FieldReporter may ask for permission to use location services when employees sign in or sign out of a project. Location tracking helps show where the sign-in activity occurred and supports audit verification, certified payroll validation, and labor compliance reviews.

Location data is collected only when device or browser permissions allow it. If location access is not allowed, the sign-in process may still be available depending on the agency’s FieldReporter configuration.

To learn how to complete the sign-in or sign-out process, see Signing in and Out in Field Reporter.

This article applies to:

• Field Employees
• Contractors using FieldReporter
• Site Managers
• Agency Administrators

If an organization’s location tracking process differs, contact the System Administrator.

What Location Tracking Captures

When location services are enabled, FieldReporter may record location information associated with an employee's sign-in or sign-out activity. This information helps create a more complete record of workforce activity and provides additional context about where a sign-in or sign-out occurred.

Location tracking is not intended to continuously monitor employees throughout the workday. Instead, it captures location information at the time a sign-in or sign-out entry is recorded.

Location information may be associated with:

• The location of the device used during sign-in or sign-out
• The date and time of the activity
• The selected project
• The employee's Daily Sign-In Log (DSL) record

This information becomes part of the FieldReporter record and may be reviewed by authorized users during payroll validation, compliance reviews, or audits.

When Location Access Is Requested

FieldReporter may request location access when an employee begins the sign-in or sign-out process. If location tracking is enabled for the project, the employee may see a browser or device message asking permission to share their location before the entry is completed.

The request typically occurs:

• During employee sign-in
• During employee sign-out
• The first time FieldReporter is used on a device
• After browser or device permissions have been reset

The location permission request is generated by the device or browser and may look different depending on the operating system, browser, or device being used.

Is Location Permission Required?

Location requirements vary by organization and project. Some agencies choose to use location tracking as part of their workforce verification process, while others may not require it.

Depending on the project configuration:

• Employees may be able to continue signing in or signing out if location access is denied.
• Agencies may require location information to support compliance monitoring.
• Contractors may establish project-specific requirements related to location tracking.

If location access is required, employees should follow the instructions provided by their agency, contractor, or site manager.

How Agencies Use Location Data

Location information helps provide context for sign-in and sign-out activity recorded in FieldReporter. When available, it helps organizations understand where workforce activity was recorded and supports the accuracy of project records.

Location information may be reviewed together with:

• Sign-in photos
• Sign-in and sign-out times
• Employee information
• Craft classifications
• Certified Payroll records

This information helps maintain accurate workforce records and supports compliance and audit activities.

Audit and Compliance Purposes

Location tracking helps strengthen the audit trail associated with FieldReporter records. It provides additional supporting information that may be reviewed during labor compliance activities, payroll validation, and project audits.

Location information may be reviewed when there are questions about:

• Whether an employee was on-site
• Whether work activity was recorded for the correct project
• Whether reported hours align with field activity
• Whether a sign-in or sign-out entry appears unusual
• Whether Certified Payroll records match Daily Sign-In Log (DSL) activity

By combining location information with sign-in photos, timestamps, craft classifications, and payroll data, agencies and contractors can maintain more accurate workforce records and support compliance reporting requirements.

Privacy Considerations

FieldReporter collects location information solely for workforce tracking, labor compliance, and audit purposes. Location data is not intended to monitor employee activity outside of project-related sign-in and sign-out events.

Important privacy considerations include:

• Location information is available only to authorized users.
• Location data is stored with the associated Daily Sign-In Log (DSL) record.
• Location information may be reviewed during audits, investigations, or payroll validation activities.
• Location data is used to support compliance processes, not employee performance evaluations.
• Organizations may establish their own policies regarding the collection and retention of location information.

Location tracking helps support FieldReporter audit and compliance workflows by recording where sign-in and sign-out activity occurred. When available, location data gives agencies and contractors additional context for reviewing Daily Sign-In Logs, validating certified payroll, and investigating compliance issues.