9 Best Time-Tracking Apps for Construction Trades

Category: Time | By Jessica Packard | 22 minute read | Updated Oct 31, 2023
9 Best Time-Tracking Apps for Construction Trades

Accurate time tracking is essential for construction businesses of all sizes. It helps contractors stay on budget, ensure projects are completed on time, and accurately bill clients.

There are a number of time-tracking apps available on the market, but some are better suited for construction trades than others.

Best time-tracking apps

1. Best for small construction trade businesses: ClockShark

2. Best for midsize construction trade businesses: Simpro

3. Best for large construction trade businesses: Raken

4. Best for office crews: Connecteam

5. Best for remote workers: Hubstaff

6. Best for companies already using QuickBooks for payroll: QuickBooks Time

7. Best for equipment management: BusyBusy

8. Best for HR management: ExakTime

9. Best for material tracking: Workyard

What to consider when choosing a time-tracking app for construction trades

Choosing the right time-tracking app for your trade business is important. It can help you track your crew’s time, bill clients accurately, and identify areas where you can improve efficiency. 

However, with so many different solutions available, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you.



Here are some things to look for in a time-tracking app for construction trades.

Ease of use

The app should be easy to use for both employees and managers. Employees should be able to clock in and out quickly and easily, even if they don't have access to a computer. Managers should be able to generate reports and view data easily.

Mobile app

Construction workers are often on the go, so it is important to have a time-tracking app that is accessible from mobile devices. This allows workers to clock in and out from anywhere, even if they do not have access to a computer.

Crew and job scheduling

Shift and job scheduling can help construction businesses improve efficiency and productivity by ensuring that the right crew is assigned to the right job at the right time. This can be done by creating schedules that take into account factors such as crew skills, experience, availability, and job requirements.

GPS tracking

GPS tracking can help ensure that employees are working on the correct project and during the correct hours. This is especially important for construction companies with employees working at multiple locations.

Job tracking

The app should allow you to track employee hours by project, so you can see how much time is being spent on each job. This information can be used to estimate costs and track progress.

Integration with other software

If you use other software for payroll, accounting, or project management, it's important to choose a time-tracking app that integrates with these systems. This will save you time and effort by eliminating the need to enter data manually into multiple systems.

Billing

Cash flow problems can be especially devastating for small businesses. Having a time-tracking app with billing capabilities will help you avoid delayed payments and significantly reduce financial strain.

Time-tracking app for construction trades

Here are some additional tips for choosing a time-tracking app for construction trades:

  • Read reviews: Before you choose a time-tracking app, read reviews from other businesses in the construction trade. This can help you learn about the pros and cons of different apps.

  • Ask for recommendations: Talk to other trade business owners and see what time-tracking apps they recommend.

  • Try out a free trial: Many time-tracking apps offer a free trial. This is a great way to try out the app before you commit to a paid plan.


The best time-tracking apps for construction trades

There are several different time-tracking apps for construction trades available. Here are a few of the best.

1. ClockShark

Best for: small construction trade businesses

Are you tired of manually tracking your team's time and creating timesheets? Do you want to improve your job management and boost efficiency?

Then you need to check out ClockShark, a time-tracking software built for construction trades.

Get accurate time tracking

ClockShark makes it easy to track your crew's time accurately, even when they're on the go. With the mobile time clock, your team can clock in and out right from their phones, and you can track their location using GPS to ensure they're where they're supposed to be.

ClockShark automatically generates timesheets based on the time clock data. This saves you time and hassle, and it helps to ensure that your team is paid accurately. It also integrates seamlessly with popular payroll software, such as QuickBooks and Xero, so you can export timesheets directly to payroll with just a few clicks.

Schedule jobs

With ClockShark, it's easy to create and manage schedules, even for businesses with multiple locations and crew members who work different shifts. You can easily drag and drop employees onto shifts, and you can set up recurring schedules to save even more time. 

Manage jobs

The job management feature helps you manage all your jobs in one place. You can easily assign tasks, track progress, and communicate with your team in real time. You’ll have the tools you need to identify and address any potential problems early on and to keep projects on track and on budget.

Get paid faster

ClockShark also makes it easy to get paid for your jobs. You can create and send customized quotes, get notified of approvals and changes, and generate invoices with just a few clicks. Your clients can pay online directly from the invoice, so you can get paid faster and with less hassle. No more paper quotes, payment delays, or worries about money flow.

Sign up for a free trial with ClockShark today and see the difference it can make in your business.

Pros

  • Mobile app and desktop versions
  • Cloud-based
  • Built for construction trades
  • Excellent customer support
  • Accurate timesheets
  • Accurate labor and financial reports
  • Integrates with QuickBooks, ADP®, Xero, Gusto, and much more

Key Features

  • Time tracking
  • GPS tracking
  • Geofencing
  • Job and shift scheduling
  • Job management
  • Quoting
  • Invoicing
  • Online payments
  • Payroll integrations

Save Time and Money with ClockShark

Get Started Free

No credit card required.

2. Simpro

Best for: midsize construction trade businesses

Simpro's time-tracking app is a mobile-first solution that helps construction businesses track employee hours, manage timesheets, and improve workforce productivity. It is easy to use and affordable, making it a good choice for companies in the midsize range that operate in multiple locations.

Features

  • Time tracking
  • Estimating and quoting
  • Invoicing
  • Online payments
  • Takeoffs for Estimating
  • Business and financial reporting
  • Scheduling and dispatching
  • Fleet tracking

3. Raken

Best for: large construction trade businesses

Raken is a good option for businesses that need to create customized checklists and reports. It also offers features such as time tracking, photo documentation, and task management. However, it can be more expensive than some other options.

Features

  • Time tracking
  • Integrations
  • Production tracking
  • Reports
  • Checklists
  • Toolbox talks

4. Connecteam

Best for: Office crews

Connecteam is an all-in-one time tracking, task management, and communication app well-suited for businesses of all sizes with a larger office crew. It offers a variety of features that are important for construction businesses, such as GPS tracking, project tracking, time-off tracking, and employee communication tools.

Features

  • Time tracking
  • Shift scheduling
  • Task management
  • Location tracking
  • Payroll integration

5. Hubstaff

Best for: remote workers

Hubstaff is a time-tracking and employee-monitoring app that is well-suited for construction companies with remote workers. It offers a variety of features that are important for construction businesses, such as GPS tracking, project tracking, and employee activity monitoring.

Features

  • Time tracking
  • Reporting
  • Geofencing
  • Employee scheduling
  • Invoicing
  • Work order management

6. QuickBooks Time

Best for: companies already using QuickBooks for payroll

QuickBooks Time is a good option for construction companies that are already using QuickBooks for payroll. It offers features such as time tracking, project tracking, and labor estimates. However, it can be expensive, especially for larger companies.

Features

  • Time tracking
  • Location tracking
  • PTO tracking
  • Job scheduling
  • Payroll integration

7. BusyBusy

Best for: equipment management

BusyBusy is a time-tracking and job-costing app for construction companies. It helps them track employee hours, manage projects, and invoice clients.

Features

  • Time tracking
  • Equipment tracking
  • Job costing
  • Location tracking
  • Reporting

8. ExakTime

Best for: HR management

ExakTime is a time-tracking app designed specifically for the construction industry. It offers a variety of features, such as GPS tracking, geofencing, and photo time tracking, to help businesses track employee hours accurately and efficiently.

Features

  • Time tracking
  • Location tracking
  • Payroll integration
  • Reporting
  • HR management

9. Workyard

Best for: mileage tracking

Workyard is a construction time-tracking app that uses GPS tracking and geofencing to accurately track employee hours. It integrates with construction software programs to streamline workflows and improve efficiency.

Key Features

  • Time tracking
  • Time management
  • GPS location and mileage tracking
  • Job scheduling
  • Job costing
  • Integrations

Which time-tracking app is right for you?

The best time-tracking app for your trade business will depend on your specific needs and budget. Consider the features that are important to you, and consider how easy to use and affordable the solution is.

If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, try ClockShark for free today and see why it is the trusted choice of over 100,000 field service and construction professionals worldwide.




Compare the best time-tracking apps for construction trades



Best forFree Trial
Best Job Tracking Software Tools For Contractors                                                                                      small construction trade businesses
midsize construction trade businesses
large construction trade businesses
office crews
remote workers
companies already using QuickBooks for payroll
equipment management
exaktime logoHR management
material tracking

9,500+ companies use ClockShark to track employees and save time every month.

Get Started Free

No credit card required.