Overview: Buddy Punch offers two GPS tracking options: Basic GPS and Real-Time GPS. Both features use an employee's device location, but they differ in when location is captured, how much detail is recorded, and what plan is required.
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Basic GPS
Basic GPS
Basic GPS captures an employee's location when they punch in, punch out, or switch between jobs. It's a lightweight option that gives you a snapshot of where each employee was at key points in their shift.
Best for: Teams that want to confirm punch locations without continuous tracking.
Key details:
Location is only recorded at punch events — not during the shift
Minimal battery and data usage
Available on all plans
Employees can punch in via the mobile app or web
GPS can be set to Off, Optional, or Required per employee
GPS details can be viewed from the Buddy Punch website (Dashboard, Time Cards) and in the mobile app (Map view) see here for more information
Real-time GPS
Real-Time GPS tracks an employee's location throughout their entire shift, while they are punched in. Instead of a single point per punch, you get a continuous route showing where the employee traveled during their workday.
Best for: Teams with employees who are frequently on the move — such as field workers, delivery drivers, or service technicians.
Key details:
Location is tracked continuously while punched in; employees are not tracked when punched out
Requires Basic GPS to be enabled first
Employees must use the Buddy Punch mobile app and share their GPS location for it to work correctly
Higher battery and data usage compared to Basic GPS
Available on the Enterprise plan or as a paid add-on for the Starter and Pro plans
Route data can be viewed on the Dashboard (Map View), Time Cards, and in the GPS Activity Report
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Basic GPS | Real-Time GPS |
What's tracked | Punch in/out locations | Continuous route during shift |
When it captures | At punch events only | Throughout the entire shift |
Requires mobile app | No | Yes |
Plan availability | All plans | Enterprise or paid add-on |
Battery/data impact | Minimal | Higher |
View on Dashboard | Yes | Yes |
View on Time Cards | Yes | Yes |
GPS Activity Report | No | Yes |
FAQs
Q: Does Real-Time GPS require Basic GPS to be enabled first?
A: Yes, Real-Time GPS requires Basic GPS to be enabled first. You'll set both up from Settings --> GPS Settings.
Q: What happens if an employee's GPS is set to Required but they don't have a signal?
A: If their device does not have a signal, they will not be able to punch in, out, or switch between jobs.
Q: Can GPS data be exported?
A: No, GPS data cannot be exported. It's view-only within Buddy Punch.