Advantages of digital time tracking in trades and construction
Especially in the construction and trades sector, switching from paper to a digital solution is beneficial – as increasing efficiency and avoiding errors are crucial here. Companies can easily keep track of the work hours of entire teams through digital timesheets without drowning in piles of paperwork. Times can be easily recorded by each employee and processed by payroll in real-time. This leads to significant ease of work – especially during stressful phases of projects.
Another advantage is not only the digital recording of work but also that vacation requests, absences, or sick leaves can be recorded and forwarded with just a few clicks. This data can then be accessed at any time by human resources or the site manager. Consequently, less time needs to be invested in planning and organization, allowing the focus to be placed on actual project work.
Features of a modern digital timesheet
A digital timesheet can do much more than just record working hours. It can be used in various ways and even tailored to the specific needs of the construction and trades sector. Here are the main features of Valoon that significantly ease daily work:
- Real-time time tracking: Employees can easily record their work hours on-site through WhatsApp or other messaging platforms. No minute is lost.
- Management of absences: Whether vacation, illness, or other absences – these can be entered directly via mobile phone and clearly displayed for the site manager and human resources department.
- Automated data processing: All recorded times are collected and transformed into reports. These can then be immediately used for payroll or performance documentation.
- Export in various formats: Thanks to Valoon, there is also the option to export data as Excel or CSV files. This facilitates integration into existing accounting or project management systems.
- Multilingual use: Valoon has an integrated translation feature. This allows employees with different language backgrounds to collaborate effortlessly. Everyone can communicate in their native language, and Valoon translates in real time – minimizing misunderstandings.
- Notifications and reminders: Automatic reminders ensure that no important information is forgotten.
All of these are reasons why digital time tracking in trades not only saves time but also improves collaboration and streamlines processes.
Why WhatsApp is perfect for time tracking
Using a familiar tool like WhatsApp for time tracking in trades is a true game-changer for the construction and trades sector. Leveraging WhatsApp for time tracking in trades is indeed a game-changer. Already, 72% of all construction participants use WhatsApp in their daily work – shifting the timesheet to this platform has several key advantages:
- Minimal entry barriers: No additional apps or software are required, as nearly everyone already has WhatsApp installed on their smartphone.
- No training required: WhatsApp is straightforward and self-explanatory. Employees can therefore get started right away, as they are already familiar with its use.
- Quick entries via chat messages: Instead of navigating complicated processes on their smartphones, work hours, absences, or progress updates can be recorded and sent like a text message thanks to WhatsApp.
- GDPR-compliant use: A very important point for companies – the integration of the WhatsApp Business API ensures maximum data security.
- Flexibility for all team members: Employees can record data anytime, whether on-site or on the go.
WhatsApp brings digital time tracking in trades exactly to the place where it is needed: the construction site.
The future of time tracking: digital and automated
Digitalization has long become a key factor for the competitiveness of the construction industry and other trades. Recording work hours is just the beginning of a profound transformation. The future of time tracking in trades lies in automation and the use of new technologies, including artificial intelligence. In the future, AI systems will not only automate the input of time periods but also make predictions, for example, about the availability of individuals or resource planning.
Another promising aspect of digital time tracking in trades is that real-time data is integrated into project management. As time tracking is continuously synchronized with project management and accounting software, site managers gain a direct overview of project progress and can make informed decisions immediately. Possible time overruns or budget discrepancies can thus be identified very early on. At the same time, digital time tracking contributes to sustainability by eliminating paper-based processes and saving resources. This accuracy-enhancing and efficient time management not only serves project planning but also gives companies a clear competitive advantage.
It is therefore crucial for companies to take the step into digitalization. Implementing modern technologies such as digital time tracking is not just an investment in efficiency and transparency but also a fundamental building block for future-proof business processes. Companies that embrace digital solutions early are better positioned to meet the growing demands of the market and adapt flexibly to changes. Digitalization enables the optimization of internal processes, enhances employee satisfaction through simple and transparent tools, and helps maintain long-term competitiveness.
Try it out and see for yourself. Get started with Valoon now and discover how easy time tracking can be. Request a free demo or contact us, to learn more. Your efficiency increase starts here – let’s take the next step together!
Would you like to learn more about time tracking in construction? Check it out here!
