ClockShark

What is ClockShark

ClockShark is a cloud-based time tracking and scheduling software designed specifically for construction and field service companies. Its main purpose is to replace traditional paper timesheets with a more accurate and efficient digital system. The platform allows employees to clock in and out from their mobile devices, whether they are at a job site or on the move. This data is instantly available to managers and administrators for payroll, job costing, and project management. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Chico, California, ClockShark was created to solve the unique challenges faced by businesses with mobile workforces, helping them manage labor costs and improve operational coordination.

ClockShark Features

ClockShark offers a suite of features to manage mobile teams effectively.

• Mobile Time Tracking: Employees can clock in and out using the ClockShark mobile app on their smartphones. They can select the specific job and task they are working on, ensuring accurate time allocation.
• GPS Tracking: The software includes a GPS tracking feature called 'GPSTrak'. It provides a map view of where employees are when they are clocked in, which helps verify their location and improve dispatching.
• Drag-and-Drop Scheduling: Managers can create and manage employee schedules easily. The drag-and-drop interface allows for quick adjustments, and employees receive notifications about their schedules directly on their phones.
• Job and Task Management: You can set up jobs and tasks within the system, allowing for detailed tracking of labor costs against specific projects. This is essential for accurate job costing and budgeting.
• Crew Management: A crew clock feature allows a supervisor to clock in and out for their entire team from a single device, which is useful when not all crew members have smartphones.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) Management: The system can track paid time off, sick leave, and holidays. Employees can request time off through the app, and managers can approve or deny these requests.
• Reporting and Analytics: ClockShark provides detailed reports on labor hours, job costs, and employee attendance. These reports can be used for payroll processing, invoicing, and business analysis.
• Integrations: The platform connects with popular accounting and payroll software, which helps automate data entry and reduce administrative work.

ClockShark Pricing Plans

ClockShark offers a tiered pricing structure based on the number of users and the features required. Each plan typically includes a monthly base fee plus a per-user fee.

• Standard Plan: This plan is designed for smaller businesses that need core time tracking and scheduling features. It generally includes mobile time tracking, job costing, basic GPS tracking, and standard integrations.
• Pro Plan: Aimed at larger or growing businesses, this plan includes all the features of the Standard plan plus advanced capabilities. These often include multi-department controls, advanced reporting, paid time off policies, and more comprehensive job management tools.

ClockShark Free Plan

ClockShark does not offer a permanent free plan. However, it provides a free trial period for new users to test the software's full capabilities. The trial typically lasts for 14 days and gives you access to all the features of their premium plans. This allows businesses to evaluate the platform with their teams before committing to a paid subscription. No credit card is required to start the free trial.

How to use ClockShark

Getting started with ClockShark is a straightforward process.

1. Sign Up: Begin by signing up for the free trial on the ClockShark website. You will need to provide basic information about your company.
2. Set Up Your Account: Once registered, log in to the web dashboard. The first step is to add your employees, jobs, and tasks. This creates the structure for your time tracking.
3. Invite Your Team: Send invitations to your employees to download the ClockShark mobile app on their iOS or Android devices.
4. Train Employees: Show your team how to clock in and out using the app. They simply select their name, choose the job and task, and tap 'Clock In'.
5. Manage Schedules: Use the web dashboard to create schedules for your team. Drag and drop shifts onto the calendar, and employees will be notified automatically.
6. Monitor and Report: As your team tracks their time, you can monitor their hours and locations in real-time from the dashboard. At the end of a pay period, run reports for payroll and export the data to your accounting software.

Pros and Cons of ClockShark

Pros:

• User-Friendly: The mobile app and web dashboard are intuitive and easy for both employees and managers to use.
• Accurate Job Costing: The ability to track time against specific jobs and tasks provides valuable data for understanding labor costs.
• Excellent Customer Support: ClockShark is known for its responsive and helpful customer service team.
• Strong Integrations: Seamless integration with major payroll and accounting platforms like QuickBooks and ADP saves significant administrative time.
• Reliable GPS Tracking: The GPS feature is effective for verifying employee locations and managing field operations.

Cons:

• Cost: The pricing model, with its base fee and per-user cost, can be expensive for very small businesses or sole proprietors.
• Limited Customization: Some users may find the reporting and notification settings less customizable than other enterprise-level solutions.
• Battery Usage: The GPS tracking feature on the mobile app can consume a significant amount of battery life on older smartphones.

ClockShark Integrations

ClockShark integrates with several leading business software platforms to automate workflows.

• QuickBooks Online & Desktop: Sync timesheet data directly to QuickBooks for faster payroll and invoicing.
• Xero: Connect with Xero to streamline your accounting and payroll processes.
• ADP: Integrate with ADP RUN and Workforce Now® for simplified payroll processing.
• Paychex: Export time data directly to Paychex for efficient payroll runs.
• Sage 100 Contractor: A dedicated integration for construction companies using Sage for their accounting.
• MYOB: Integration for businesses in Australia and New Zealand using MYOB for accounting.

ClockShark Alternatives

• QuickBooks Time (formerly TSheets): A direct competitor with very similar features. It is an excellent choice for businesses already heavily invested in the QuickBooks ecosystem.
• Hubstaff: Offers time tracking with additional features like productivity monitoring, screen captures, and automated payroll, making it suitable for both field and office teams.
• Jobber: A broader field service management tool that includes time tracking, but also offers quoting, invoicing, and customer relationship management (CRM) features.
• Connecteam: An all-in-one employee management app that combines time tracking with internal communication, task management, and HR functions.

ClockShark API

Yes, ClockShark provides a RESTful API that allows developers to build custom integrations and connect ClockShark with other software applications. The API enables you to programmatically access and manage data such as employees, jobs, tasks, and timesheets. To get started, you need to obtain an API key, which is available within your ClockShark account settings for administrators. You can find more information on their developer portal.

Here is a basic example of how to fetch a list of jobs using the API with cURL:

curl -X GET \
  'https://api.clockshark.com/v1/jobs' \
  -H 'Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY'

ClockShark Affiliate Program

ClockShark offers a Partner Program primarily aimed at accountants, bookkeepers, and business consultants who serve clients in the construction and field service industries. Instead of a traditional affiliate link program, partners refer their clients to ClockShark and receive benefits in return. These benefits can include revenue sharing, co-marketing opportunities, and dedicated support. To join, you typically need to apply through their website. They will review your application to ensure you are a good fit for the program. Specific commission rates and payment details are provided upon acceptance into the program.