What is time tracking and why is it needed?
Time tracking is the systematic documentation of employees' working hours — from start to breaks to end of shift. What used to run on punch cards or paper timesheets now runs digitally through apps or terminals.
Companies need time tracking for several reasons:
- ✓Legal obligation: Since the ECJ ruling in 2019 and the German Federal Labour Court decision in 2022, systematic time tracking is mandatory in Germany.
- ✓Payroll: Accurate calculation of hours, overtime, and bonuses.
- ✓Customer billing: In cleaning, facility services, and security, the hours worked per site or assignment must be demonstrable.

Is time tracking legally required in Germany?
Yes. The European Court of Justice ruled in 2019 that employers must systematically record their employees' working hours. The German Federal Labour Court confirmed this obligation in 2022 — it applies immediately, even without a dedicated implementation law.
- ✓ECJ ruling (C-55/18, May 2019): Systematic time tracking is mandatory across all EU member states.
- ✓BAG decision (1 ABR 22/21, September 2022): The obligation applies directly in Germany — regardless of the current legislative status.
- ✓No prescribed format: Paper, Excel, or software are all allowed — digital time tracking meets the requirements with the lowest error risk.

What are the benefits of digital time tracking for companies?
Digital time tracking saves time, reduces errors, and delivers usable data at any time — instead of paper stacks or Excel sheets.
- ✓Less effort: No manual transfer or cleanup of timesheets.
- ✓Fewer errors: Automatic timestamps, rule-based breaks, no readability issues.
- ✓Live overview: Who is currently present, missing, or on break — in real time.

How does QR code time tracking work?
Employees scan a site-specific QR code with the LiteLog app and are checked in instantly. The timestamp is stored automatically, assigned to the correct site, and linked to the shift.
The workflow in four steps:
- ✓1. Arrival on site: Employees open the LiteLog app on their smartphone.
- ✓2. Scan QR code: The code is placed at the site — printed, on a screen, or on the door.
- ✓3. Automatic recording: Start time, site, and shift are documented without further input.

Why simple time tracking fails in practice
Classic time tracking answers only one question: How long was worked?
In many industries, that is not enough.
Typical weaknesses of simple time tracking
- ✓No proof of where work was performed
- ✓No control at remote sites
- ✓No response when no one shows up

LiteLog time tracking with real attendance control
LiteLog extends classic time tracking with location, site context, and live status.
- ✓Check-in & check-out: via QR code, NFC, or kiosk
- ✓Automatic location & site reference
- ✓Tamper-proof timestamps

Why cleaning, facility & security teams benefit the most
In these industries, the main challenge is not the time, but the location.
The key question is:
Was someone actually on site – and when?
Because sites are often:
- ✓widely distributed
- ✓not permanently staffed
- ✓hard to verify for supervisors

More features
- ✓QR code check-in & check-out: Fast start right at the site, including timestamp and location reference.
- ✓Site & task times: Record time per site, area, or task — ideal for stairwells, restrooms, outdoor areas, or repairs.
- ✓Automatic breaks & shift logic: Rule-based breaks and shift times reduce rework and ensure consistent data.

Overview: Basic time tracking vs. LiteLog
A quick comparison of what basic time tracking covers versus the added control and verification LiteLog provides.
| Criteria | Basic time tracking | LiteLog |
|---|---|---|
| Record working hours | ✅ | ✅ |
| Verify location / site | ❌ | ✅ |
| QR code / NFC / kiosk | ❌ | ✅ |
| Live attendance | ❌ | ✅ |
| Automated alerts | ❌ | ✅ |
| Tamper protection | low | high |
| Deployment control | ❌ | ✅ |
Automatic shift linking
Work times are automatically assigned to the matching shift preset — without manual effort. LiteLog identifies the correct shift based on property, timestamp, and shift schedule.
- ✓Instant assignment: The matching shift is identified automatically at check-in
- ✓Background sync: A background process links work times that could not be assigned at check-in
- ✓24/7 shift handover: When multiple shifts overlap, the nearest shift is selected — even for early arrivals

Punctuality evaluation with deviation analysis
Every check-in and check-out automatically receives a punctuality status and the exact deviation from the shift time in minutes. Supervisors see at a glance whether employees were on time, early, or late.
- ✓Three statuses: Early, On Time, or Late — calculated automatically
- ✓Deviation in minutes: e.g. -30 min (early) or +10 min (late)
- ✓Measured against shift start: Not against tolerance windows, but against the actual shift time

Time tracking via app & offline mode
Even in basements or technical rooms without reception, QR codes can be scanned. The app stores times offline and syncs automatically once the network is available again.

Security & privacy
- ✓GDPR-compliant attendance tracking: Legally compliant processing of personal data.
- ✓Hosting in Germany & access rights: Data stays in Germany, access only for authorized roles.
- ✓Enhanced security with beacons: Optional: attendance can only be recorded at the intended location—without GPS tracking.
Individual solutions for your organization
If you need special processes, verification requirements or integrations, we will work with you to develop an individual solution based on LiteLog.
- ✓Individual processes instead of standard procedures
- ✓Connection to existing systems
- ✓Personal advice and implementation

Digital attendance that fits in.
LiteLog offers six proven capture methods that slot right into your workflows. Pick the option that fits your team best.

QR Code Scan
QR codes can be printed instantly or displayed on any screen. All that’s needed is a smartphone with a camera and the LiteLog app. Each scan automatically assigns the user to the correct location and shift or event. This ensures accurate check-ins without explanations or errors. Ideal for classrooms, lecture halls, and large groups.

Brochure for digital time tracking
Working hours, breaks, and reporting — transparent and compliant.
Easy time capture via app
Automatic break rules
Exports for payroll & controlling
FAQ
FAQ – Digital Time Tracking with LiteLog
What are the advantages of QR code time tracking over classic methods?
QR code time tracking is faster, more reliable, and harder to falsify than punch cards or Excel sheets. Employees scan the code on site — no terminal, no paperwork. The timestamp is automatically linked to the site and shift, eliminating manual re-entry errors.
Is there time tracking with integrated project management?
LiteLog records working hours per site, area, or task — so time is automatically assigned to the right project, customer, or location. For classic project management with tickets and task hierarchies, LiteLog integrates with external systems via export or API.
Which time tracking systems offer automatic break detection?
Modern time tracking systems like LiteLog detect breaks rule-based: after a defined working duration — for example, 30 minutes after 6 hours — the break is deducted automatically. Alternatively, breaks can be defined in the shift plan or logged manually by employees.
Which cloud-based time tracking systems are recommended?
Recommended cloud solutions offer German hosting, GDPR compliance, and a mobile app. LiteLog meets these criteria and hosts on German servers in Frankfurt. Data is encrypted, the app runs on common smartphones, and no installation on company PCs is required.
Is there a free QR code time tracking app?
LiteLog offers a free trial that lets you evaluate QR code time tracking without upfront investment. Fully free solutions exist on the market but typically only cover basic features without site or shift context.
Which providers offer QR code-based working time tracking?
Providers fall into two groups: generic time trackers that only record start and end times, and industry-specific solutions like LiteLog that integrate presence, site, and shift. For cleaning, facility, and security services, the second group is usually the better fit.
What is digital time tracking?
Digital time tracking refers to recording working hours electronically through software instead of paper timesheets or Excel. Start times, breaks, and end times are stored digitally and can be evaluated at any time.
How does digital time tracking with LiteLog work?
Employees record their working hours via the app, for example by scanning a QR code or using other defined check-in methods. Start, end, and breaks are documented automatically and assigned to the correct site or assignment.
What makes LiteLog different from simple time tracking?
Simple time tracking only records time. LiteLog adds attendance, location, and site context, so it is clear who was actually on site and when—especially important for remote or hard-to-verify locations.
Is time tracking mandatory in Germany?
Under current case law, companies are required to record employees’ working hours systematically. The exact technical implementation is not prescribed in detail. Digital time tracking supports transparent and verifiable documentation.
Is digital time tracking with LiteLog legally compliant?
LiteLog enables complete, structured, and traceable recording of working hours. Combined with appropriate organisational processes, the data can be used for internal reporting, audits, and proof.
What are the advantages over Excel or paper?
Digital time tracking reduces errors, avoids media breaks, and saves administrative effort. Times no longer need to be transferred manually and are available centrally for analysis, billing, and controlling.
Can breaks be accounted for automatically?
Yes. Breaks can be recorded or deducted automatically based on rules, for example after a certain working duration or at fixed times. This ensures consistent, compliant time data.
Is mobile time tracking via app possible?
Yes. Working hours can be recorded via smartphone or tablet. Employees only need the LiteLog app—no additional devices are required.
Can time tracking be tied to a location?
Yes. With LiteLog, time tracking can be tied to specific sites or locations. Check-ins are only possible at the intended site, preventing incorrect or remote entries.
How does LiteLog prevent false or manipulated time entries?
Site-specific QR codes, defined check-in methods, and automatic timestamps ensure accurate time entries. Optional location or presence checks can be added—without permanent GPS tracking.
Is GPS tracking required?
No. LiteLog works without permanent GPS tracking. Presence is verified through defined methods such as QR codes, NFC, or beacons, which is more privacy-friendly.
Which companies are a good fit for digital time tracking with LiteLog?
LiteLog is especially suitable for cleaning, facility, and security services, as well as companies with mobile teams or multiple sites where working hours must be documented per location.
Can working hours be exported and processed further?
Yes. Recorded working hours can be exported, for example for payroll, controlling, or processing in external systems.
Do I need special hardware for QR code time tracking?
No. QR codes can be created, printed, or shown on screens. Employees scan them with existing smartphones on iOS or Android.
Can LiteLog handle multiple sites and many employees?
Yes. LiteLog is designed for use with many employees and multiple sites. Times, assignments, and attendance can be managed and analysed centrally.
How does automatic shift linking work?
LiteLog automatically assigns each work time to the matching shift preset. At check-in the system identifies the correct shift based on property and timestamp. If assignment was not possible at check-in, a background process links it afterwards.

