As an electrician navigating between job sites, keeping track of work-related trips is essential for tax claims.

In this guide, we’ll explore and compare five hand-picked logbook apps, to decipher which one stands out as the most effective for electricians all over the country.

Advantages of Automated Logbook Apps for Electricians

Long gone are the days of error-prone, cumbersome paper logbooks, frantic scribbles on the back of receipts, complicated Excel spreadsheets incompatible with mobile phones and frenzied tax-day deadlines.

Automated logbook apps are firmly finding their place in our mobile devices and are here to stay. They offer incomparable benefits, such as:

• Saving Time – swipe left or right to record trips, allowing more time on proactivity.
• Maximised Tax Claims – pinpoint accuracy and substantiated evidence, assuring compliant tax forms.
• Real-time Data Access – maximise productivity by increasing communication and collaboration between employees and organisations.
• Simplified Distance Logging – streamline and maximise tax claims whilst eliminating the age-old quandary of erroneous data records.
• Advanced Reporting Systems – improve direct communication of reports between electricians, accountants and the Australian Taxation Office.

What an Electrician Should Look For in a Logbook App

Electricians spend a substantial amount of time driving between jobs. Specific features will enhance overall productivity and streamline what can otherwise be an arduous task.

Features to prioritise:

• Built-in GPS – accurate distance tracking guarantees detailed records.
• Customisation – templates to suit specific work schedules and driving patterns.
• Affordability – most logbook apps are free to download, but usually offer a limited service. Paying a subscription usually opens up additional, comprehensive features which quickly offset the initial investment by maximising tax reimbursement.
• Secure Data Log – enhance communication between teams, without loss of information.
• Additional Features – such as vehicle operating optimisation tools, which enhance productivity, increasing overall efficiency.
• Multi-Vehicle Tracking – increase streamlining of tax claims.
• End-to-End Encryption – assured security and real-time backup of data.
• Comprehensive Reporting Tool – enhance high-quality data export to varied recipients.

Comparison Table

Taking into account the features and advantages we’ve analysed, we will take a deeper look at what each app has to offer.

FEATURES	GOFAR	Driversnote	Quickbooks	MileIQ	Everlance
User Ratings (Apple)	4.7	4.7	4.6	4.6	4
ATO Compliant
Automated Tracking
Accurate Tracking
GPS Adapter
Minimal Battery & Data Use
Customisable Reports
Trip Classification
User-friendly Interface
Manual Editing
Easy Data Export
Data Back-up in App
Robust Security Encryption
Team Features
Multi-Vehicle Tracking
Vehicle Diagnostics Tool
Comprehensive Reporting
Accounting Capability
Emissions Monitor
iOS & Android
Free Subscription		Capped at 15 trips	30-day free trial	Capped at 40 trips	Capped at 30 trips
Annual Price	$120.00	$132.00	$180.00	$71.88	$120.00

Overall

• MileIQ stands out for its simple, user-friendly interface but it lacks the advanced functionalities of the other apps.
• Quickbooks Self-Employed excels in providing a comprehensive accounting solution with a cleverly integrated tracking feature and end-to-end encryption. It is a well-defined app but it’s built primarily as an accounting software system, with distance tracking as a secondary feature.
• Driversnote’s robust features and intuitive interface give it a solid rating. It offers a facility to customise distance-based rates based on client contracts, making it particularly handy for electricians. However, it has been criticised for the significant demand it places on battery power and data, opening users to inefficiencies and inaccuracies.

The Final Choice

Ultimately, the final decision depends on individual workflow requirements and preferences, whether prioritising simplicity, accurate tracking or integration with accounting software.

Electricians spend a great chunk of time on the road and their mobile devices, creating a need for accurate distance tracking that does not rely on the phone’s data or GPS.

Additionally, being able to monitor vehicle performance and optimising fuel usage significantly boosts productivity, which has a positive impact on business.

Runner-Up

Everlance App

Among the contenders, Everlance stands out as an all-rounder. It shows off robust capabilities in seamless integration with external accounting software, while prioritising data security.

Everlance is a solid option for simplifying expense reporting and maximising tax deductions.

Best Choice for Electricians

GOFAR App

On the other hand, GOFAR leads the way for innovative versatility and a holistic approach to vehicle management, making it the ideal choice for electricians seeking a comprehensive vehicle management tool.

Utilising advanced technology like inbuilt GPS tools and OBD-II integration, electricians can fully focus on their work.

GOFAR simplifies complex tasks and regulates vehicles with real-time diagnostic reports, empowering electricians to maintain an uninterrupted workflow, increase productivity and maximise tax deductions.

Increase productivity with GOFAR for an efficient and reliable approach to your vehicle logbook.