A Step-by-Step Guide to Successfully Implementing Construction Time Tracking Software

• By Ankit Sharma
• 23-11-2023
• Software

Complex construction projects may have several teams, subcontractors, and strict timelines. Efficient and successful time management is critical to the success of any construction project. Construction time tracking software can be useful in this situation.

Time management, coordination, and precision are necessary for construction projects. Schedule delays may result in higher expenses, dissatisfied customers, and strained bonds with subcontractors. Using time-tracking software for construction can help you manage your workload, save time, and increase your profitability. line.

We will go over the specifics of using construction time tracking software in this blog. You will know how to maximize this useful tool and how it can help your construction company by the end of this essay.

Understanding Construction Time Software

Before finding the steps to implement construction time tracking software, it is important to understand what construction time tracking software is. So, let us first understand the time tracking software for construction firms in brief.

A construction time tracking software is one that allows users to monitor and record time spent on different tasks and projects by different users to complete construction projects. Some of the crucial tasks that a time tracking software performs are as follows:

1. Tracking working hours of employees
2. Recording time spent on specific tasks, and
3. Monitoring the overall progress of the project

When construction project managers get such crucial data from the time tracking software, they can make more informed decisions, improve their processes, and ensure the timely completion of projects as per pre-decided schedules.

Why Does the Construction Industry Require Time Tracking Software?

We all know the common issues in the construction industry. The industry mainly struggles with project delays like other industries. There are multiple common consequences of these project delays. Some of the prominent ones are minor budget overruns, complete closure of a project, and many similar other consequences.

A study conducted by Cornerstone Projects Projects Ltd. found that approximately 85% of construction companies in UL struggled with schedule overrunning in 2017. This is not just a common issue with the construction industry in the UK. construction companies worldwide are dealing with similar concerns. A 2015 KPMG study found that only 25% of international construction projects were completed within 10% of their initial estimates between 2012 and 2015.

Now the common question is why do construction companies struggle to complete projects on time? Although general factors like adverse weather and continuous price fluctuation are beyond control, most of the delays in construction projects are usually caused by poor management. Poor management means inadequate scope definition, errors in initial project designs, and ineffective client communication, and many other similar reasons.

Two significant factors contributing to project delays in the construction industry are unrealistic scheduling and workforce challenges. Construction Time tracking software can play a crucial role in addressing both of these issues. Some of the reasons how time trackers help construction businesses are:

Work Progress Monitoring: Construction owners need to keep an eye on their workers’ progress. They can do so easily with construction time tracking software. Such tools enable them to evaluate if their teams are meeting their performance goals or not. The owners find it simpler to recognize and address inefficiencies with the use of such software.

Data Analysis and Storage: Construction time monitoring software helps construction managers to store data centrally and analyze this data to find trends and patterns. This integrated data helps them make better decisions on workload distribution.

Estimation Enhancement: construction owners can apply information gathered from employee monitoring software to create more precise time estimates for related projects in the future. This data is also helpful in improving planning and scheduling for construction projects.

Although construction time tracking software might not answer every management problem, it can help reduce the possibility of scheduling delayed work. Such software also gives construction company owners useful information for forecasting, timetable planning, and performance evaluation.

Some of the complementary construction time tracking software can also help in the following:

• Labor Cost Monitoring: It improves labor cost tracking and guarantees that projects are finished on time and under budget.
• Deadline Compliance: It offers updated information on the status of projects. Projects using time monitoring software are more likely to be completed on time, that too under budget.
• Billable Time Calculation: Time tracking software makes it easier for companies billing clients based on the amount of time worked to calculate billable hours.
• Competitive Bidding: Time-tracking records provide valuable historical data to the construction business owners. This data helps them make more competitive and accurate bids on future projects.
• Task Management: Time-tracking software can also assist in task management. It helps people and teams to allocate their time and resources effectively.

Steps to Implement Construction Time Tracking Software

After realizing the importance of construction time tracking, the next thing is to implement a time tracking software effectively. This includes choosing the best software, educating and training team, deploying skills to incorporate time tracking into the project management procedure.

Using these resources, construction businesses can enhance their possibility to complete projects on schedule and within budgets. This will help them increase their revenue and industry standing.

Examine your objectives and goals.

The first step to start utilizing construction time tracking software is to set specific goals and objectives. You can ask yourself a few important questions. This will help you to define your construction goals and objectives. Among the crucial question, the prominent ones are:

1. With construction time tracking software, what goals do you hope to accomplish?
2. If you want to improve project scheduling, track labor costs, or enhance communication with your team and clients.

Research for the Suitable Time Tracking Software

Once you understand your goals and objectives clearly, now is the right time to start researching for the suitable construction time tracking software. There are numerous construction time tracking software options available in the market. However it's crucial to find the ideal time tracking software that fits your requirements. You can begin your research by exploring the software available in the market and compare them. Look for features that are essential for your projects, such as mobile accessibility, integration with other software, and reporting capabilities. Some of the popular time tracking software are DeskTrack, Hubstaff, DeskTime, etc.

Choose the Right Tool

After conducting thorough research, choose the construction time tracking software that best suits your needs. It is essential to consider factors such as ease of use, scalability, and customer support. It's important that the software you select aligns with your goals and can adapt as your construction firm grows. Take the time to evaluate the software through free trials or demonstrations and ensure that it meets your expectations.

Finalize Responsible Users

Determine who in your organization will be responsible for using the construction time tracking software. These users should be well-versed in the software's functions and capable of training other team members. Assigning dedicated users ensures that the software is effectively utilized and that data is consistently and accurately recorded.

Introduce Users with the Benefits

Before you start deploying the software, it's important to get your team introduced to these software. You can do so by holding a meeting to introduce the software and highlight its benefits. Also emphasize how it will make their jobs easier, streamline processes, and lead to better project outcomes. Show your team how time trackers can Address any concerns and provide training resources to help them work effectively.

Train Team on Using Construction Time Tracking Software

Proper training is vital for the successful implementation of construction time tracking software. It is essential to make sure that your team is comfortable with using the construction time tracking software you choose. Also ensure that they understand the software features very well. You get to start conducting training through webinars, tutorials, or in-person sessions, depending on your team's preferences. You can also perform regular follow-up and support. These are also crucial as your team adapts to the new tool.

Track Timely Performance Data

With the software in place and your team trained, you can now start tracking timely performance data. Encourage your team to log their work hours, update project progress, and provide any necessary information in the software. Regularly review the data to identify areas for improvement and to ensure that your projects stay on track.

Benefits of Construction Time Tracking Software

Implementing construction time tracking software offers different benefits for your construction firm. Some of the key benefits of using construction time tracking software are as follows:

Reduced Paperwork and Minimized Guesswork

One of the most significant advantages of using construction time tracking software is the reduction of paperwork. Traditional methods often involve manual timekeeping, which can lead to errors and discrepancies. With time tracking software, you can eliminate the need for paper timesheets and manual data entry. It also helps you in reducing administrative overhead and minimizing guesswork.

Improved Project Costing and Budgeting

Accurate tracking of labor hours and project progress allows you to better estimate and control project costs. You can easily compare estimated budgets with actual expenditures. Also time trackers can help you to make informed decisions to complete projects within decided budgets. This transparency is invaluable for both project management and client communication during construction projects.

Better Productivity and Efficiency

Construction time tracking software enables you to monitor the productivity and efficiency of your workforce. These software help to find if the tasks are taking longer than expected or which employees may need additional support. You can make adjustments to improve project efficiency using time trackers. This data-driven approach enhances overall project performance.

Accurate Compliance

Many construction projects require compliance with labor regulations and union agreements. Tracking and reporting labor hours accurately helps you meet these compliance requirements without the risk of errors that can result in fines or disputes. The software can generate detailed reports for easy compliance checks.

Streamlined Payroll and Invoice Generation

Construction time tracking software comes with all the data readily available. This data helps construction business owners to generate payroll and invoices easily and accurately. You can automatically calculate employee wages, including overtime, and create invoices based on the work completed. This not only saves time but also reduces the possibility of billing errors.

Conclusion

Implementing construction time tracking software can be a smart initiative for construction firms who are looking to enhance project management, improve efficiency, and boost profitability.

It is essential to follow different steps and procedures to select the right software, introduce it to your team, and access the numerous benefits it offers.

Once you have chosen your ideal construction time tracking software, it is essential to remember that continuous communication, training, and monitoring are the necessities to ensure a smooth transition and successful utilization of the tool. Construction time tracking software is a valuable asset that can help construction site owners to excel in their projects, save time, and contribute to the growth and success of their construction firm.

With new technology and digital tools like construction time tracking software, people can get rid of the common challenges of the construction industry more effectively. Construction time tracking software also ensures that projects are completed on time and within budget. With construction time tracking software, you can have the insights and control needed to succeed in this demanding field.

So, take the leap, implement construction time tracking software, and watch your construction projects succeed. Your clients, your team, and your bottom line will thank you for it.