Connecting Your Crew

Mobile software applications deliver real efficiency in real time.

A national research study conducted by Eric Mower + Associates Group B2B found that “50 percent of contractors use a smartphone, 49 percent use a laptop with mobile web access and 21 percent use an iPad or other tablet for their jobs.” These numbers show that construction professionals have discovered the benefits mobile devices offer across the wide spectrum of construction work. 

We are undeniably living in a mobile age. As the list of remote applications grows longer, contractors will continue to harness mobile solutions like tablets and smartphones to improve work processes. With so many options, contractors must consider their business goals before determining which applications will benefit them the most.

Benefits of Mobile Applications
While mobile applications for construction vary, the ultimate goal is to help contractors streamline their communications and processes across their organizations. Construction companies who take the time to explore mobile technologies can benefit in the following ways:

• Better Communication—Workers on a large jobsite can instantly send one another updates and pictures. In addition, mobile devices open up the flow of data between field and office, giving the entire staff the most up-to-date numbers.
• Improved Workflow and Real-time Data—Along with increasing communication, mobile devices also offer improved workflow and real-time data. With instant communication, wait time for approval requests disappears. Field data entry allows for real-time data in the accounting and payroll systems. The numbers will give an accurate picture of the company’s overall performance, as well as the progress of each individual job.
• Offline Capability—While not all mobile apps offer this option, some apps are equipped with offline capability, allowing contractors working in remote job locations to enter timecards, save them and sync back to the office once they re-enter their service area. This creates a seamless transfer of information and ensures that data is current and up-to-date.
• Increased Efficiency—By eliminating unnecessary data entry, your office staff will be able to work more efficiently and save time. Staff members can focus on other areas, increasing efficiency across the board.
• Electronic Trail of Data—Using mobile applications also creates an electronic trail of data that contractors can reference at any time. Whether it’s solving an issue while a job is still active, or analyzing past jobs to better plan for future ones, the ability to learn from past data can save money.

Remote Timecard Entry
Careful consideration of all those factors, in addition to a company’s activity and projected growth, should inform any technology decision. However, some applications can benefit the majority of contractors regardless of trade or size. A remote timecard entry application, for example, allows contractors to streamline the flow of timecard and job data between the field and the office. The remote application offers the following advantages:

• Less Double Entry, Less Errors—By entering time in the field, contractors can almost eliminate handwritten timecards—saving them time and frustration. The data is then synced back to the office without any double entry, reducing the risk of errors.
• Data Defaults—Remote entry eliminates the need to remember multiple employee numbers and codes. Many apps have dropdown fields that already contain information pulled directly from the company’s accounting software like employee names and job codes. Those in the field can easily enter, proof and send data back to the office quickly and efficiently.
• Multiple Timecard Formats—A good remote timecard entry app will also offer multiple timecard formats. Contractors can then decide which one best fits their time entry method. Some of these formats include single employee entry and  group timecard options that allow contractors in the field to simultaneously clock in and clock out multiple workers. 

Making the Move to Mobile
Mobile applications are changing the way the construction industry works with better communication, improved workflow and real-time data. With proper research and a plan for implementation, many contractors will take advantage of the wide array of applications available to help streamline the flow of data and communication between field and office.