A time clock app is the rockstar of the time tracking world. It hits all the high notes when it comes to payroll: uber accurate time sheets, seamless data sync and super simple to use. But beware, not all time tracking apps are created equal. Some apps promise more than they can deliver – like stating they’re free but requiring an additional charge for all the best features. (If your time tracking app doesn’t have multiple reporting options or GPS, is it even worth downloading?)

ExakTime’s time clock app is number one in the industry for a reason. It has all the best features – standard – and is arguably the best value cost-wise.

Basic Definition of a Time Tracking App

Mobile time tracking allows workers to clock in and out from a mobile device, eliminating the need for punch clocks or paper time cards. A time clock app allows employees to clock in and out on the go, whether that means they’re just starting their day, heading off to lunch or finishing up. Mobile time tracking is far more accurate than tracking time by hand. An app never fudges numbers or forgets actual clock in and clock out times.

Beyond the basic functions, ExakTime’s time clock app has features that place it firmly ahead of the competition.

Biometric ID

Biometric time clocks use a physical feature to identify employees. Biometric IDs are quickly becoming the standard for efficient and accurate employee time tracking because they cut back on buddy punching, improve data accuracy and save money. Having this feature on a time tracking app provides an extra level of security. ExakTime offers facial recognition with FaceFront Biometrics™ on both the app and in kiosk mode which allows employers to accurately identify their employees no matter if they clock in on their phones or at the jobsite.

GPS with Geofencing

A mobile time clock with GPS location tracking uses a mobile phone’s native functionality to track employees. Basic GPS tracking software on time clock apps simply lets the employers know the general area employees are in when they clock in or out. Setting up a geofence gives employers a better ability to track when and where their employees are working. A geofence sets up a virtual “barrier” that can enforce certain restrictions or create certain opportunities. If your time clock app doesn’t offer this feature (without costing more), your technology can’t do its job effectively.

ExakTime’s time clock app features both GPS and geofencing, standard. These are really important features to have in a time tracking app because they ensure the accuracy of employee clock ins. For example, an employer might want to put a geofence around a worksite so they can track if employees clock in inside the fence, not from their vehicles or a coffee shop across the street. When employees clock in or out, their timestamp will be flagged as either on-site or off-site. GPS location tracking can create ‘bread-crumbs’ that track worker movements throughout their shift. The tracking stops the moment the worker clocks out.

Reporting

Reporting is a must-have feature of any time clock app because without it, you can’t track productivity or how much you’re spending on payroll. Reporting is also necessary for compliance. Nearly every US employer with wage workers—and some with non-exempt salaried employees—must comply with the Fair Labor Standards Act, which is the Department of Labor law covering minimum wage, overtime and payroll records. With clear and complete records of time worked, you can ensure that you are complying with FLSA standards—and you have documentation at your fingertips in the case of a government audit.

Some time clock apps only allow you to run a handful of reports or you have to sort the data yourself, unless you pay more. ExakTime’s software allows administrators to create more than 40 reports which can all be filtered and customized to suit your business needs. Employers can pull reports based on employee, location or overtime.

Integrations

A time tracking app is one part of the payroll process – tracking the hours your employees work. This piece of HR tech must be able to talk to your accounting and workforce management software. If your time clock app only integrates with one or two solutions, you could seriously be limiting your options in the future.

ExakTime’s time clock app integrates with more than 40 other solutions. With our AccountLinx software, you can import and export payroll data to and from several other programs, including Sage 100 Contractor & Master Builder, Sage Business Vision and more. ExakTime’s ability to seamlessly integrate between our web-based workforce management system and your payroll package makes it a better choice. ExakTime automates the information transfer and system setup, shares time tracking data with your payroll application, exports attendance records in seconds, and ensures paychecks are accurate and on time every week.

ExakTime is an Exceptional Value

Some time tracking apps promote a low price or even as free but there are always things to consider. For example, to get all the above features (which we’d argue are essential) how much more do you have to pay?

ExakTime’s straight forward pricing is often less than other solution’s “elite” or “premium” packages. At $50 per month plus $8 per user, (two months free with annual billing) it includes many of the features that other apps require users to shell out extra for – like geofencing and GPS breadcrumbs – at no extra cost.

With ExakTime you also get a dedicated account manager in addition to award-winning customer support. Our experts ensure you get a fast start with your time tracking system so you can quickly get a return on your investment. And they’re there for you if you have questions down the road. If your time clock app doesn’t have all the features described above, it’s not worth downloading.