with scheduling, planning, and improving customer service.
In short, field service time tracking software helps your team work smarter, not harder. It saves time, reduces mistakes, and gives you a clear picture of your business operations.
Top 5 Field Service Time Tracking Software in 2025
Here are five of the top software solutions for field service time tracking. Each platform has useful features, but they serve different needs depending on your business size, how your team works, and what matters most, such as cost, GPS tracking, job costing, or HR integration.
1. Factorial
Factorial is a full HR management platform that includes time tracking software, shift management, and absence tracking. It is more than just a clock-in tool because it integrates time tracking with location tracking and HR workflows. This makes it ideal for small and medium-sized businesses that want more than basic field tracking.
Key Features
- Time tracking and shift management: Automate time tracking, review and approve hours worked.
- Multiple clock-in options: Employees can clock in through the Factorial app, on the web, or using a QR code.
- Shift policies: Set up different shifts, see who is working, and assign schedules.
- Time-off management: Employees can request vacation or sick leave, and managers approve it in the platform.
- Reporting: Download reports for hours worked, exceptions, and compliance needs.
Pros
- All-in-one platform combining HR and time tracking
- Flexible clock-in options for employees
- Automates approvals and reduces manual work for HR
- Helpful for audits and legal recordkeeping
Cons
- Not designed exclusively for field service; may lack some job costing or GPS features
- Could be too complex for very small teams who only need simple time tracking
- Setup may take time because it is a full HR system
2. Buddy Punch
Buddy Punch is a time clock app built for field teams. It includes GPS tracking, geofencing, and project tracking. The app is designed to make sure employees clock in and out accurately, especially when moving between locations.
Key Features
- GPS tracking: Records employees’ location when clocking in and out.
- Real-time GPS: Managers can see their team’s live route during work hours.
- Geofencing: Employees can only clock in or out within designated job areas.
- Project tracking: Employees select the job they are working on, which helps with job costing.
- Punch verification: Includes photos or facial recognition for added accountability.
Pros
- High accuracy and accountability
- Flexible GPS options for specific employees or sites
- Works well for teams that travel between locations
Cons
- Real-time GPS requires an additional add-on
- Employees must grant location permissions, which may raise privacy concerns
- Continuous GPS tracking may affect battery life and data usage
3. ClockShark
ClockShark is designed for field service and construction teams. Its mobile app allows workers to track time, jobs, and locations. It replaces paper timesheets with job-based digital tracking.
Key Features
- Mobile time clock: Employees clock in and out from their smartphones.
- GPS time tracking: Records locations when clocking in and creates a “breadcrumb” trail during shifts.
- Offline mode: Stores clock-ins without internet and syncs later.
- Job and task tracking: Employees select their job and task to link time to specific cost codes.
- Geofencing: Reminds employees when entering or leaving job sites.
- File attachments: Workers can attach notes, photos, or documents to jobs.
Pros
- Built for mobile and field work
- Accurate job costing linked to tasks
- Works offline for areas with poor signal
Cons
- GPS tracking is not constant
- Mobile interface may take time for non-technical users
- Not a full HR or payroll system
4. QuickBooks Time (formerly TSheets)
QuickBooks Time integrates closely with QuickBooks, making it ideal for businesses already using QuickBooks for payroll or accounting. It tracks hours and links them to financial data.
Key Features
- GPS time clock: Captures employee locations during shifts.
- Geofencing: Sets boundaries for clock-ins and sends reminders.
- Mileage tracking: Records distances traveled for reimbursement.
- Real-time data: Managers can see who is working and where.
- QuickBooks integration: Syncs time data with payroll, invoicing, and job costing.
Pros
- Integrates well with QuickBooks
- Features like GPS, geofencing, and mileage support field work
- Well-established and widely supported
Cons
- Can be expensive for larger teams
- GPS tracking may raise privacy concerns
- Requires reliable mobile data for GPS and tracking
5. BusyBusy
BusyBusy is a time-tracking and job-costing app for construction and field service teams. It includes GPS time tracking, job costing, project maps, and mobile tools for crews.
Key Features
- GPS time tracking: Records clock-ins and job locations with breadcrumb tracking.
- On-site verification: Employees can only clock in within the job geofence.
- Location reminders: Alerts employees to clock in or out at job sites.
- Offline mode: Works without internet and syncs data later.
- Job costing and budgets: Tracks labor, equipment, and project costs.
- Universal map: Shows where employees are and what projects they are working on.
- Photos and notes: Attach photos or documents to jobs.
- Timecard signatures: Employees and supervisors can approve timecards digitally.
Pros
- Built specifically for construction and field work
- Accurate labor tracking with GPS and job codes
- Works offline for remote sites
- Responsive customer support
Cons
- Many features can make setup complex
- GPS tracking may concern some employees
- Heavy GPS usage may increase mobile data costs
Field Service Software Comparison Chart 2025
| Platform | Best For | Key Highlights | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Factorial | SMBs that want full HR + time tracking | Centralized HR platform with time tracking, shift management, and time-off tracking; multiple clock-in options; reporting and compliance features | Custom pricing based on company size |
| Buddy Punch | Mobile field teams needing GPS tracking | GPS tracking, geofencing, project/job tracking, photo or facial punch verification | Starts at $35/month for small teams |
| ClockShark | Construction and field service teams | Mobile time clock, GPS breadcrumbs, offline mode, job and task tracking, geofencing, file attachments | Starts at $17/month per user |
| QuickBooks Time | Businesses using QuickBooks for payroll | GPS time clock, geofencing, mileage tracking, real-time data, QuickBooks integration | Starts at $20/month per user |
| BusyBusy | Construction crews and mobile field teams | GPS time tracking, geofencing, offline mode, job costing, project maps, photo attachments, digital timecard signatures | Starts at $20/month per user |
How to Choose the Best Field Service Time Tracking Software
Choosing the right field service time tracking software for your business isn’t just about picking a name—it’s about matching the tool to your company’s specific needs. Here are the key steps to make a smart decision:
Consider Your Company Size and Team Structure
- How many field employees do you have? If it’s a small-to-medium team, you might not need an overly complex system.
- Do your field staff work on fixed shift schedules, or is their work more flexible and ad hoc? This affects whether you need strong shift management or just simple clock-in/out.
- Are there multiple job sites or locations? The more locations you have, the more valuable GPS tracking and geofencing become.
Set Your Budget
How much are you willing to spend per user or per month? Field-specific tools may have different pricing than all-in-one HR platforms.
Evaluate Customer Service and Support
Is there local or regional support? For SMBs, it’s invaluable to have support that matches your work hours or language needs.
Look for user reviews or customer testimonials that speak directly to onboarding experiences. How easy was it to get started? Did training help?
Check for Additional Features That Matter
Do you need HR management too? You might prefer a platform where you can manage absences, payroll, and expenses along with time tracking.
Consider Integrations
Which tools do you already use? Payroll systems, accounting tools, HR software – your time tracking tool should integrate with your current stack to avoid manual data entry.
Think Long-Term
As your business grows, will the software scale with you? A system that works for 20 people might struggle at 100+ if it’s not built to scale. Will you need more advanced HR features later?
By following these steps, you can narrow down your choices to a tool that fits both your field team’s day-to-day work and your business’s long-term strategy.
How Factorial Can Help You
Factorial is a full HR and operations platform that is perfect for field services.
- All-in-One Platform: Time tracking, shift scheduling, absence management, payroll prep, and expense management are all in one place. You don’t need separate tools, which saves time and reduces mistakes.
- Flexible Clock-In Options: Employees can clock in using the mobile app, web, or a QR code. This works for teams in different field situations, whether they have phones or share devices.
- Shift Policies and Management: Set up shifts, assign schedules, and manage complex hours. This is helpful for teams with rotating schedules or different work hours.
- Reporting and Analytics: Generate real-time reports on hours worked, late clock-ins, and trends. These help with payroll, compliance, and understanding team productivity.
- AI Assistance with One: Factorial’s AI agent, One, uses your company’s data to help create reports, surveys, and HR documents. It reduces manual work and gives accurate insights tailored to your team.
Field Service Time Tracking FAQs
1. What is the best field service time tracking software?
It depends on your business. If you just need GPS clock-ins, Buddy Punch or ClockShark are good. If you want a full HR platform with time tracking, Factorial is a strong choice.
2. How can I monitor field employees?
Use mobile apps with GPS and geofencing to see when employees arrive or leave sites. Real-time dashboards and reports help you track hours, job progress, and clock-in patterns.
3. Can field service software work with other business tools?
Yes. Many tools connect with payroll, accounting, and HR systems. For example, QuickBooks Time links directly to QuickBooks, so you don’t have to enter data twice.
4. How do I switch my team from manual tracking to software?
- Start with one team or site as a test.
- Train employees on clock-ins, GPS, and geofencing.
- Explain the benefits: accurate pay and better planning.
- Use free trials to test the software.
- Ask for feedback and adjust your setup.
5. Can non tech-savvy employees use Factorial?
Yes. Employees can clock in using the mobile app, web, or QR code. Factorial is easy to use, and the AI agent One helps create reports, so staff don’t have to do everything manually.
Disclaimer:
The information presented on this page is based on publicly available sources as well as on the websites of Buddy Punch, ClockShark, QuickBooks, BusyBusy. The comparisons between Factorial and other providers, are intended solely for the illustration of the respective software features, pricing and functionalities. All information regarding features, prices, and integrations may be subject to change without prior notice. Factorial assumes no liability for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information presented. We recommend contacting the respective providers directly to obtain the most accurate and up-to-date information. All legal regulations regarding Spanish fair advertising and competition law are fully observed by us; if you have any concerns, please reach out to us. The comparisons presented do not constitute a final evaluation or recommendation for any provider, but serve solely as an informational source.
