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Top Construction Time Tracking Software

  • Written By: Cheyenne Kolosky
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Every hour spent on a job site needs to be accurately accounted for to ensure projects stay on track and profitable. But traditional methods of time tracking, like manual timesheets and spreadsheets to outdated punch clocks, are often prone to errors and can create administrative headaches. That’s where construction time tracking software simplifies things. These powerful tools automate time and attendance processes, giving you real-time insights into labor costs, project progress, and employee productivity.

Key Takeaways

  • Construction time tracking software automates the process of recording employee hours, leading to accurate payroll, better project cost management, and improved labor allocation.
  • The best construction time tracking solutions offer features like mobile accessibility, GPS tracking, offline functionality, and integrations with payroll and accounting software.
  • When choosing a solution, look for features that address your specific needs, such as project tracking, job costing, overtime management, and reporting capabilities.

What is Construction Time Tracking Software?

Construction time tracking software is a digital solution that streamlines how you monitor employee hours, track attendance, and manage labor costs. It’s designed to replace those cumbersome manual processes with automated systems so you can take control of your most valuable asset—your workforce.   

Here’s how it helps:

  • Accurate payroll: Say goodbye to manual calculations and potential payroll disputes. Time tracking software ensures accurate time records, leading to precise payroll processing and happy employees.  
  • Job costing: Track labor hours against specific projects and tasks for better cost management. This helps you understand where your labor dollars are going and identify areas for improvement.  
  • Efficient resource allocation: Gain insights into employee availability and workload, allowing you to allocate your workforce effectively and optimize productivity across projects.
     

Why Time Tracking is Essential in the Construction Industry

So, you’re in charge of a major construction project. Crews are spread across multiple job sites, each with different tasks, deadlines, and pay rates. How do you keep track of everyone’s hours, ensure accurate payroll, and stay within budget? 

In construction, time isn’t just money—it’s the foundation of your entire operation. Here’s why dedicated time-tracking software is so critical:

Construction projects are notorious for cost overruns. Time tracking software helps you monitor labor expenses in real time, giving you a clear picture of where your money is going. This means fewer surprises when it comes to payroll and a better chance of staying within budget. Ever wondered how much labor is really going into each phase of a project? Time tracking software breaks down labor costs by project, task, and even individual employees. This granular data helps you understand where resources are being used and make smarter decisions about future projects.

Manual timesheets are a recipe for errors. Time tracking software automates the process, minimizing mistakes and ensuring your employees are paid accurately and on time. Plus, it helps you stay compliant with labor laws, avoiding potential legal headaches. Time tracking software also provides real-time updates on project progress. You can see who’s working on what, identify potential delays, and make adjustments to keep things on schedule. This means fewer bottlenecks and smoother project execution.

Want to know which crews are the most productive? Or how to optimize your workforce for maximum efficiency? Time tracking software gives you the data you need to make informed decisions about resource allocation, staffing, and overall productivity.

Key Features of Construction Time Tracking Software

Not all time tracking software is created equal. To truly streamline your construction operations, you need a solution packed with features tailored to the unique demands of the industry. Here’s what to look for:

  • Location Tracking: GPS tracking and geofencing are game-changers. They allow you to see exactly where your crews are throughout the day, ensuring they’re on the right job site at the right time. This not only boosts accountability but also helps prevent time theft and protects your bottom line.
  • Mobile-first for a Mobile Workforce: Your crews are constantly on the move. Time tracking software with a user-friendly mobile app lets them clock in and out from any location, eliminating the hassle of paper timesheets and ensuring accurate time capture.
  • Job and Task Tracking for Granular Insights: Go beyond just tracking hours. Assign employees to specific jobs and tasks within projects. This allows you to analyze labor costs at a granular level, identify potential bottlenecks, and optimize resource allocation.
  • Automation for Efficiency: Say goodbye to manual data entry and human error. Automated timesheets compile work hours seamlessly, saving you time and ensuring accurate payroll calculations. Plus, seamless integration with your payroll system streamlines the entire process, from time entry to paycheck delivery.
  • Reporting and Compliance: Need to analyze labor costs for a specific project? Or ensure you’re complying with labor regulations? Robust reporting features and compliance tools provide the insights you need to make informed decisions and avoid legal issues.
  • Real-Time Alerts for Proactive Management: Stay ahead of potential problems with real-time notifications. Get alerts for missed punches, overtime exceeding thresholds, or any time anomalies that require your attention. This allows you to address issues promptly and keep your projects on track.

Benefits of Using Construction Time Tracking Software

Investing in construction time tracking software is an investment in your company’s success. Here’s how it translates into tangible benefits for your teams and management:

Enhanced Productivity and Accountability

With precise time tracking, every minute counts. Teams become more focused and efficient, knowing their time is being accurately recorded. Managers gain a clear view of individual and team performance, allowing them to identify top performers, address productivity bottlenecks, and foster a culture of accountability.

Accurate Payroll and Labor Cost Management

Say goodbye to payroll disputes and costly errors. Time tracking software ensures accurate and timely compensation for every employee, boosting morale and minimizing the risk of legal issues. Moreover, it provides precise labor cost data, empowering you to create realistic budgets, track expenses, and make informed financial decisions.

Better Resource Allocation

Time tracking software gives you real-time visibility into labor utilization across all your projects. This allows project managers to allocate resources strategically, move employees between tasks as needed, and minimize costly downtime. The result? Optimized workflows, improved project timelines, and increased profitability.

Real-Time Data Access

Time tracking software provides instant access to up-to-date information on labor hours, project progress, and potential issues. This empowers managers to respond swiftly to challenges, adjust plans as needed, and keep projects moving forward.

Compliance and Labor Law Adherence

Navigating labor laws can be a minefield. Time tracking software simplifies compliance by accurately tracking work hours, breaks, and overtime. This reduces the risk of legal complications, protects your company’s reputation, and ensures fair labor practices.

Reduction of Time Theft and Errors

Traditional time tracking methods are prone to errors and even intentional time theft. With GPS tracking and automated timesheets, you can eliminate “buddy punching,” prevent inaccurate time reporting, and ensure every hour worked is accounted for. This translates to cost savings, improved accuracy, and greater trust within your workforce.

How to Choose the Right Time Tracking Software for Your Construction Business

 With so many time tracking solutions on the market, finding the perfect fit for your construction company can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a breakdown of the key factors to consider:

Assess Your Business Size and Needs

A small renovation crew has different requirements than a large-scale commercial construction company. Start by honestly evaluating your business size, the complexity of your projects, and your specific pain points. If you’re mainly focused on basic timekeeping and payroll for a small team, a simpler solution might suffice. But if you need advanced features like GPS tracking, job costing, and detailed reporting, you’ll need a more robust platform.

Look for Integration Options

Your time tracking software shouldn’t exist in a silo. Seamless integration with your existing tools is essential for maximizing efficiency. Ensure the software can connect with your payroll system, accounting software, and any project management tools you use. This streamlines data flow, eliminates double entry, and ensures everyone is working with the same up-to-date information.  

Check for Mobile and Offline Capabilities

Construction sites aren’t known for reliable internet access. Choose software with a powerful mobile app that allows employees to clock in and out from anywhere, even without an internet connection. Offline functionality ensures accurate time capture, and data automatically syncs when connectivity is restored.  

Prioritize Ease of Use and Employee Adoption

The best software is worthless if your team doesn’t use it. Prioritize user-friendly interfaces, intuitive navigation, and minimal training requirements. When software is easy to adopt, you’ll see higher engagement, better data accuracy, and a smoother transition to your new time tracking system.

Evaluate Reporting and Analytics Tools

Data is only valuable if you can extract meaningful insights from it. Look for software with robust reporting and analytics capabilities. You should be able to generate customized reports on labor costs, project timelines, employee productivity, and more. This empowers you to make data-driven decisions, identify areas for improvement, and track progress toward your goals.  

Assess Pricing and ROI

Time tracking software is an investment, and like any investment, you need to consider the return. Compare pricing plans and features carefully. Don’t just focus on the upfront cost; consider the potential ROI from improved efficiency, reduced errors, and accurate payroll. The right software can pay for itself many times over by streamlining your operations and boosting your bottom line.

Top Construction Time Tracking Software Solutions in the Market

Choosing the right time-tracking software can significantly impact your construction company’s efficiency and profitability. Here’s a rundown of some leading solutions, each with its own strengths and ideal use cases:

Knack

Knack is more than just a time-tracking tool—it’s a powerful no-code platform that allows you to build a completely customized solution tailored to your unique construction workflows.

Here’s how Knack can benefit your construction business:

  • Go Beyond Basic Time Tracking: Knack doesn’t just track time; it connects time data to your entire operation. Track employee hours, manage projects, handle invoicing and even track equipment – all within a single, unified platform.
  • Customize to Match Your Needs: With Knack, you’re not limited to pre-set features. Build custom forms, workflows, and reports that match your exact requirements. Need to track specific data points, automate approvals, or generate unique reports? Knack makes it possible.
  • Connect with Your Existing Tools: Integrate Knack with your favorite apps and services, such as QuickBooks, Google Maps, and more. This ensures smooth data flow across your entire business and eliminates the need for manual data entry.
  • Empower Your Team with a Mobile App: Give your field crews the convenience of mobile time tracking. Knack’s mobile app allows employees to clock in and out, track time against specific tasks, and submit timesheets from any location.
  • Enjoy the Benefits of a No-Code Solution: You don’t need to be a coding expert to build powerful solutions with Knack. Its intuitive interface and drag-and-drop builder make it easy to create and customize your time-tracking system without writing a single line of code.

Knack offers a unique blend of power and simplicity, making it the ideal choice for construction companies looking to:

  • Streamline time tracking and payroll processes
  • Improve project management and job costing
  • Gain a competitive edge with data-driven insights
  • Empower their workforce with user-friendly tools

This Job Dispatch template app provides a solid foundation for tracking employee hours, managing job assignments and projects, tracking field operations, and customizing to your construction time tracking needs.

QuickBooks Time (formerly TSheets)

Known for its user-friendly interface and seamless integration with QuickBooks, this option simplifies time tracking and payroll for construction businesses.

  • Key Features:
    • GPS tracking
    • Mobile accessibility
    • QuickBooks integration
    • Overtime tracking
    • Scheduling
    • Reporting

Ideal for: Small to medium-sized businesses already using QuickBooks for their accounting needs.

Raken

Raken streamlines time tracking and daily reporting, making it easy for field teams to stay connected and keep projects on schedule.

  • Key Features:
    • Mobile app
    • Task tracking
    • Timesheets
    • Daily reports
    • Field communication
    • Production tracking

Ideal for: Construction teams who need to simplify daily reporting, improve communication, and track project progress.

ExakTime

ExakTime offers time tracking with advanced GPS and geofencing capabilities, giving you precise control over your workforce.

  • Key Features:
    • GPS/geofencing
    • Mobile time clock
    • Payroll integration
    • Offline capabilities
    • Equipment tracking
    • Robust reporting

Ideal for: Large construction companies with multiple job sites and a need for accurate location tracking and detailed data analysis.

ClockShark

ClockShark specializes in time tracking for field service and construction companies, with a focus on job costing and efficient workforce management.

  • Key Features:
    • GPS tracking
    • Job costing
    • Mobile app
    • Task tracking
    • Scheduling
    • Dispatching
    • Reporting

Ideal for: Construction companies that prioritize accurate job costing, detailed task tracking, and streamlined field operations.

Hubstaff

Hubstaff provides time tracking with GPS location monitoring, making it suitable for both remote and on-site construction teams.

  • Key Features:
    • GPS location tracking
    • Project time tracking
    • Online timesheets
    • Payroll integration
    • Screenshots
    • Activity levels
    • Detailed reporting

Ideal for: Companies with remote or distributed construction teams or those needing to track employee activity levels and productivity.

Busybusy

Busybusy is a time tracking app designed specifically for construction, offering job costing and equipment tracking features.

  • Key Features:
    • GPS tracking
    • Offline capabilities
    • Task management
    • Equipment tracking
    • Job costing
    • Payroll integration

Ideal for: Construction managers who need robust job costing, equipment tracking, and accurate timekeeping for their field teams.

FieldPulse

FieldPulse is a field service management solution with integrated time tracking, making it a good choice for businesses that need more than just timekeeping.

  • Key Features:
    • Mobile time tracking
    • Scheduling
    • Dispatching
    • GPS tracking
    • Invoicing
    • Customer management
    • Estimates

Ideal for: Small to mid-sized businesses that need to combine time tracking with other field service management functionalities.

Workyard

Workyard offers highly accurate labor tracking with GPS and geofencing.

  • Key Features:
    • GPS tracking
    • Project costing
    • Timesheet approvals
    • Budget tracking
    • Subcontractor management
    • Certified payroll reports

Ideal for: Contractors who rely heavily on subcontractors and need precise labor tracking for cost estimation, payroll, and project management.

Best Practices for Implementing Construction Time Tracking Software

Successfully implementing time tracking software requires more than just choosing the right tool. Here are some actionable tips to maximize the benefits and ensure a smooth transition:

Ensure Proper Training and Onboarding

Don’t just hand out logins and expect everyone to figure it out. Invest time in proper training for all employees, from field workers to office staff. Clearly explain how to use the software, emphasizing its benefits for both individuals (accurate payroll, easier timekeeping) and the company as a whole (improved project tracking, better cost management).

Regularly Review and Monitor Data

Time tracking data is a goldmine of insights, but only if you actively use it. Encourage managers to review data regularly, looking for trends, potential issues, and opportunities for improvement. This allows for proactive problem-solving, better resource allocation, and data-driven decision-making.

Use GPS and Geofencing for Accountability

If your software offers GPS tracking and geofencing, take advantage of it. Set up geofences around job sites to automatically verify employee attendance, prevent time theft, and ensure accurate labor cost allocation. This not only improves accountability but also protects your bottom line.

Streamline Payroll Processing

One of the biggest benefits of time tracking software is its ability to streamline payroll. Ensure your software integrates seamlessly with your payroll system to automate data transfer, eliminate manual entry, and reduce the risk of errors. This saves time, improves accuracy, and ensures timely and correct payments for your employees.

Customize Reports to Track Project Costs

Don’t settle for generic reports. Most time tracking software offers customizable reporting features. Use these tools to analyze labor costs, productivity, and progress on each project. This granular data helps you identify cost overruns, optimize resource allocation, and keep projects on track and within budget.

Regularly Update and Maintain Software

Software is constantly evolving. Ensure you’re keeping your time tracking software up to date with the latest versions and security patches. This ensures you have access to the newest features, bug fixes, and security enhancements, maximizing the value of your investment and protecting your data.

Give Knack a Try

From accurate payroll and reduced errors to improved productivity and enhanced project management, the benefits are undeniable. Construction time tracking software empowers you to:

  • Eliminate the headaches of manual timesheets and payroll disputes.
  • Gain real-time insights into labor costs and project progress.
  • Empower your team to work more efficiently and productively.
  • Make data-driven decisions that boost your bottom line.

Knack, with its flexible and customizable platform, is the perfect solution for construction companies of all sizes. Build a time tracking system that fits your unique workflows, integrates seamlessly with your existing tools, and scales with your business.

Ready to experience the difference? Explore Knack for the best no-code construction management solution to find the perfect fit for your construction business. Start optimizing your time tracking today!