Are you running a construction business? If yes, then you are juggling several tasks at once. The construction business comes with a variety of operations running simultaneously. You must know how to balance the schedules for multiple projects, team members, and specialty subcontractors.
Therefore, if you have the right scheduling software in place, you can plan your projects and assign shifts in less time as compared to doing it manually.
Based on user reviews, Google Calendar, Acuity Scheduling, Calendly, and Doodle are some of the most popular scheduling software. But these are not solely used for construction.
For example, they do not include features like budgeting the project or allocating labor costs. For these functions, companies must use specially designed software for the unique challenges catered to construction businesses.
In this blog, we’ll highlight the key features of employee scheduling software for construction.
What Is Construction Employee Scheduling Software?
Team managers and contractors use the construction employee scheduling software to schedule shifts and handle other elements of a project. This may include time tracking, performance management, and task management.
Here are the key features of construction employee scheduling software:
1. Crew Scheduling
A WFM system, such as crew scheduling software, empowers organizations to efficiently create, manage, and assign work schedules to their employees. These systems offer a range of features that enable seamless scheduling processes, including the ability to customize schedules based on business needs, employee availability, and skills.
By utilizing workforce management software, a construction company can optimize shift assignments, allocate resources effectively, and improve labor force output. Moreover, these systems usually provide various communication options for sharing schedules, whether through online platforms or by exporting them into convenient formats like PDFs for printing or emailing.
This ensures clear and accessible schedule dissemination, better coordination, employee engagement, and operational efficiency.
2. Employee and Contractor Time Tracking
Incorporating time clock functions within a workforce management system offers a streamlined solution for crew members to effortlessly record their work hours by punching in and out.
Furthermore, by automating timesheets through these systems, companies can efficiently track employee attendance, monitor labor costs, and enhance payroll management for construction crews. The precise time tracking provided by time clock features not only ensures accurate and reliable payroll processing but also facilitates seamless invoicing based on billable hours worked.
This automation saves time and reduces errors associated with manual timesheet handling. Also, it enables organizations to maintain precise records and comply with labor regulations. Thus, optimizing staff productivity and cost-effectiveness.
3. Employee Location Tracking
Integrating GPS team tracking capability into an automated system enables construction companies to monitor the real-time location of each crew member, ensuring that they are on-site when they clock in for their shifts.
Additionally, this feature offers unparalleled visibility and transparency, allowing supervisors and managers to track the whereabouts of field employees and verify their presence at designated work sites.
By utilizing GPS technology for team tracking, organizations can enhance accountability, improve workforce productivity, and effectively manage remote or mobile teams.
This real-time location monitoring facilitates accurate time and attendance tracking. Also, it enables proactive decision-making, better resource allocation, and enhanced operational efficiency.
4. Employee Mobile App
Android and iOS apps enable employees and subcontractors to manage their work schedules with ease and efficiency. These apps provide a comprehensive calendar view of their schedules.
Hence, allowing them to clock in and out effortlessly, request PTO, and adjust their availability. The intuitive interface ensures that all scheduling needs are met, promoting better work-life balance and enhancing productivity.
5. Geofencing
Enhance control over employee time tracking by setting a GPS geofence around your work site, ensuring that employees can only clock in and out when they are physically within the designated area.
This advanced feature prevents labor from checking in early or logging hours when they are not actually on site, thereby promoting accuracy and accountability. By utilizing this technology, businesses can reduce time theft, improve compliance with labor laws, and ensure that payroll reflects true working hours.
The result is a more reliable and efficient workforce management system that enhances operational integrity.
7. Break Timing
The software offers compliance with labor laws by using tools that automatically remind employees about their break times. For example, if a worker forgets to take their scheduled lunch break during a busy shift, the system will send them a timely reminder, ensuring they get the necessary rest.
This feature not only helps in adhering to legal requirements but also promotes employee well-being and productivity by ensuring regular breaks. By automating these reminders, businesses can reduce the risk of non-compliance and create a more supportive work environment.
8. Shift Switching and Covering
This feature allows employees to effortlessly communicate about shifts that need coverage via the mobile app. For instance, if a laborer realizes he can’t make his shift on Saturday, he can quickly send out a notification to his team through the app, letting others know about the open slot.
This streamlined communication ensures that shifts are covered efficiently and reduces the chances of staffing gaps. Thereby maintaining smooth operations and team collaboration.
9. Construction Project Management Tools
Construction management software offers features that streamline operational workflows, such as day-to-day task management and accurate labor costing. For example, the task management module allows project managers to assign, track, and update tasks in real-time. Thus, ensuring all team members are on the same page and deadlines are met.
Meanwhile, the labor costing feature accurately tracks hours worked and allocates labor costs to specific projects or tasks, providing precise financial oversight and aiding in budget management. These tools collectively enhance efficiency, reduce errors, and improve project management.
Final Thoughts
As construction scheduling software has features like geofencing, location monitoring, shift coverage, and break management, it makes creating work schedules easier and faster.
It’s useful to compare the integrations offered by the various solutions on the market. Put differently, consider such software that integrates easily with the ones you already have, such as your payroll, project management, and CRM applications.
Hence, you can start utilizing the features that can optimize your workflow and help you save time and money by locating the best scheduling software for your construction company.