What is a geofence time clock?

A geofence time clock is a time-tracking app that uses a virtual boundary drawn around a job site. When a worker's phone crosses into the boundary, the app can start the clock or prompt a clock-in. When the phone leaves, it can stop the clock or prompt a clock-out. It replaces paper sheets and Friday-night texts with a timesheet built from arrival and departure times.

Gateclock is an early concept; no product exists yet. This guide describes the category in general. The one legal reference is the U.S. Department of Labor's FLSA recordkeeping fact sheet (Fact Sheet #21), read 2026-11-08. Rules vary by state; check current sources.

How does a geofence time clock work?

1. The owner or office manager marks each job site on a map and sets a radius. 2. Each worker installs the app on their phone and allows location access. 3. The phone reports when it enters or leaves the boundary. 4. The app records the time and adds it to that worker's timesheet. 5. The manager reviews the week and exports hours for payroll.

Geofence clock-in vs. a GPS time clock

Many people use the two terms interchangeably. A common distinction: a GPS time clock records where the worker was at the moment they tap Clock In. A geofence time clock reacts to the boundary itself, so it can clock someone in on arrival without a tap. Some products offer both. Ask any vendor which one they mean.

Where it can go wrong

• Weak signal. Basements, parking structures and remote sites can delay or miss a boundary crossing. Ask how the app handles a missed entry or exit.
• Radius choices. A boundary that is too small can miss a worker standing at the edge of a large site. One that is too large can start the clock in the parking lot or on the road.
• Phone settings. Location permissions, battery saver modes and a powered-off phone can all stop location updates.
• Trust. Workers may worry about being tracked. Look for a design that records location only around clock-in and clock-out and says so in writing.

What to check before you choose one

• Can a manager fix a missed punch, and is the edit logged?
• Does the timesheet export in the format your payroll provider takes?
• Does the app work offline and sync later?
• What location data is stored, for how long, and who can see it?
• Is pricing per worker, with a monthly minimum?

Records you still have to keep

The U.S. Department of Labor's FLSA recordkeeping fact sheet lists total hours worked each workweek among the records employers must keep for covered employees, and says records that wage computations are based on, such as time cards, should be kept for two years. A geofence timesheet can be one source of those records, but you still need to review it and correct errors.

Is Gateclock a real product?

No. Gateclock is a concept being validated with owners of construction, HVAC and cleaning companies. If you run hourly field crews and want to see a mock timesheet and tell us what is missing, book a 20-minute walkthrough. Questions about how the concept would handle missed punches and privacy are on the FAQ.