By combining mobile devices with construction timesheet software, companies can manage all aspects of workers’ labor hours. Typically, mobile management is done on job sites without the delay of waiting until the foreman or supervisor returns to headquarters.
Time is entered into the system via:
- Smartphones
- Laptops
- Tablets
This ensures workers never miss a beat when it comes to entering their time while in the field. Using a wireless signal, time information is transmitted directly to the office. Better software solutions can also integrate the data into an online payroll system. The need to re-record hours worked is eliminated, guaranteeing workers are paid in full and on time.
Efficiency With or Without Internet Access
Managing field crews with mobile software enables supervisors to track labor and equipment usage for each work site. Schedules can be planned two or three weeks in advance with a thorough system that includes time off requests.
Advanced scheduling for a construction project also helps field supervisors adjust plans when the unexpected arises: delay in materials shipment, sick days and bad weather can instantly change a carefully planned work project.
Information entered into the mobile system is transferred once internet access is available. Workers and supervisors have the capability to send and retrieve data related to the project. This arms everyone on the job site with the most current information.
Real-Time Corrections for Real-Life Cost Savings
Construction managers will know what is happening on a jobsite at all times with the availability of real-time data. They no long have to wait until the end of the day or week to update the progress of a project with construction software that delivers more than clock in and out times for workers.
They are armed with accurate data to make changes or corrections as needed. Ultimately, this feature helps them achieve greater cost savings for the job. Reporting against progress in real-time gives construction site managers tighter control over how the project runs.
More Benefits to Construction Timesheet Software
Additional benefits to having a software solution for construction sites include:
- Accurate Timesheets
- Employee adoption
- ROI
Accurate Timesheets
Accuracy is a major benefit to managing construction jobs with a mobile software solution. For example, someone may come to work 10 minutes late, but their manual timecard reflects the time their shift started. A paper process will not capture this inaccuracy.
However, an electronic process can captured the tardy. This ensures time & attendance records are reflected accurately in reports. It also helps construction managers determine how much is spent and saved on labor costs.
Another benefit is workers might wait until the end of the day or week to fill out a paper timecard. The potential for human error is greater when workers try to remember exact times. Mobile tracking records labor hour and production immediately to prevent human error.
Future bids on projects are also affected by construction time management systems. Reviewing the effectiveness of bids compared to actual job costing helps construction companies present more accurate proposals to potential clients.
Employee Adoption
While the management team often appreciates the advantages of having an onsite electronic timekeeping system, some workers may question the same benefits. Self-reporting through a manual system becomes comfortable for them. They may wonder if management trusts their ability to record their work hours.
Therefore, it is essential that managers explain the purpose and advantages of the new system.
This helps to ensure understanding automated labor tracking is helpful for everyone. By doing this, workers might be more receptive to change.
At the same time, no construction timesheet system can make bad workers become good workers. If someone is practicing unacceptable work habits, buddy punching or committing fraud, an electronic system will help to identify these problems.
ROI
Eventually, construction companies will see tremendous real dollar savings on job sites. From time saved in the office to more accurate timekeeping in the field, this type of software will deliver a significant return on investment.
Workers are not spending excessive time recording their hours. HR and payroll employees need less time to report and process the hours worked. Companies can reallocate resources to other areas with the amount of time saved.
Now that the barrier to entry is lower with less expensive – yet effective – options, more construction companies should look to switching to an electronic time tracking system as soon as possible.
Conservative estimates are that it may take up to 30 days to transition from a total paper management system to an automated one. With this in mind, the sooner this software is added to a company’s technology arsenal, the sooner it can begin saving and having a more productive workforce.
