Time Tracking for Field Teams: 5 Real-World Methods Compared (Excel, app, biometrics & more)

Choosing the right time tracking system has never been more crucial. In a post-pandemic world, remote work is now the norm for many. But for field teams in retail and sales, who work across multiple locations or are constantly on the move, tracking attendance remains a real challenge.

In this post, we compare 5 real-world methods companies use today to log work hours, verify attendance, and prevent issues like time fraud or missed check-ins. From spreadsheets to biometric tools and mobile apps, find out which method fits your field operation best.

Option 1: Excel or manual timesheets

The simplest and most affordable way to track attendance is using Excel or Google Sheets. Teams can manually log time in and out, and use formulas to calculate hours worked.

📍 Real case: Supervisors receive timesheets from each promoter via WhatsApp and spend hours consolidating and reviewing them.

Pros:

• Easy and flexible.
• No learning curve.
• No implementation costs.

Cons:

• Fully manual.
• High risk of errors or missing data.
• No way to verify actual attendance or detect patterns like early leaves.

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Option 2: QR Code Check-In

Employees scan a QR code at the worksite using their phone. It can be linked to Google Forms or a dedicated time tracking app.

📍 Real case: Field staff take a photo of the QR code and scan it remotely later to fake their check-in.

Pros:

• Low cost.
• Quick to set up.
• Works for pop-up stores or temporary sites.

Cons:

• Easy to bypass if not monitored.
• Requires internet access.
• Ineffective in locations without visible QR displays.

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Option 3: Wi-Fi-Based Tracking

The mobile app checks if the employee’s device is connected to an approved Wi-Fi network on-site.

📍 Real case: Some workers connect from nearby locations without actually entering the store or location.

Pros:

• Convenient and automatic.
• No employee action needed.

Cons:

• Doesn’t work well for mobile or traveling roles.
• Possible fraud if devices are shared or left behind.

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Option 4: Biometric Tracking (Fingerprint or Face)

A widely used option in offices or physical stores. Employees use fingerprint readers or facial recognition to clock in/out. Newer tools offer this via mobile as well.

📍 Real case: Queues at fingerprint scanners slow down check-ins. In some stores, field teams use face recognition via their phones when arriving.

Pros:

• Accurate and secure.
• Prevents buddy punching.
• Mobile-friendly versions offer more flexibility.

Cons:

• Requires hardware or high-quality camera.
• Can fail in poor lighting or with weak internet.

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Option 5: Mobile Time Tracking Apps

Modern attendance apps allow employees to check in/out using Wi-Fi, GPS, or facial recognition—directly from their phones.

📍 Real case: Sales team managers track check-ins in real-time without needing to call or collect paper logs.

Pros:

• Great for flexible schedules and remote teams.
• Real-time data and visibility.
• Syncs with leaves, shifts, and incident reports.

Cons:

• Potential for fraud if not using biometric validation.
• Requires smartphones with active permissions.