Time Tracking Geolocation FAQ
Question: What are some of the most frequently asked questions about geolocation?
Purpose: To provide clear and concise answers to common questions regarding the geolocation feature in BambooHR Time Tracking, empowering users to understand its functionalities, optimize its use, and troubleshoot any related issues.
Table of Contents
- Is location captured with timesheet edits?
- Is the clock-in/clock-out location captured only for the employee or anyone who can clock in and out on a timesheet?
- Can a location be edited?
- If an employee attempts to clock in or out via a web browser on a mobile device, will they be redirected to the mobile app?
- If the employee chooses Don’t Allow for location services, will they be shown the same modal again each time?
- What if an admin or the Account Owner changes the Time Tracking mobile settings while an employee is clocked in?
- How exact is the location?
- What are some tips for improving the accuracy of my location?
- What if a location does not have an address? Will it pick up the nearest address or not show an address?
- Does geolocation always look for an address?
- Is location only captured with a clock-in and clock-out or also while using the app?
- Does geolocation work when employees clock in/clock out from their computer?
- Do you track IP addresses of the devices people clock in/clock out from?
- Do you offer geofencing?
- Can I export geolocation information?
The system captures a location only when the employee clocks in or clocks out; it does not collect location when editing a time entry
The system only captures location for the employee. If a manager or someone else clocks in or out for another employee, the system will not collect or require geolocation.
Neither an admin nor an employee can edit or change locations.
Only the mobile app requires a location. Therefore, if the employee clocks in or clocks out using a web browser on their mobile device, the system will not redirect them to the mobile app, and it will not collect location information.
If the employee initially denies location services and an employee attempts to clock in or clock out, a modal will display, stating "Location services must be enabled" for a clock-in/clock-out.
If the settings change while an employee is clocked in, the clock-out information reflects that change. So, if the system required their location when the employee clocked in, it collected the location information. However, if the feature was turned off before they clocked out, the system will not require location information for clock-out.
The accuracy of a location can vary due to several factors, including the device used, GPS signal strength, Wi-Fi and cellular service availability, and any physical obstructions. We account for these variations by displaying a "margin of error" as a circle around the clock-in or clock-out location, indicating the potential range of the actual position.
- Turn on WiFi.
- Restart your device.
- Ensure you are in a good area with limited obstructions that could block a cellular or GPS signal.
The system shows an address if location accuracy is high. If accuracy is low, only the city and state will likely show.
With geolocation, the system will identify an address if the signal is accurate. However, if the accuracy is weak, it cannot precisely identify the exact location.
To help with accuracy, if your company requires a clock-in/clock-out location, location information is gathered whenever the app is open to. However, the location information is only saved when a clock-in/clock-out happens.
Geolocation is only available on the mobile app, not the desktop version of Time Tracking. You can enable or disable this all-or-nothing functionality for employees in your Time Tracking settings.
Yes. The Audit Trail report tracks the IP addresses when employees clock in or out.
No. We do not enforce limits on where an employee can clock in or out.
You can view geolocation inforation using the Timesheet Entries report, but the geolocation information does not show in a data export.
**Geofencing is not currently available on the mobile app.