Workpuls Teramind ActivTrak Hubstaff DeskTime Time Doctor RescueTime Kickidler Veriato Work Examiner
OVERVIEW
Price $6/user/month $6/user/month $7.20/user/month $7/user/month $7/user/month $9.99/user/month $6/user/month $9.99/user/month $150/licence/year $60/licence (lifetime)
Free trial 7 days 7 days No 14 days 14 days 14 days 30 days 7 days Yes 30 days
Ease of use Very easy Difficult Very easy Easy Easy Very easy Very easy Very easy Very difficult Easy
TRACKING METHODS
Unlimited (tracker working 24/7)
Fixed (defined working hours)
Automatic (when computer is connected to a specified network)
Manual (start/stop)
Project based (track time only on projects)
GENERAL MONITORING FEATURES
Stealth mode
App and website usage
Real-time monitoring
Offline time tracking
Attendance
Activity levels
Keylogger
Geolocation
Remote desktop control
Website/activity blocking
SCREENSHOTS AND RECORDING
Screenshots
Screenshots on demand
Screen recording
PRODUCTIVITY FEATURES
Productivity trends
Websites and apps labeling
Category labeling
Productivity alerts
ADVANCED SECURITY FEATURES
User behavior analytics
Data loss prevention
Advanced file and web monitoring
REPORTING
Productivity reports
Team reports
Timelines
Email reports
Access management
PLATFORMS
Web
Mac desktop app
Windows desktop app
Linux desktop app
Mobile app iOS, Android iOS, Android iOS, Android iOS, Android iOS, Android Android
Browser extension Chrome Chrome Chrome
Other Citrix, VMware Chrome OS
OTHER
Support Phone, email, online Phone, email, online Phone, email, online Email, online Phone, email, online, in-person Online Phone, email, online Email, online, Viber, Whatsapp Phone, email, online, support ticket Phone, email, online
Knowledge base
Video tutorials
Integrations comming soon
API
Deployment cloud, on-premise cloud, on-premise, AWS, Azure cloud cloud cloud cloud cloud on-premise cloud, on-premise on-premise
Kronos Humanity Timeclockplus Tsheets Wheniwork Deputy Replicon Jibble EbilityTimeTracker OnTheClock BeeBole
OVERVIEW
Price(per month)Available upon requestFrom $2 per userAvailable upon requestFrom $6.40 per user+$16Free for up to 75 usersFrom $2.50 per userBasic plan:$30 for 5 users+$5 per additional userFrom $1.50 per employeeFrom $4 per user+$8From $2.20 per user$5.99 per user per month
Free trial30 days14 daysYes14 days14 days14 days30 days30 days,no credit card required
Ease of useDifficultEasyDifficultVery easyEasyEasyDifficultVery easyEasyEasyEasy
FEATURES
Timecard management
Scheduling
Shift Trading
Timesheets
Break time management
Real-time tracking
PTO Management
Payroll
Invoicing
Client billing
GPS tracking
Clock out reminders
Alerts
Manual time
PUNCH-IN METHODS
Web app
Mobile app
Time clock device
Time clock kiosk
Facial recognition
Fingerprint scanning
Geofencing
Group punch-in
REPORTING
Visual reports
Email reports
Time rounding
MANAGEMENT
Permissions
Manager approvals
Add time for others
Integrations
PLATFORMS
Web
Android app
iOS app
Mac desktop app
Windows desktop app
Linux desktop app
OTHER
SupportPhone and onlinePhone and onlinePhone,chat and onlinePhone and chatEmail and onlineChat and phonePhone,email,chat and onlinePhone and onlinePhone,email,chat and onlinePhone and onlineOnline chat and video support in English,French,and Spanish
Knowledge base
Video tutorials
Community forum
API

If you’ve ever wondered how to find employee monitoring software with screen monitoring capabilities, then you are in the right place!

Insightful is a robust screen monitoring software, designed to enhance productivity across team boundaries. From small startups to large-scale industries, Insightful offers an array of features catered to meet the diverse needs of all workplaces, enabling effective time management, operational efficiency, and the ability to monitor productivity working from home

What is Screen Monitoring Software?

Screen monitoring software is a type of surveillance tool employed by businesses for staff tracking and monitoring the activities performed on a computer screen. It allows managers and supervisors to oversee employees' digital behavior in real-time, ensuring that company resources are used efficiently and in compliance with company policy. This software often serves a dual role, serving both as a productivity tool to identify areas for improvement and a security measure to prevent unauthorized activity.

Key Features

Among Insightful's distinguishing features are real-time screenshot capture, multi-screen monitoring, and flexible snapshot policies. These components, integrated with an intuitive dashboard, facilitate easy tracking and analysis of team activities and outputs.

Real-Time Screenshot Capture

Real-time screenshot capture is a powerful feature that sets Insightful apart from many other screen monitoring tools. As the name suggests, this feature allows managers or team leaders to view the activities of their team members in real-time. 

It works by capturing screenshots of the employee's screen at regular intervals, providing a visual record of their activities. This is particularly useful in ensuring that work is being done as scheduled and that employees are using their time efficiently. It's also a crucial feature for reviewing work-related issues or disputes, as it provides a historical record of work done.

Multi-Screen Monitoring

In today's digital work environment, it's common for individuals to work with multiple monitors. This can be a challenge for traditional monitoring software, which may only capture activities on one screen. Insightful's multi-screen monitoring feature addresses this issue head-on by allowing simultaneous tracking of activities across multiple screens. This means that no matter how an employee has organized their digital workspace, Insightful can provide a comprehensive view of their activities.

Flexible Snapshot Policies

Every business has unique needs when it comes to monitoring their employees. Some may need to take screenshots every few minutes, while others may require less frequent snapshots. Insightful's flexible snapshot policies cater to these diverse needs, allowing businesses to customize the frequency of screenshots based on their requirements. This level of flexibility ensures that businesses can balance their need for oversight with the goal of preserving employee privacy.

Intuitive Dashboard

Tying these features together is Insightful's intuitive dashboard. This is the hub where all the collected data is presented in a clear, easy-to-understand format. The dashboard provides a quick overview of team activities, including active and idle time, application usage, and more. 

Managers can use the dashboard to get a snapshot of productivity trends, identify areas of concern, and pinpoint opportunities for improvement. The dashboard's simplicity and clarity ensure that even those with limited technical skills can navigate it with ease.

These distinguishing features are not just about monitoring – they're about understanding. By capturing detailed data on team activities and presenting it in a user-friendly format, Insightful allows businesses to gain a deeper understanding of their operations. This, in turn, empowers them to make informed decisions, boost productivity, and ultimately achieve their business objectives.

Pros and Cons of Using Screen Monitoring Software

Screen monitoring software can be a valuable tool for businesses, especially those that employ remote workers or have a large workforce spread across multiple locations. However, like any technology, it has its pros and cons.

Pros:

  • Productivity Monitoring: Screen monitoring software helps businesses track and measure productivity. It gives managers the ability to see what tasks employees are working on, how much time they spend on them, and if there are any productivity issues that need to be addressed.

  • Accountability: This software adds a level of accountability for remote and in-office employees alike. Employees are aware that their activities are monitored, which can encourage them to stay focused and avoid distractions.

  • Transparency: Screen monitoring can bring transparency to work processes. It provides a clear picture of how time is spent during work hours, which can be useful for project management and workflow optimization.

  • Security: Monitoring can also serve as a security measure by providing a record of all actions taken on a company computer. This can help identify any suspicious activity and prevent potential breaches.

Cons:

  • Privacy Concerns: The question of how to spy on employees' computers without invading privacy is a common concern. Employees might feel uncomfortable knowing that their every action can be watched and analyzed. This can lead to decreased morale and trust issues.

  • Potential for Misuse: There's a risk that this software could be used for micro-management, leading to an oppressive work environment. Managers must use the information responsibly and avoid micromanaging their teams.

  • May Not Reflect Actual Productivity: Screen monitoring might not always accurately reflect an employee's productivity. For example, time spent thinking, brainstorming, or reading may appear as inactivity, but it can be part of a critical thinking process.

  • Legal Implications: Depending on local laws and regulations, there may be legal implications or restrictions on the use of screen monitoring software. Employers need to be aware of employee surveillance laws to avoid legal troubles. 

While screen monitoring software like Insightful can be a powerful tool for improving productivity and security, it should be used with a clear understanding of both its potential benefits and drawbacks to avoid employee monitoring ethical issues. Proper usage policies and clear communication with employees can help address some of the cons associated with this kind of software.

How To Use Screen Monitoring Software Responsibly 

Responsible use of screen monitoring software involves striking a balance between protecting company interests and respecting employees' privacy and autonomy. Here are some guidelines on how employers can use this software responsibly:

  • Clear Policies: Before implementing screen monitoring software, companies should develop a clear policy explaining why and how the software will be used. The policy should define what will be monitored, who has access to the data, and how long the data will be stored.

  • Transparency: It's important to be transparent about the use of screen monitoring software. Employers should inform employees about the monitoring practices, including what is being monitored, why, and how the information will be used.

  • Minimize Intrusion: Employers should aim to monitor only what's necessary to meet business goals. For instance, it might be more relevant to monitor the usage of certain business-critical applications rather than all activity on an employee's computer.

  • Respect Non-Work Hours: Monitoring should be confined to work hours. Respect employees' personal time by ensuring that monitoring does not take place outside of agreed working hours.

  • Use Data Constructively: Use the data collected to identify areas of improvement and provide constructive feedback to employees. Avoid using the data for punitive measures unless it involves breaches of company policy or law.

  • Legal Compliance: Ensure that all monitoring practices comply with local laws and regulations. Some jurisdictions have specific laws about employee monitoring, so it's important to understand these before implementing any monitoring software.

  • Encourage Open Communication: Create an environment where employees feel comfortable discussing concerns about the monitoring software. Address their concerns sincerely and make adjustments as necessary to maintain a positive work environment.

What Does Employee Screen Monitoring Look Like in Practice?

A thriving outsourcing call center introduces Insightful’s screen monitoring software to enhance 

wfh management and improve efficiency and productivity across its remote workforce. Prior to the installation of the software, management communicated with the staff about the purpose of its implementation. The goal of introducing Insightful is not to monitor the agents invasively, but rather to optimize productivity.

Once installed, Insightful begins capturing real-time screenshots of the agents' screens during their working hours, producing a visual record of the agents' activities. These screenshots allow supervisors to confirm that agents are focused on their tasks and not engaged in any distractions.

One of the pivotal features of Insightful is its ability to generate detailed reports. These reports allow the management to discern the amount of time an agent spends on productive activities compared to non-productive ones. An alert system is also in place, which notifies supervisors if an agent spends significant time on unrelated websites or applications. This real-time notification system greatly enhances productivity management.

The supervisors then use these reports and alerts to provide timely and constructive feedback to the agents, aiding them in optimizing their workflow. There are contingencies in place for agents to request a review of their productivity reports if they disagree with them. The management can then reference the recorded screenshots and logged activities during the disputed time frame to reach a fair resolution.

Insightful screen monitoring software provides the call center with an efficient mechanism to monitor and enhance the productivity of its agents while ensuring a transparent and fair work environment.

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Employee Monitoring

What Is Screen Monitoring Software and How Can It Benefit Your Business?

Written by
Kendra Gaffin
Published on
June 12, 2023

If you’ve ever wondered how to find employee monitoring software with screen monitoring capabilities, then you are in the right place!

Insightful is a robust screen monitoring software, designed to enhance productivity across team boundaries. From small startups to large-scale industries, Insightful offers an array of features catered to meet the diverse needs of all workplaces, enabling effective time management, operational efficiency, and the ability to monitor productivity working from home

What is Screen Monitoring Software?

Screen monitoring software is a type of surveillance tool employed by businesses for staff tracking and monitoring the activities performed on a computer screen. It allows managers and supervisors to oversee employees' digital behavior in real-time, ensuring that company resources are used efficiently and in compliance with company policy. This software often serves a dual role, serving both as a productivity tool to identify areas for improvement and a security measure to prevent unauthorized activity.

Key Features

Among Insightful's distinguishing features are real-time screenshot capture, multi-screen monitoring, and flexible snapshot policies. These components, integrated with an intuitive dashboard, facilitate easy tracking and analysis of team activities and outputs.

Real-Time Screenshot Capture

Real-time screenshot capture is a powerful feature that sets Insightful apart from many other screen monitoring tools. As the name suggests, this feature allows managers or team leaders to view the activities of their team members in real-time. 

It works by capturing screenshots of the employee's screen at regular intervals, providing a visual record of their activities. This is particularly useful in ensuring that work is being done as scheduled and that employees are using their time efficiently. It's also a crucial feature for reviewing work-related issues or disputes, as it provides a historical record of work done.

Multi-Screen Monitoring

In today's digital work environment, it's common for individuals to work with multiple monitors. This can be a challenge for traditional monitoring software, which may only capture activities on one screen. Insightful's multi-screen monitoring feature addresses this issue head-on by allowing simultaneous tracking of activities across multiple screens. This means that no matter how an employee has organized their digital workspace, Insightful can provide a comprehensive view of their activities.

Flexible Snapshot Policies

Every business has unique needs when it comes to monitoring their employees. Some may need to take screenshots every few minutes, while others may require less frequent snapshots. Insightful's flexible snapshot policies cater to these diverse needs, allowing businesses to customize the frequency of screenshots based on their requirements. This level of flexibility ensures that businesses can balance their need for oversight with the goal of preserving employee privacy.

Intuitive Dashboard

Tying these features together is Insightful's intuitive dashboard. This is the hub where all the collected data is presented in a clear, easy-to-understand format. The dashboard provides a quick overview of team activities, including active and idle time, application usage, and more. 

Managers can use the dashboard to get a snapshot of productivity trends, identify areas of concern, and pinpoint opportunities for improvement. The dashboard's simplicity and clarity ensure that even those with limited technical skills can navigate it with ease.

These distinguishing features are not just about monitoring – they're about understanding. By capturing detailed data on team activities and presenting it in a user-friendly format, Insightful allows businesses to gain a deeper understanding of their operations. This, in turn, empowers them to make informed decisions, boost productivity, and ultimately achieve their business objectives.

Pros and Cons of Using Screen Monitoring Software

Screen monitoring software can be a valuable tool for businesses, especially those that employ remote workers or have a large workforce spread across multiple locations. However, like any technology, it has its pros and cons.

Pros:

  • Productivity Monitoring: Screen monitoring software helps businesses track and measure productivity. It gives managers the ability to see what tasks employees are working on, how much time they spend on them, and if there are any productivity issues that need to be addressed.

  • Accountability: This software adds a level of accountability for remote and in-office employees alike. Employees are aware that their activities are monitored, which can encourage them to stay focused and avoid distractions.

  • Transparency: Screen monitoring can bring transparency to work processes. It provides a clear picture of how time is spent during work hours, which can be useful for project management and workflow optimization.

  • Security: Monitoring can also serve as a security measure by providing a record of all actions taken on a company computer. This can help identify any suspicious activity and prevent potential breaches.

Cons:

  • Privacy Concerns: The question of how to spy on employees' computers without invading privacy is a common concern. Employees might feel uncomfortable knowing that their every action can be watched and analyzed. This can lead to decreased morale and trust issues.

  • Potential for Misuse: There's a risk that this software could be used for micro-management, leading to an oppressive work environment. Managers must use the information responsibly and avoid micromanaging their teams.

  • May Not Reflect Actual Productivity: Screen monitoring might not always accurately reflect an employee's productivity. For example, time spent thinking, brainstorming, or reading may appear as inactivity, but it can be part of a critical thinking process.

  • Legal Implications: Depending on local laws and regulations, there may be legal implications or restrictions on the use of screen monitoring software. Employers need to be aware of employee surveillance laws to avoid legal troubles. 

While screen monitoring software like Insightful can be a powerful tool for improving productivity and security, it should be used with a clear understanding of both its potential benefits and drawbacks to avoid employee monitoring ethical issues. Proper usage policies and clear communication with employees can help address some of the cons associated with this kind of software.

How To Use Screen Monitoring Software Responsibly 

Responsible use of screen monitoring software involves striking a balance between protecting company interests and respecting employees' privacy and autonomy. Here are some guidelines on how employers can use this software responsibly:

  • Clear Policies: Before implementing screen monitoring software, companies should develop a clear policy explaining why and how the software will be used. The policy should define what will be monitored, who has access to the data, and how long the data will be stored.

  • Transparency: It's important to be transparent about the use of screen monitoring software. Employers should inform employees about the monitoring practices, including what is being monitored, why, and how the information will be used.

  • Minimize Intrusion: Employers should aim to monitor only what's necessary to meet business goals. For instance, it might be more relevant to monitor the usage of certain business-critical applications rather than all activity on an employee's computer.

  • Respect Non-Work Hours: Monitoring should be confined to work hours. Respect employees' personal time by ensuring that monitoring does not take place outside of agreed working hours.

  • Use Data Constructively: Use the data collected to identify areas of improvement and provide constructive feedback to employees. Avoid using the data for punitive measures unless it involves breaches of company policy or law.

  • Legal Compliance: Ensure that all monitoring practices comply with local laws and regulations. Some jurisdictions have specific laws about employee monitoring, so it's important to understand these before implementing any monitoring software.

  • Encourage Open Communication: Create an environment where employees feel comfortable discussing concerns about the monitoring software. Address their concerns sincerely and make adjustments as necessary to maintain a positive work environment.

What Does Employee Screen Monitoring Look Like in Practice?

A thriving outsourcing call center introduces Insightful’s screen monitoring software to enhance 

wfh management and improve efficiency and productivity across its remote workforce. Prior to the installation of the software, management communicated with the staff about the purpose of its implementation. The goal of introducing Insightful is not to monitor the agents invasively, but rather to optimize productivity.

Once installed, Insightful begins capturing real-time screenshots of the agents' screens during their working hours, producing a visual record of the agents' activities. These screenshots allow supervisors to confirm that agents are focused on their tasks and not engaged in any distractions.

One of the pivotal features of Insightful is its ability to generate detailed reports. These reports allow the management to discern the amount of time an agent spends on productive activities compared to non-productive ones. An alert system is also in place, which notifies supervisors if an agent spends significant time on unrelated websites or applications. This real-time notification system greatly enhances productivity management.

The supervisors then use these reports and alerts to provide timely and constructive feedback to the agents, aiding them in optimizing their workflow. There are contingencies in place for agents to request a review of their productivity reports if they disagree with them. The management can then reference the recorded screenshots and logged activities during the disputed time frame to reach a fair resolution.

Insightful screen monitoring software provides the call center with an efficient mechanism to monitor and enhance the productivity of its agents while ensuring a transparent and fair work environment.

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