As the co-founder and CEO of a time-tracking software company, Jibble, I need to know what my competitors are up to. That means I’m often researching about and/or playing around with their products (you know, it’s part of the job) so I really know what’s out there. Here, I explain what to look for in your next GPS time tracker.
The Standout Feature to Look for in a GPS Time Tracker: Offline Mode
If you’re planning to get a GPS tracker, the first thing you MUST ask is if it has an offline mode.
Offline mode is a feature in a Global Positioning System (GPS) time tracker that lets the software keep working even when there’s no internet connection. Normally, GPS time trackers need a strong internet to record where and when someone is working. But with offline mode, the system can still function by tracking time and location without being connected to the internet.
Sometimes, employees work in places where the internet is bad or doesn’t exist at all. Think about remote areas, construction sites, or even buildings with poor signal. Without the internet, a regular GPS time tracker wouldn’t be able to record the work details, making it hard for workers to prove to their employers that they were actually working at a specific time and place.
The offline mode solves this problem by letting the system store (or “cache”) the time and location data on the device itself, like on a smartphone or tablet. Then, when the device finds an internet connection again, it sends all the stored data to the time tracker’s server. This way, the work time and location get recorded accurately, even if there was no internet at the time.
So, if you’re looking for a GPS tracker, a key feature to consider is the offline mode. To determine whether your chosen GPS time tracker includes this functionality, you can visit the software provider’s official website or schedule a consultation with the team. This simple step will actually help you understand if the GPS tracker meets your needs by offering offline mode.
Beyond Offline Mode: Other Key Features to Look For
Now that we’ve discussed the KEY feature that you can’t forsake when looking for a GPS tracker, here are a few more features that you should definitely consider to amp up time tracking:
Geofence
Geofence is a technology feature in GPS time trackers. It uses a Global Positioning System (GPS) to create a virtual boundary around a predefined geographical area. When a device enters or leaves this area, it triggers a response – the same as setting up an invisible fence around a specific area. When employees enter or leave this area, the app automatically records the time.
For businesses with employees working in specific areas, such as delivery services, construction sites, and educational institutions, it’s challenging to manually check if employees (or staff members and students, in the case of educational institutions) are in the right place at the right time. This complexity makes it hard to manage attendance, productivity, and ensure safety.
Geofence solves this problem by automating the process of monitoring location and time. When an employee (or a student/staff member) enters or leaves the geofenced area, the GPS time tracker automatically records the time and location. This means it records when individuals arrive at or leave without manual clocking in, confirms users are where they’re supposed to be for work or study, and saves time and reduces errors in tracking work hours and locations.
Route Optimization
Route optimization in a GPS time tracker helps determine the quickest or shortest path for a journey, taking into account several factors like distance, traffic conditions, and specific requirements (such as the need to avoid toll roads or to make multiple stops along the way).
Without route optimization, individuals or businesses might face longer travel times, increased fuel consumption, and delayed deliveries. This inefficiency can lead to higher operational costs, lower customer satisfaction, extended work hours, and significant wasted time and resources.
Route optimization addresses these issues by analyzing various routes and choosing the best one based on real-time data and predefined criteria. On the other hand, less time on the road means lower fuel consumption and vehicle wear. Additionally, efficient routes allow for more deliveries or appointments in the same amount of time – faster delivery leads to happier customers.
User-Friendly Interface
A user-friendly interface in a GPS time tracker means everything is laid out simply – easy and intuitive to use. It features straightforward navigation, clear instructions, and recognizable icons, making it easy for employers to track time, set up geofences, or access work logs.
The need for a user-friendly interface arises from the challenge employees face when confronted with complicated or non-intuitive systems. Complex interfaces can deter from fully utilizing the GPS time tracker. Without a clear and simple design, they might struggle to find necessary features, leading to frustration, inaccuracies in time tracking, and a decrease in productivity.
By solving these problems, a user-friendly interface enhances the overall user experience with a GPS time tracker. It enables employees to efficiently manage their time and location tracking, reducing the effort and time spent on learning and using the system itself. This improvement not only boosts user satisfaction but also increases productivity within the team, as employees can dedicate more time to primary work activities instead of navigating a complex interface.
Pricing
Not exactly a feature, but an important element to look for when shortlisting a time tracker with GPS. It is all about understanding what you’re paying for and finding the best deal in the market.
Pricing structures for GPS trackers vary – some tools charge a flat rate, others go by the number of users, and some even offer a buffet of features for a monthly fee. What you’re really looking for is transparency. Also, consider scalability. As your team grows, can the pricing plan grow with you? Will adding more users or accessing more features cost you an arm and a leg?
Now, here’s a sweet deal: Jibble offers all these standout features – including geofencing, which is a bit of a unicorn in the time tracker world – absolutely free. And not just for a trial period, but for life, with unlimited users. That’s right, whether you have 5 or 500 employees, Jibble’s got you covered at no extra cost. This kind of offer is pretty rare, so if you need a comprehensive time-tracking solution without the financial headache, Jibble might just be the way to go.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing a GPS time tracker with offline mode is crucial for accurate and reliable tracking, no matter where your team works. Other features like geofence, route optimization, and a user-friendly interface add even more value, making your work life easier. Plus, with options like Jibble that offer these features for free, you can enjoy top-notch tracking without spending a dime. It’s all about picking the right tool to keep your team on track effortlessly.
Check for yourself: 100% FREE Employee GPS Tracking.
Important Cautionary Note
When making this above guide, we have tried to make it accurate, but we do not give any guarantee that the information provided is correct or up-to-date. We therefore strongly advise you to seek advice from qualified professionals before acting on any information provided in this guide. We do not accept any liability for any damages or risks incurred for the use of this guide.
