GPS Time Tracking FAQ For Employees

It’s not uncommon for employees to feel conflicted - sometimes even downright resentful - when their employers implement a GPS time clock app. However, most of these concerns are unfounded and due to misinformation or myths surrounding the technology.

Here are the most common questions we hear from employees regarding ClockShark GPS Time Tracking.

How much battery life does ClockShark use?

With all GPS features enabled, ClockShark GPS time tracking still only uses 15 to 20 percent of a cell phone’s battery through an eight-hour shift.

Can I see how much battery is being used?

Absolutely. Depending on which operating system you are using, you can check in one of two ways how much battery ClockShark has used. 

For iOS: Settings → Battery → Scroll to ClockShark

For Android: Settings → Battery → Usage Details → ClockShark

Note: If you don’t see ClockShark listed, that means it has used less than one percent of your battery.

How much data does ClockShark GPS time tracking use?

For an entire month, ClockShark will use between five and 25 MB of data for an employee using the app for eight hour days, 40 hours a week.

What factors influence the amount of data used?

Research has found factors such as the size and resolution of the smartphone screen and the operating system can influence mobile data used. Specifically, they report “the use of the popular big screen on smartphones combined with different types of mobile data tariff  plans, results  in  a continuous  increase of  the generated [data usage] on a monthly basis.” 

Data usage can also be increased with frequent use of maps (due to graphics). For comparison’s sake, accessing Facebook on your mobile device uses an average of 100MB per month.

What are the benefits of using GPS time tracking?

There are several benefits to using GPS time tracking.

• Keep accurate records of what work you have done throughout the day.
• Have verifiable proof of the work you’ve done.
• Administrators and managers can locate those who are working nearest you or a jobsite.
• Get paid accurately for each different job and task you do.
• Communicate more efficiently with photos, notes, and attachments.

GPS time tracking improves your performance and response times in cases of emergency service calls or the need to find someone quickly.

How often does ClockShark’s GPS ping my location?

When you’re clocked in - and only when you are clocked in - ClockShark pings your location every 15 to 20 minutes and any time you clock in, clock out, or switch tasks when you have GPSTrak enabled. We ping your location for any clock-related incident if GPSTrak is not enabled.

How accurate is GPS?

According to the U.S. government, “GPS-enabled smartphones are typically accurate to within a 4.9 m (16 ft.) radius under open sky” but the accuracy can be interfered with by certain factors like buildings, trees, bodies of water, or weather. ClockShark requests that GPS provide the locations directly from the GPS receiver in the device. This makes ClockShark incapable of creating false locations.

Some things that can affect accuracy include: 

• Quality of the phone 
• Working environment 
• Connection to GPS signals/data
• Location settings on the device

Is my location tracked when I’m off the clock?

Nope. ClockShark takes your privacy very seriously. If you clock out or go on unpaid break/lunch - any time you’re not clocked in - ClockShark does not request GPS information and your location is not reported to your employer.

What can my employer see when I’m on the clock?

Employers can see which jobs and tasks you’ve been clocked into, the duration of your shifts and breaks, and any locations gathered throughout the day. Notes or attachments you have uploaded when on the clock, will be viewable by your employer, too.

What are geofences and how do they use my location?

Geofences are specific locations set up by administrators around a jobsite that work like invisible fences. GPSFence stores a location on your phone so you can receive reminders when you reach the boundary set up by your administrators. It uses your location only to notify you when you have entered the designated worksite so it can remind you to clock in. 

Conversely, you’ll receive a notification when you leave the designated area to clock out. You are not tracked until you clock in, even though you receive the notification that you’ve entered the geofence area.

Can I turn off GPS location tracking?

Technically, yes, you can but doing so while on the clock would automatically clock you out if GPS tracking is required by your employer. Your administrators can make GPS tracking either optional or required.

Can I see other employees’ locations?

No. Only managers and administrators can view employee locations.

What does my manager see when I’m clocked in?

Your employer can only see the GPS points you tracked when you were on the clock. To see how your location is being tracked throughout the day, select a timesheet and click on “view details” to see the map and other information. 

GPS pings can be viewed as they occur and you can see it by tapping the little zigzag in the upper right corner. It will also tell you if anything went wrong with collecting the ping. What’s visible there is the same thing managers can see.

When you clock out or go on an unpaid break, ClockShark is no longer tracking the location. GPS points are recorded every 15-20 minutes throughout your shift and are displayed like a “breadcrumb trail,” showing where you were throughout the day.

Conclusion

The truth is, GPS time tracking is a great way to ensure you receive accurate paychecks for the work you do. It is a powerful and convenient tool that makes your job even easier so you don’t have to worry about remembering when and where you worked or scrambling on Friday to find your handwritten timesheets.