ClockShark Time Tracking: A Comprehensive Review for Construction Businesses

In this review, we evaluate ClockShark’s construction time clock app and its range of features designed for construction project management and managing field teams.

What is ClockShark?

ClockShark is a cloud-based time tracking and workforce management platform built specifically for the construction industry and field service businesses. Founded to help contractors manage mobile workforces, ClockShark combines time tracking software with basic project management capabilities.

The software helps construction companies monitor employee hours, track jobsite progress, manage labor costs and maintain accurate payroll processing. ClockShark is particularly designed for businesses transitioning from paper timesheets to digital solutions.

ClockShark Features: A Critical Analysis Of The Time Clock System

ClockShark’s platform provides access to features centered on time tracking, scheduling, GPS monitoring and job management.

Let’s examine how these core functionalities address construction workforce challenges.

#1: Mobile Time Tracking With Geofencing

ClockShark connects field crews and office teams through mobile time tracking with geofencing controls. Field workers can clock in through a streamlined interface that captures:

• Precise clock in/clock out times with a simple tap
• Job-specific cost codes
• Task assignments throughout the workday

The geofencing capability allows managers to create virtual boundaries around jobsites by placing points on a map. When enabled (available on paid plans only), employees must be physically present at the designated location to clock in, helping prevent off-site time theft.

However, it’s important to note that ClockShark’s geofencing doesn’t actually block employees from clocking in outside the boundary. Instead, the system flags the out-of-bounds entry and sends an alert to management, but the clock in still goes through.

For businesses requiring stricter controls over time entries, this limitation may impact accountability.

#2: Alternative Clock-In Methods: Kiosk Clock and Crew Clock

ClockShark offers two different ways to track time: the Kiosk Clock and the Crew Clock. Both are included in the product, but the company account holder can select which option is used at their jobsite.

The Kiosk Clock feature turns any tablet or smartphone into a shared time clock where multiple employees can punch in using a 4-digit PIN.

Kiosk Clock includes optional facial recognition technology that can be enabled or disabled based on your preferences. When activated, this built-in feature (not a separate purchase) photographs employees during clock in events to prevent buddy punching. The system uses the first photo as a reference image and flags future photos that don’t match.

The Crew Clock option allows supervisors or foremen to clock in multiple employees from a single device. This is particularly useful when team members don’t have personal smartphones or when managing subcontractors who aren’t regular employees.

#3: GPS Location Monitoring

ClockShark’s GPS tracking features help managers monitor crew locations throughout the workday. The app captures GPS coordinates when employees clock in and out, providing visibility into where workers are during their shifts.

The system records additional GPS points periodically (approximately every 15-20 minutes) while employees are on the clock. This creates a breadcrumb trail showing movement patterns throughout the day.

ClockShark includes offline access, allowing the app to continue tracking time in areas without internet connectivity. Data automatically syncs when the connection is restored, though some users have reported occasional syncing issues with this feature.

#4: Project Budget Tracking and Job Costing

ClockShark allows users to set specific project budgets for job costing across multiple categories:

• Labor costs and hours
• Equipment costs and hours
• Task-specific allocations
• Real-time budget alerts

The system tracks progress against predetermined benchmarks and alerts users as they approach budget limits. This real-time tracking enables project managers to take corrective action before projects exceed their budgets.

ClockShark integrates with several accounting platforms, including QuickBooks® (Online and Desktop), ADP, Xero, Gusto and others. However, the platform only allows one integration to be active at a time, which can be limiting for businesses using multiple systems.

#5: Employee Scheduling and Time-Off Management

ClockShark includes a scheduling module that streamlines shift assignments. The drag-and-drop interface makes adding schedules straightforward — simply double-click the desired day and select “schedule work” or “schedule break.”

Features include:

• Color-coded visual reference for project assignments
• List of available employees during specific time slots
• Built-in notifications for schedule changes
• PTO tracking system for time-off requests
• Break scheduling to help maintain compliance with labor laws

While functional, the scheduling capabilities are not as advanced as standalone scheduling software, which may be a consideration for businesses with complex scheduling needs.

ClockShark Reviews and Ratings

ClockShark: A Construction Time Tracking Overview

ClockShark offers a straightforward time tracking solution designed for small to medium-sized construction and field service businesses.

The platform provides essential functionality, including:

• Geofenced time tracking with alert notifications
• Multiple clock in methods: mobile app, Kiosk Clock and Crew Clock
• Facial recognition (can be enabled or disabled within KioskClock for identity verification)
• GPS location monitoring with breadcrumb trails
• Project budget tracking and job costing
• Employee scheduling features
• PTO management and break tracking
• Offline capability with automatic syncing

ClockShark is accessible for contractors making the transition from paper-based systems, offering an entry point into digital workforce management. The platform’s user-friendly interface and multiple pricing tiers make it approachable for businesses of varying sizes.

However, several limitations may affect your operations. User reviews consistently mention unreliable GPS accuracy, weak customer support, server stability issues and the inability to edit employee records during active shifts.

Additionally, ClockShark appears to support only single-rate tracking per employee, with no prevailing wage functionality — meaning businesses that pay different rates for different job types may find the system inadequate.

Companies requiring more robust features, stricter geofencing controls, multi-rate support or more reliable technical performance may benefit from exploring more advanced alternatives.

WorkMax: Advanced Time Tracking for Construction

WorkMax delivers time tracking solutions built specifically for construction businesses.

The platform addresses the limitations commonly found in basic time tracking systems, with a focus on reliability, flexibility and the real-world demands of construction work.

TIME: Construction Time Tracking

WorkMax TIME provides dependable tools for tracking employee hours across all your construction sites.

The system gives you flexible ways to collect time data with advanced biometric verification through facial recognition technology that you can customize to match your security needs.

Key features include:

• Seamless Integrations: Connect time tracking data with your payroll systems, accounting platforms and project management tools, creating a unified ecosystem across your business operation
• Mobile Access Anywhere: Capture accurate time data from any location using smartphones or tablets with reliable performance you can count on
• True Offline Functionality: Keep tracking time even in areas with no internet connectivity, with automatic syncing once connection returns — no data loss, no manual fixes
• GPS Verification: Confirm employee locations with geofencing technology that verifies workers are at the right jobsite when they clock in
• Flexible Rate Tracking: Support multiple pay rates per employee, including prevailing wage requirements, certified payroll and different rates for different job types or locations
• Custom Workflows: Set up approval processes and data fields that match how your company actually operates

WorkMax TIME delivers reliable time tracking that works in real construction conditions — from remote sites to multi-rate projects.

Additional WorkMax Capabilities

Beyond time tracking, WorkMax offers additional modules that integrate seamlessly when you’re ready to expand:

• FORMS digitizes your paperwork with custom forms for safety inspections, equipment logs and compliance documentation
• ASSETS connects equipment tracking with your time records for complete visibility into tool usage and maintenance
• INSIGHT transforms your time data into actionable reports and analytics for better decision-making

Each module works independently or together, letting you build the system that fits your business.

Choosing Your Ideal Time Tracking Platform

Choosing the right time tracking platform determines how well construction teams control labor costs and project execution.

The right solution goes beyond recording hours. It should give you complete visibility into your operations, help you control costs, and make project management easier — all while actually working reliably in the field.

When evaluating time tracking platforms, consider what matters most for your business:

• Does the system support multiple pay rates?
• Will it work reliably at remote jobsites?
• Does it integrate with your existing tools?
• And critically, does the vendor provide responsive support when you need help?

Don’t settle for a system that creates more problems than it solves. Take time to find the platform that truly fits your operational needs.

If you’d like to explore how WorkMax could improve your construction operations, our specialists are here to help.