Digital Time Tracking in Construction: Solutions for Legal Requirements and More

16. June 2025

More than just a requirement – rethinking time recording ⏱️

Die digital time recording in construction has become essential – not only on the construction site but also in the office. Since the introduction of the legal obligation for time recording, it has become clear: paper timesheets are a thing of the past. The industry is undergoing a transformation – and those who adopt digital solutions now save time, money, and nerves.

In this guide, we show you how to meet the legal requirements while making your company more efficient. With tools that even work as simply as WhatsApp.


Legal foundations: What does time recording mean in the construction industry? 👷

The systematic recording of working hours has been mandatory since a ruling by the European Court of Justice (ECJ). Construction companies are also required to fully document the start, end, and duration of daily working hours – regardless of company size or type of employment.

Especially on construction sites with changing locations, the analog method using handwritten timesheets poses a challenge. Digital solutions provide relief here and enable a legally secure, simple, and practical implementation of the requirements – for example, through mobile apps or even messaging services.

Learn more about the time recording obligation in the construction industry


Digital time recording in construction: Tools, apps, and mobile solutions 🚧

Digital time recording in construction is now available in many variants – from specialized software solutions to easy-to-use apps or even messaging services. They allow flexible, mobile, and legally secure recording of working hours directly on the construction site – regardless of location or device.

Mobile applications play a central role in the construction industry. They allow recording via smartphone, tablet, or QR code system – often also operable offline and with GPS support. The use of tools like WhatsApp is also increasingly being tested in practice.

The selection of time recording solutions is vast. Depending on company size, project structure, and individual requirements, a systematic comparison is worthwhile to find the right tool.

Rethinking time recording: WhatsApp as a tool
Comparison of the best time recording tools for the construction site (coming soon)


Time recording for payroll and billing 📝

Accurate time recording is the foundation for error-free payroll processing. Inaccurate or incomplete data not only leads to inquiries but also to potential billing errors and conflicts.

Digital systems provide clarity here: they enable a structured handover of the recorded times to accounting, reduce manual transfer errors, and ensure more transparency in billing.

Time recording for payroll: error-free and efficient


Time recording in trades 🔨

Even smaller craft businesses are subject to the obligation to record working hours. At the same time, there is often a lack of time or budget for complex IT solutions. Therefore, simple, mobile systems that can be integrated into the daily work routine with minimal effort are all the more important.

Especially in the craft sector, digital solutions prove to be an effective means of increasing efficiency – both in time recording and in providing evidence to customers or authorities.

Time recording in crafts: The path to greater efficiency


The digital timesheet: From paper to app 📑

Paper timesheets are still common – but they are error-prone, confusing, and difficult to trace later. Digital alternatives allow for direct input on mobile devices, reduce transfer errors, and facilitate analysis.

For companies, this means more transparency, less effort in follow-up, and better traceability for third parties. A free PDF template is available as an initial support tool to ease the transition and establish initial digital structures.

Digital timesheet: From paper to digital
Access the free PDF template for digital timesheets

You can also fill out our form directly and receive the template immediately:


Time recording with Valoon: Intuitive solution for construction companies 🚀

Valoon offers a digital solution specifically designed for the needs of the construction industry. The platform enables mobile time recording directly on the construction site – easy to use and without significant implementation effort.

Not only does Valoon support digital time recording in construction, but it also automates processes and facilitates documentation for communication between the office and the construction site. The data is processed in compliance with GDPR and can be seamlessly integrated into existing workflows.


Time recording of the future: Trends and developments 🛸

The digitalization of time recording is continuously evolving. New technologies such as artificial intelligence, automated evaluations, and smart devices open up new possibilities for even more efficient and error-free recording.

Future systems could be seamlessly linked to project management and payroll tools, automatically analyze processes, and respond to deviations. This not only provides construction companies with more control but also a real competitive advantage.


Conclusion: Digital time recording in construction is mandatory – but also a tremendous opportunity 🥇

The legal requirements compel companies to act – but those who see the obligation as an opportunity for digitalization gain: more overview, less stress, better planning. And above all: satisfied teams and a future-proof company.

Digital time recording in construction is not just a legal requirement, but also an important step towards greater efficiency and transparency on the construction site. Those who invest in digital solutions now improve not only payroll and documentation but also the entire project planning and management. This not only enhances communication between the office and the construction site but also drastically reduces bureaucratic effort.

The future of time recording offers great potential for even smarter, automated systems. With AI, smart devices, and seamless integrations, time recording is becoming increasingly efficient and error-free. Construction sites are not only becoming more productive but also safer and better organized. Companies that invest in these technologies gain a clear competitive advantage and are prepared for the digital future of construction.

The construction industry is changing – don’t stand still. Try Valoon now and experience how simple and efficient digital construction management can be. 🚀

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