Overview: The Basic GPS feature allows you to capture an employee's location when they punch in or out.
Important: Basic GPS details can only be viewed from our website.
Instructions:
Enable Basic GPS
1. Start by clicking Settings in the top navigation followed by GPS Settings:
2. On the GPS Settings page, check the box next to Allow GPS on Punches. You'll then be able to set one of the following options for each employee:
Off: No GPS coordinates will be captured for the employee when they punch in or out.
Optional: The employee has the option to share their GPS coordinates when they punch in or out.
Required: The employee is required to share their GPS coordinates to punch in or out.
3. Click Save once done.
View GPS Coordinates
1. One of the first places to view basic GPS coordinates is on the Dashboard under the Punched In or Punched Out sections.
Click the location icon to the right of a punch to view it in more detail:
2. You can also view GPS coordinates on an employee's time card by clicking the Map or the View Punches on Map link:
Important: Buddy Punch merely displays the coordinates that each device reports and cannot be responsible for the accuracy of the reported data.
FAQ
Q: Why don't I see GPS coordinates in-app?
A: Basic GPS details can currently only be viewed from our website.
Q: Does Buddy Punch monitor GPS at all times?
A: When using basic GPS, we'll capture an employee's location at the moment they punch in, out, or switch between jobs. When using real-time GPS, an employee's location is tracked and recorded while they are punched in. We do not track their location when punched out.
Q: How much data is used when basic GPS is enabled?
A: Basic GPS tracking in Buddy Punch only captures an employee’s location at the time of punching in and out, resulting in minimal data usage. The exact amount depends on factors like device settings and network conditions, but it is significantly lower than continuous tracking. Employees can check their phone’s data settings to see how much Buddy Punch is using.
Q: How much battery is used when basic GPS is enabled?
A: Since basic GPS tracking only captures location when punching in or out, its impact on battery life is minimal. Battery usage may vary based on device health, signal strength, and other background activity, but Buddy Punch is designed to use location services efficiently. Employees can monitor battery usage in their device settings if needed.
Q: Can employees view their own GPS punch history?
A: While employees can always see their punch times and locations on their personal timesheet, the detailed GPS punch history (with exact coordinates) isn’t visible to them. This helps keep location data secure while still giving everyone a clear view of their clock-in and clock-out records.
Q: Can GPS be captured on breaks or mid-shift job switches?
A. Buddy Punch records GPS only at punch events—clock-in, clock-out, and mid-shift job switches. It does not generate a GPS stamp for time spent on break, but as soon as an employee clocks back in or switches tasks, a new GPS location is captured.
Q: What GPS accuracy can I expect, and is it audit-ready?
A: Buddy Punch relies on each device’s built-in GPS hardware, typically accurate to 5–10 meters outdoors (indoor accuracy may vary). Every GPS stamp is saved with a precise timestamp and latitude/longitude, so you can confidently use these records for internal audits and compliance checks.
Q: Can GPS data be exported?
A: No. GPS information is view-only: basic location stamps appear on Time Cards and the Dashboard. There’s currently no export option for any GPS data.
Q: What happens in low-signal environments—will punches still record basic GPS?
A: If Basic GPS is set to Required and an employee's device does not have a signal, they will not be able to punch in, out, or switch between jobs.