Numerous access points make it hard to monitor individuals coming and going from your construction yard. Some of these people might not even be a part of your team and could even steal your expensive tools and materials.
Perhaps an even bigger issue is time theft. Your employees might slack off during projects, going to nearby stores and bars during work hours. We also can’t forget “buddy punching,” a trick where another person punches an employee’s time card, making it seem as if they stayed on the site till the end of the shift.
The good news is that software companies recognized the issue and decided to address it with time tracking apps. With these smartphone tools, you’re able to punch in and out from your phone. Given that your phone has geotracking, your boss can easily determine where you were when you ended the shift.
Features to Look for In Time Tracking Apps
Truth be told, time tracking apps serve a specific, niche purpose. They might not be as important as Autodesk or project management tools, but they are nonetheless a vital ingredient of your construction tech stack. Time-tracking apps are primarily used for monitoring your workers and boosting overall company productivity.
Some time tracking apps give you a complete breakdown of how a person moved around the construction site. With this data, your managers can optimize daily processes and allocate resources accordingly. In that sense, they’re not necessarily for controlling your staff, but also for helping them perform at a higher level.
- Real Time Monitoring
The main reason why you should use time tracking apps is so you can monitor your staff in real time. Although this is a given, it is still worth mentioning. The apps work by combining GPS technology and web connectivity, allowing site managers to pinpoint each person in the field.
- Tracking Equipment Use
Tracking employees and their clock-ins is just the tip of the iceberg. Many of these programs have additional features such as analyzing equipment use. For example, SmartBarrel’s construction time tracking software can scan a person via their phone and tell you if they’re wearing the right protective gear.
- Managing Time Blocks
Even if you make a mistake, some of these apps will allow you to edit the time blocks. For example, if your employee leaves a timer running during their break, they can revisit the app and make the necessary changes. Similarly, they can add blocks if they worked overtime or forgot to turn on their phone.
- Creating Invoices
These apps track all the changes over time and store them on cloud. Upon your request, you can create invoices with a breakdown for each person’s work hours. Then, you can share or download these files in Google Sheets, PDF, or CSV format (varies from app to app).
Most of these top-tier apps come with reporting features, which you can find in their dashboards. Given that these are relatively simple programs, their dashboards somewhat resemble Google Calendar.
- Multi-Point Accessing
Like many other modern programs, construction time tracking apps are simple and intuitive. You can use them from anywhere, just as long as you have a phone and internet access. Besides smartphones, they can also be used via desktops, although this isn’t optimal use for construction workers.
- AI Features
Some time tracking apps have introduced artificial intelligence features that will make the company’s workflows more straightforward. Perhaps the optimal use of AI can be seen through the automatic allocation of time blocks.
Using SmartBarrel Time Tracking App
After testing numerous apps for construction tracking, our journalists have decided that Smart Barrel’s solution is by far the best one on the list. Here is how you can use it:
- Smart Barrel’s solution works through a central system. First, you have to install an LTE-connected time clock on the job site. For example, you can place it in your team’s container. The central unit is solar power and uses magnets to stay in place.
- Once your workers arrive at work, they can proceed to the central unit to log in. The machine will take their photo and verify their identity against the database.
- The supervisor must introduce cost codes for each professional in the field. If and when necessary, you can carry over these codes or split shifts for the following day.
- At the end of the invoicing period, the central unit will send data to the headquarters. There’s no need for manual entry, and you’ll also eliminate the human error that is otherwise common in time tracking.
Benefits of SmartBarrel Time Tracking App
When selecting a time tracking app for your construction site, you have to make sure that the solution is reliable and effective. Furthermore, make sure that the product uses the latest innovations and updates its software whenever a new tech comes around.
Here are some of the main reasons why you should introduce SmartBarrel into your toolkit:
- With SmartBarrel, you get a plug-and-play solution for your team on the ground. You can install it as soon as you reach the construction yard and easily relocate it when the job is done.
- Like all other programs from this category, SmartBarrel can make massive savings for your business. Besides preventing time theft, the software can help you optimize daily procedures. In most cases, the app will pay for itself within a month.
- The tool’s dashboard allows you to introduce cost codes for each shift, task, and project phase. You can make these changes by hand. Alternatively, you can use settings to introduce cost codes from the previous day automatically.
- SmartBarrel integrates with various other business and construction platforms. For example, it works like a charm with Viewpoint, QuickBooks, Sage, Procore, and other digital solutions.
Last Thoughts on SmartBarrel
If you’re looking for the best time tracking software for your construction business, you can’t go wrong with SmartBarrel. This intuitive and flexible solution is ideal for various types of construction sites. Furthermore, it integrates with numerous construction programs, making it an ideal product for your existing workflow.