The 5 Best Time Tracking Software for Construction

By now, many time-tracking tools have built functionality with the construction industry in mind. If you want to track how much your team are working, where, and when, you now have a range of software options to choose from.

In this article, we compare the best time-tracking tools for construction to determine which offers the best value for money. On top of their time tracking performance, we looked at features that matter in construction like GPS capability and equipment tracking.

What came out is a comprehensive top 5 list that should allow you to choose a time-tracking tool more quickly and easily.

The Winners

When it comes to construction time-tracking software, there are several options that stand out for their unique features and capabilities. Some of the leading time-tracking programs for construction in 2024:

• Best for Comprehensive Tracking: Timeero
• Best for Large Teams: Exaktime
• Best for Project Tracking: QuickBooks Time
• Best for High Budgets: Workyard
• Best for Equipment Tracking: Busybusy

Each of these products excels in specific areas, ensuring that you can find the perfect fit for your specific needs. Whether you are managing a large team or you’re working on your own, there will be an option for you.

1. Timeero – Best for Comprehensive Tracking

Timeero tends to be one of the more comprehensive packages on the market today. It includes typical features such as GPS time tracking and more advanced ones such as facial recognition. In other words, this product is on the cutting edge of time tracking software for construction.

Specifications:

• GPS time tracking
• Mileage tracking
• Geofencing
• Facial recognition

Pros:

• Comprehensive tracking capabilities
• User-friendly mobile app
• Detailed reporting options
• Integration with QuickBooks, ADP, and Zapier

Cons:

• Higher cost for advanced features
• Geofencing reminders can be intrusive

Timeero is recognized as an exemplary time-tracker for the construction industry. In addition to offering GPS time tracking, mileage tracking, and geofencing, it also has a mobile app that is easy to use and allows employees to clock in and out while on the road. The facial recognition feature in the Kiosk mode also helps to make sure that everyone is punching in for themselves.

Because this is a full-featured product, it can also get a little pricey, particularly if you opt for the advanced features in the Pro plan. Some users have found that the geofencing reminders are intrusive, but they also provide invaluable information.

Price:

This product offers four different pricing plans – Basic, Pro, Premium, and Enterprise. The Basic package is $4 per user on a monthly basis. The Pro package offers more features including geofencing and starts at $8 per user, per month. The Premium package has a number of additional features such as signatures, mileage, and HIPAA compliance and comes in at just $11 per user, per month. Finally, the Enterprise package is for companies that have more than 1,000 users and the cost is available upon request.

Rating:

• Price: 4/5
• Design: 5/5
• Features: 5/5
• Ease of Use: 4/5

2. Exaktime – Best for Large Teams

As GPS tracking and geofencing become more commonplace in time-tracking software, construction companies are now realizing just how important they are. A product like Exaktime provides this technology at a fairly reasonable price to companies of all sizes.

Specifications:

• Payroll integration
• In-app translations
• GPS tracking
• Geofencing

Pros:

• Robust features for large teams
• Integration with over 100 payroll providers
• Multilingual support
• Comprehensive time-tracking tools

Cons:

• Higher cost for large teams
• Complex setup for some features

Exaktime is designed for large construction teams, providing a wide range of features that include GPS tracking, geofencing, and photo ID capture. It works with your payroll and accounting systems and also includes English, Spanish, and French translations throughout the program.

Even though this product is slightly higher in price on a per-user basis, Exaktime’s robust features justify the investment. For large teams that need precise time tracking and workforce management, it is invaluable. That is why Exaktime remains a top choice for construction businesses.

Price:

Exaktime offers three different pricing plans – Advanced, Premium, and Elite. The Advanced plan offers time and attendance tracking, GPS tracking and geofencing, and more and starts at just $9 per month. The Premium package also offers a scheduler and alerts and the price can be found by contacting the company directly. The same goes for the Elite package which also includes time off administration – you will need to provide your information to Exaktime to get a customized quote.

Rating:

• Price: 3.5/5
• Design: 4.5/5
• Features: 5/5
• Ease of Use: 4/5

3. QuickBooks Time – Best for Project Tracking

By now, pretty much everyone knows who QuickBooks is. They advertise all the time and chances are pretty good that you have already been paid by someone who uses QuickBooks. Anyhow, this is a powerful and user-friendly product for construction teams.

Specifications:

• Project tracking
• Real-time reports
• Task assignment
• Scheduling

Pros:

• Detailed project tracking capabilities
• Real-time reporting
• Flexible clock-in options
• Integration with QuickBooks Online

Cons:

• Higher cost for small teams
• Can be overwhelming for basic users

QuickBooks Time is a preferred choice for construction firms that require detailed project management and time tracking. With the construction time clock app, employees can track hours worked on different tasks within the same project. This means that you will be able to see real-time costs in terms of labor hours.

This product can be expensive as your team grows, but the number of features seems to make it well worth the cost. Another drawback is that the platform can be overwhelming for basic users. But, with a little training, QuickBooks Time offers unmatched functionality and integration with QuickBooks Online.

Price:

QuickBooks offers the greatest variety of pricing plans for any product out there. To start with, there are four basic levels – Simple Start, Essentials, Plus, and Advanced. All of these packages come with a 30-day free trial and can be canceled at any time.

The Simple Start plan starts at just $1.80 per month when purchased on an annual basis. The Essentials plan starts at just $2.70 per month, and the Plus plan is $3.80 per month. Finally, the Advanced plan is $76 per month and comes with all of the features that QuickBooks offers. Keep in mind that these prices reflect a 50% discount when purchasing annually.

Rating:

• Price: 4/5
• Design: 4.5/5
• Features: 5/5
• Ease of Use: 4/5

4. Workyard – Best for High Budgets

If you are in the business of running a large construction firm with large-ticket jobs, then having a time-tracking program that is built for size is important. Workyard is in the business of helping larger companies handle the highest budgets and ensure that job costs are always under control.

Specifications:

• GPS tracking
• Job costing
• Mileage tracking
• Picture progress updates

Pros:

• Highly accurate GPS tracking
• Comprehensive job costing features
• Advanced compliance tools
• Robust feature set tailored for construction

Cons:

• Expensive compared to other options
• Requires a learning curve for new users

Workyard caters to construction businesses with substantial budgets by providing a lot of high-end, high-tech features that other products simply don’t have. One standout feature is its highly accurate GPS tracking, which ensures precise recording of clock-ins and clock-outs.

Workyard’s job costing capabilities capture precise labor costs for each job, helping keep budgets on track. Of course, this is not the cheapest plan available, so it isn’t for everyone. But, a full set of advanced compliance tools and comprehensive features make Workyard an ideal choice for larger construction companies.

Price:

Workyard offers two different pricing structures – Time-Tracking and Workforce Management. The Time-Tracking package starts at just $6 per user, per month with a $50 per month company base fee. The Workforce Management package costs $13 per user, per month with the same $50 per month company base fee.

Rating:

• Price: 3.5/5
• Design: 5/5
• Features: 5/5
• Ease of Use: 4/5

5. Busybusy – Best for Equipment Tracking

While many construction companies are focused on managing their people, if you have a lot of equipment, then you also have to monitor them. Busybusy is the leading time-tracker that also includes equipment tracking and related data to ensure your assets are always being properly used.

Specifications:

• Equipment tracking
• GPS tracking
• Machine hours tracking
• Operator efficiency

Pros:

• Comprehensive equipment tracking
• Real-time GPS locations
• Offline tracking capabilities
• Detailed equipment usage reports

Cons:

• May be overkill for small teams
• Requires training for effective use

Busybusy is distinguished by its equipment tracking capabilities, offering:

• Real-time GPS locations for employees, equipment, and projects
• Tracking machine hours and operator efficiency
• Offline tracking, ensuring continuous monitoring regardless of internet connectivity

Busybusy’s mobile app has become an essential tool for many supervisors, construction workers, and machine operators. It can also generate real-time reports on budget, equipment usage, and other aspects of your business.

While Busybusy’s full set of features might be too much for smaller teams, they are invaluable for larger projects where equipment tracking is critical. For companies that manage large assets, Busybusy is the go-to choice.

Pricing:

Busybusy offers three different packages – Free, Pro, and Premium. The Free package is limited in terms of the features it allows, but if you want to see what Pro has to offer, you can try it for free for 14 days. The Pro package starts at $9.99 per user, per month when billed annually and requires a $40 administrative license fee. The Premium package is $14.99 per user, per month when billed annually and also requires the license fee.

Rating:

• Price: 4/5
• Design: 4.5/5
• Features: 5/5
• Ease of Use: 4/5

Essential Features in Construction Time Tracking Software

So, let’s take a look at the key features of construction time-tracking software to help you determine just what you need in a program:

1. GPS tracking is crucial for verifying employees’ locations and ensuring they spend their time at the designated job sites.
2. Offline capabilities are essential for environments with poor or no internet access.
3. Integration with payroll and accounting systems like QuickBooks or Gusto streamlines administrative tasks, reducing manual efforts and errors.
4. Job code and project tracking features allow easy assignment of hours to specific job codes, ensuring accurate tracking of project labor costs.
5. Advanced features like facial recognition and location-based reminders can enhance the user experience and security.

Choosing the Right Time-Tracking Software for Your Needs

The choice of the best construction time-tracking software for your company will depend on factors such as crew size, budget, and unique industry needs.

The size of your crew and the complexity of your projects is obviously very important. Larger teams may require more robust solutions like Exaktime. For smaller teams or simpler projects, more basic tools like Clockify may be enough and end up saving money.

Pricing is also going to be a factor. Premium tools like Workyard offer advanced features but they are more expensive. On the other hand, Timeero, offers various plans to suit different budgets.

Industry-specific needs should also be considered before you make your choice. If you require job code tracking, GPS location, and equipment management, then that will help guide your decision.

Integration and Compatibility Considerations

The integration and compatibility of software are vitally important, particularly if you are currently using other tools to manage your projects. Ensure the software integrates seamlessly with your payroll, accounting, and construction-specific systems. Workyard, for instance, offers native integrations with:

• QuickBooks
• Gusto
• Paychex
• ADP
• Sage

Integration with payroll systems can save a lot of time and reduce the risk of errors. Some benefits of integrating with payroll systems include:

• Streamlining payroll processes
• Reducing the need for manual data entry
• Improving accuracy and reducing errors
• Saving time and effort
• Coordinating various management tools into a single system

Exaktime integrates with over 100 payroll providers, streamlining payroll processes which will save you time and money.

Evaluating User Experience and Support

User experience and support are also going to be big factors to consider. A product that is difficult to use will end up hindering your progress. On the other hand, a user-friendly interface minimizes training requirements and ensures ease of use for both employees and administrators.

Automated features like geofencing provide location-based reminders for clocking in and out and you can’t overlook the importance of multilingual support for diverse teams. Exaktime’s native in-app translations to English, Spanish, and French.

We all know how important customer support is, whether it is via phone, life chat, or email. Ensure the software offers comprehensive support to minimize downtime and enhance productivity.

Customer ratings can also be a good indicator of user satisfaction. QuickBooks Time has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 on Capterra, reflecting high user satisfaction and is one of the reasons why it is a leading contender today.

Finally, ease of implementation is something to look at. Make sure the product you choose is easy to get started with and doesn’t require a lot of user training. Clockify, for example, provides a free plan with unlimited users and projects, making it particularly user-friendly for small teams.

 Summary

Choosing the best time tracking software for your construction business involves evaluating your specific needs and priorities and then choosing from products such as Timeero, Exaktime, QuickBooks Time, Workyard, and Busybusy.

Timeero is ideal for comprehensive tracking and offers features like GPS tracking and facial recognition. Exaktime excels in managing large teams with robust payroll integration and multilingual support.

QuickBooks Time stands out for its detailed project-tracking capabilities, while Workyard is perfect for larger companies with higher budgets. Finally, Busybusy is definitely the best choice for equipment tracking, providing real-time GPS locations and detailed usage reports.

Essential features such as GPS tracking, geofencing, offline capabilities, and integration with payroll and accounting systems should all be considered and keep in mind your own particular crew size, budget, and industry-specific needs.