Qqest, a provider of workforce management solutions, announced the release of a mobile application for TimeForce II customers to enable them to better manage employees who work outside the office.

With the release of TimeForce II time and attendance software, companies with mobile workers can submit time punches wherever they are and supervisors can track and enforce attendance policies easier than ever before, company officials said.  

Customers need to download the application from appropriate mobile provider's app store onto their individual smart phones. Using the phone’s native platform, the app allows for individual and group punches, and can include department, job and task information and restrictions.

With each time punch, the new application also logs Global Positioning System (GPS) information obtained from the employee's Internet service provider and displays the location on Google (News - Alert) Maps. This feature gives employers more accurate information on the location of the employee when clocking in.

Companies can also track the time each job or task takes to complete, which gives them better information on which to base pricing, staffing and spending decisions.  Schedules are available in the mobile app, which restrict the employee from punching in too early, preventing unplanned overtime and keeping payroll costs in check.

The new workforce management solution also allows employees to comply with the policies of their respective states. Some states like California penalize employers when workers do not take their full breaks even when the company offers or requires them.

The "break" and "meal" punch-out options included in the mobile application prevents employees from punching back in until the break is complete.  

The new mobile application is ideal for customers that employ carpenters, electricians, landscapers, caterers, home care nurses, drivers and other mobile workers.

The TimeForce II mobile application is now available for the iPhone (3G and 4G), iPad, and Blackberry platforms.  

In July last year, Qqest launched Employee Window, an Employee Self-Service Portal designed to increase employee productivity and keep HR departments focused on their most important tasks.