Overview: The basic GPS feature allows an employer to capture the GPS location of an employee when they punch in or out. Managers can see the basic GPS details of the employees they are assigned to from our website.
Important: Managers using Buddy Punch to track time may also be required to share their GPS location to punch in/out. More information on how to do that can be found here.
Instructions:
View Basic GPS Details
Important: Basic GPS details can only be viewed from our website.
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: 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, and real-time breadcrumbs show on Time Cards, the Dashboard, and the GPS Activity Report. 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.