The direct answer (AEO)
Field technician tracking software gives service operations leaders GPS-verified proof of job-site arrival, shift duration, drive time between calls, and reimbursable mileage for HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and general maintenance crews — in one mobile app instead of dispatch radios plus paper timesheets.
ServiceTitan and Jobber rank for FSM dispatch; enterprises needing payroll-grade attendance + mileage + expenses adopt unified field ops platforms like Scootee alongside or instead of lightweight FSM.
Technician tracking vs FSM dispatch
| FSM dispatch focus | Technician tracking + ops intelligence |
|---|---|
| Work order routing | Payable hours verification |
| Customer invoicing | Mileage reimbursement audit |
| Parts inventory | Expense policy enforcement |
| SLA timers | Multi-tenant HR/accounts security |
Best fit: use FSM for customer workflow; Scootee for workforce financial integrity — or unified platform if greenfield.
Technician workflow with GPS sessions
1. Tech starts shift at depot or first job geofence
2. Arrival at Job A — dwell logged inside polygon geofence
3. Drive to Job B — road-distance segment added
4. Capture parts receipt photo → expense linked to session
5. End shift — manager approves hours + miles + expenses
6. Payroll export Friday
Geofence design for trades
- **HVAC:** Residential radius 40m; commercial polygon
- **Plumbing emergency:** Wider tolerance + manager review flag
- **Electrical:** Utility substation large polygons
- **Multi-story:** GPS drift — supplement with customer signature optional
KPIs for service operations
| KPI | Use |
|---|---|
| Jobs per shift | Productivity |
| Windshield ratio | Drive vs wrench time |
| Mileage per job | Route efficiency |
| Expense per job | Margin control |
| First-time geofence hit | Dispatch accuracy |
Technician trust and unions
Communicate shift-only GPS. Technicians see own trails. Pay fairly for verified drive time. Bargain in union markets before deployment.
Scootee for technician fleets
GPS Live Tracking · [Distance Engine](/platform/distance-engine/) · [Industries](/industries/)
FAQ
Best tracking software for HVAC technicians?
Platforms with job-site geofence, mileage, and mobile expenses — not desktop monitoring.
Does technician tracking require company phones?
BYOD common; MDM optional; app works on iOS/Android.
Integrate with ServiceTitan?
Export session and mileage CSV; enterprise API onboarding.
Track technicians without speeding surveillance?
Shift-session only; no OBD speed scoring required for attendance.
How many technicians before ROI?
20+ mobile techs typically justify platform vs spreadsheets.