Guide

Timesheet app vs GPS time tracking — which is better?

Q: Timesheet app vs GPS time tracking — which is better?

GPS time tracking is superior for solo tradespeople because it removes the human error of forgetting to clock in or out. TradesTimer uses background GPS to automatically reconstruct your workday, capturing both jobsite durations and driving mileage without any manual timers.

By Ryder Wishart — trades experience and contractor office administration · Updated 2026-06-08

Quick quiz

In automated GPS tracking, how does the app distinguish between a 'stop' and a 'trip'?

The app detects when movement ceases for a period, marking it as a jobsite stop, and when movement resumes, marking it as a trip.

The core benefit of GPS tracking is automation; manual labeling defeats the purpose of a hands-free workflow.

Advanced GPS tracking uses background location data to identify changes in position without needing any prior scheduling.

This distinction is what allows the app to separate billable labor time from non-billable driving time automatically.

The flaw in manual timesheets

Manual timesheet apps require constant discipline. You must remember to start a timer when you arrive at a site and stop it when you leave. For a busy professional handling tools, parts, and clients, a single forgotten tap can result in lost revenue and inaccurate records.

Automated reconstruction vs. manual input

GPS tracking works in the background, detecting 'stops' where you work and 'trips' where you drive. Instead of you telling the app what you did, the app observes your movement to build a timeline of your day. This ensures that every minute spent on-site and every mile driven is documented automatically.

Record work and travel

A standard timesheet only tracks hours. True GPS tracking provides a dual benefit: rounded billable hours for your clients and a precise mileage log for your taxes. By distinguishing between stationary work time and transit time, you get a complete, exportable record of your entire operational day.

Experiences from tradespeople

Each quote links to its original public discussion.

Honestly I just do paper timesheets and convert them to excel to send into the office. I know it’s archaic but I didn’t feel right about asking my workers to put a company app on their personal phone without being paid for it.

r/Construction — "Which is the best timesheet app in the construction industry?"

TradesTimer stores individual records on your phone without an employer dashboard. You choose where to share exports. Address lookups send coordinates to an address provider.

FAQ

Do I need to pre-configure my clients in the app?

No. There are no jobsites to pre-configure; the app detects stops based on your actual location and duration.

Will I lose my data if I switch phones?

All location data stays on your device. Since there is no account, you are responsible for your device's data, but the app makes it easy to export logs for your records.

Last updated 2026-06-08.