Top 7 Time Tracking Challenges in Construction Projects

Top 7 Time Tracking Challenges in Construction Projects
Time Tracking

Accurate time tracking is critical for managing construction projects. When contractors precisely track worker hours, it becomes easier to stay on schedule, control budgets, and ensure overall project profitability. 

However, despite its importance, many construction businesses still struggle to do this effectively. Which leads to inefficiencies, inflated costs, and costly project delays—challenges that no contractor can afford. 

To add to this, there are usually several projects going on simultaneously (with several teams working on them). This complexity further increases the importance of time tracking, making it crucial to ensure projects are on time and profitable. 

Yet for most contractors, time tracking remains a big obstacle.

Understanding Construction Time Tracking

Time tracking involves recording worker hours spent on different tasks and projects. This practice is crucial for managing labor expenses, ensuring compliance with labor laws, and maintaining accurate payroll & billing records. It also allows contractors to monitor productivity, make informed decisions, and accurately track costs. 

7 Common Time Tracking Challenges in Construction

Accurate timekeeping can be challenging. This is due to several factors specific to construction. Here are five major issues, including practical solutions provided by Ontraq’s AI-powered Time Tracking Software:

1. Errors from Manual Data Entry

Manual timesheet entries often lead to mistakes, causing payroll discrepancies and budget inaccuracies. Such errors result in losses and additional administrative work.

How Ontraq Helps: Ontraq automates the time tracking process using GPS-based digital timesheets, significantly reducing errors and streamlining administration. Automation ensures accuracy and minimizes time spent on admin.

2. Tracking Time Across Multiple Job Sites

It is difficult to track labor hours accurately across different projects in different locations. This can lead to missing project deadlines, going over budget on labor costs, and missing out on important project-related information.

How Ontraq Helps: With OnTraq you can easily track crew hours across multiple sites, in real-time. This gives immediate visibility into labor costs, ensuring you are staying on budget or can take decisions immediately if you see labor hours exceed what you originally estimated.

3. Compliance with Labor Regulations

Labor compliance regulations can be complex. Failure to comply can result in fines, legal problems, and potential disruptions to projects.

How Ontraq Helps: Ontraq ensures regulatory compliance by providing well-organized digital records that are accessible during audits, helping contractors avoid costly legal issues.

4. Inefficient Payroll Processes

Traditional payroll methods based on manual timesheets often cause delays and inaccuracies, negatively impacting employee satisfaction and retention. They also are a huge time stuck for the admin team.

How Ontraq Helps: Ontraq seamlessly integrates with payroll systems like QuickBooks, helping you get accurate and timely payroll done, all while saving time and improving employee satisfaction (and work efficiency).

5. Limited Real-Time Insights

Without timely data, contractors struggle to address scheduling conflicts, delays, or inefficiencies often which can often lead to project delays and increased costs.

How Ontraq Helps: Ontraq provides instant insights into labor allocation and costs, so you can quickly identify and correct inefficiencies. Real-time data helps maintain schedules and budgets effectively.

6. Resistance to Adopting New Technology

Construction teams, especially smaller crews, can be resistant to adopting new tech solutions, despite the benefits. 

How Ontraq Helps: Ontraq’s user-friendly interface requires minimal training, making the transition to digital solutions easy.

7. Mobile Accessibility Limitations

Construction workers primarily rely on mobile devices onsite. So any solution needs to be simple and mobile-accessible. 

How Ontraq Helps: The OnTraq mobile app makes it easy for crews to use on the site, and easily clock in/clock out and add their break times.

Why Choose OnTraq for Construction Time Tracking?

Ontraq is tailored for small to medium contractors. It is easy to use and affordable. Some of the reasons contractors choose Ontraq are:

  • Automated Accuracy: Ontraq’s AI-driven platform minimizes manual data entry, which reduces errors and saves admin time, and ensures labor costs stay in budget.

  • Instant Project Visibility: In addition to adding time, the crew can add notes or pictures, which help with project visibility.

  • Seamless Integration and Compliance: Ontraq integrates effortlessly with popular payroll and accounting platforms, making these processes more efficient.

Success Story: Residential contractor Todd Peterson achieved over $12,000 in 6 months by moving from manual paper based timesheets to using the Ontraq Time Clock software. 

Conclusion

Accurate and real time tracking of labor hours is essential to running successful projects. Addressing challenges like manual errors, multi-site complexity, compliance issues, payroll inefficiencies, and real-time data limitations significantly help you achieve better outcomes for your projects. With Ontraq AI, you can effectively resolve these challenges, complete your projects on time and on budget.

Ready to simplify your construction projects and enhance profitability? Schedule your free Ontraq AI demo now!

Frequently Asked Questions

How does construction time tracking software benefit construction projects?

Construction time tracking software enhances accuracy, reduces admin time, ensures compliance, and offers immediate insights, significantly improving overall project management.

Can construction time tracking software be used across multiple job sites?

Yes, advanced platforms like Ontraq provide multi-site tracking, so contractors can accurately monitor labor activities across several locations in real time.

How does construction time tracking software improve payroll management?

Time-tracking solutions like Ontraq integrate seamlessly with payroll systems, ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing while reducing manual errors and hours of manual work.

Is construction time tracking software easy to implement?

Yes, solutions like Ontraq feature user-friendly designs, easy setup, and minimal training, making them straightforward for contractors to implement (even small contractors find it easy to use)

Can construction time tracking software ensure compliance?

Absolutely. Digital tracking solutions provide comprehensive documentation. This simplifies compliance and reduces the risk of fines or legal issues.

What is the impact of delays in construction projects on time, cost, and quality?

Delays typically lead to increased project costs, missing deadlines, and compromised quality due to rushed tasks or lowered standards. It also can erode your profits, often making profitable projects unprofitable.