Which time tracking system to choose in Dakar in 2026?
More and more Dakar SMEs are looking for a reliable, affordable time tracking system compliant with Senegalese labor law. The market offers several options, with very varied levels of cost, reliability, and complexity.
This guide compares the four main options available to help business leaders and HR managers make the right choice.
Option 1 — Physical time clock (badge clock)
Average cost in Dakar: 150,000–600,000 XOF per device (indicative prices, variable by supplier).
- Advantages: familiar for employees, works without network, fast badge reading.
- Disadvantages: data often not synced with payroll, hardware maintenance, fraud risk (colleague badging), no geolocation, no multi-site visibility.
- Best for: fixed sites with few rotations and stable headcounts.
Option 2 — Excel or paper attendance sheet
The monthly Excel attendance sheet is the most widespread solution in Senegalese SMEs.
- Advantages: free, simple to start.
- Disadvantages: falsifiable, time-consuming, frequent calculation errors, no legal proof in disputes, no real-time capability.
- Best for: very small businesses (under 5 people) in startup phase only.
For any SME with more than 5 people, the disadvantages far outweigh the advantages. A cloud software like Weplanify is more cost-effective in the long run.
Option 3 — Smartphone time tracking software (QR code or GPS)
Weplanify and other SaaS solutions offer smartphone-based time tracking.
- Cost: from 1,500–2,000 XOF per user/month at Weplanify (no hardware to purchase).
- Advantages: geolocation, QR code, NFC badge, offline mode, real-time payroll sync, automatic reports, manager alerts.
- Disadvantages: requires a smartphone (manager tracking can compensate if employees don't have one).
- Best for: SMEs of all sizes, multi-site businesses, mobile teams (construction, security, delivery, field technicians).
FAQ — Time tracking system in Dakar
What is the price of a physical time clock in Dakar in 2026?
Physical time clocks are sold for 100,000–600,000 XOF depending on brand and features. Add installation, maintenance, and often a separate management software. A cloud software like Weplanify often costs less over 12 months while offering more features.
Is smartphone time tracking legally recognized in Senegal?
Yes. Senegalese law does not impose a particular tracking method. Digital timestamped and geolocated mobile app tracking constitutes admissible evidence in case of labor inspection or labor dispute, as it is tamper-proof and archived.
Does Weplanify work with Airtel, Orange, or Free Senegal?
Yes. Weplanify is a web and mobile application compatible with all telecom operators in Senegal. In offline mode, it works even without a data connection.
Try Weplanify for free in Dakar
14-day free trial, no commitment, no credit card. Setup within 48 hours with a French-speaking expert. Request a demo or write to [email protected].