Projects in the construction industry tend to be large and complex. While the industry has evolved with changing project specifications and more diverse construction teams, technological changes have lagged behind. But digitization has a plethora of benefits, making it easier for project teams to communicate efficiently.
Monitoring and tracking labor is one of the biggest reasons to implement software. This article will highlight some key considerations when selecting a construction labor tracking software.
What is construction labor tracking software?
Construction labor tracking software is a management software that facilitates communication and data exchange between contractors, managers, and supervisors working together on a construction project. It’s mainly used for job and employee scheduling, time management, GPS tracking, reporting, and forecasting.
Key features to look for in a construction labor tracking software
1. Project tracking
The first thing to consider when looking for a construction labor tracking software is whether or not it will allow you to track your projects. Without project tracking, there’s no way to accurately monitor your budget, schedule, and labor.
The right software will allow you to track what’s important for each project to analyze the data later if necessary. Some systems even can import data from outside sources like Microsoft Excel to make it easier for you to manage everything.
2. Dashboard
Another feature worth considering is whether or not the system is equipped with a comprehensive dashboard feature. This allows you to view all the information you’ll need about your project in one place, which makes it easier for you and your team members to view updates as they arise.
3. Communication tools
Various communication tools should include features like chatboxes, messaging and mailing features, data and file sharing, and more within the system.
These features are crucial because they allow teams who may be located in different parts of the world to communicate more efficiently with one another. This makes managing labor much easier and more efficient.
4. Resource tracking
One of the most frustrating aspects of construction management is tracking down contractors. A good construction labor tracking software should include a resource-tracking feature that can provide you with accurate data regarding available labor.
5. Demand forecasting
Demand forecasting is crucial when choosing construction labor tracking software. You’ll want to make sure that it provides accurate and thorough data on demand forecasting so you can avoid over or understaffing.
Using a system that only tracks work orders but not labor can lead to inaccuracies about the amount of labor required for work coming up in the near future. Inefficient workforce planning can result in your team lacking enough people to complete all of the tasks necessary for your project.
6. Schedule optimization
One of the biggest problems for contractors is inefficient construction schedules. Inefficiencies in your schedule can increase labor costs and decrease productivity.
A labor tracking software allows you to minimize these inefficiencies by providing a way to generate reports that highlight issues with your current schedule. It also allows you to identify if you have a sufficient workforce available for a scheduled project.
7. Maintain data integrity
Construction labor tracking software should give you the ability to maintain data integrity. Data integrity ensures that all data entered into a system is accurate and up to date. This streamlines processes like labor tracking and payroll preparation.
Without it, you risk errors and having inaccurate reports. Labor tracking software should also provide defaults for everyday tasks to reduce manual data entry.
8. Time tracking
One of the most important factors when choosing a construction labor tracking software is time tracking. Construction projects often have a budget agreed upon that the contractor must adhere to. Time tracking is vital because it allows contractors to stay within budget and keep their clients happy.
A significant part of the budget goes into paying and reimbursing workers and laborers. Therefore, it helps to consider whether a time tracker is offered when using a construction labor tracking software. To accurately measure productivity, it's necessary to use a time tracker that can be closely monitored by all parties involved in the project.
For example, if you're working on a project with multiple team members, you'll want to make sure that the software offers a timesheet or portal so each person can keep track of their hours and communicate those with the rest of the team.
9. Pay calculation
One of the key features to look for in a construction labor tracking software is whether it supports integration with payroll software.
Construction is an industry with many on-site workers and contractors, as well as remote employees. A good construction labor tracking software will be able to integrate with payroll software and provide inputs to calculate payroll across all the categories.
It's essential that the software can seamlessly work with a wide variety of payment types, including hourly wages and lump sum payments.
10. Attendance monitoring
Another key feature to look out for is attendance monitoring. It’s essential, as it prevents contractors from billing for hours where workers were not present on site. It will also ensure that their employees are not working too many hours, and that they’re getting paid for all the hours they work.
11. Alerts and notifications
It’s crucial for construction labor tracking software to be able to send alerts and notifications. These notifications can include when a project has been updated or when a team member is no longer on the site.
Construction labor tracking software is important
Making use of software for construction projects is necessary for any company to remain competitive. In the future, it’s likely to become an integral part of coordinating project budgets and timelines.
Choosing the right construction labor tracking software can be a daunting task if you don't know what to look for. However, the key factors listed in this article can help you narrow down your search and find the one best suited to your project’s needs.
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