Efficient payroll time entry is crucial for construction companies. With so many moving pieces and employees working different hours at various job sites, tracking each employee’s hours can be challenging. Having a dependable time-tracking system that fits the unique needs of construction companies helps each employee track their time effectively and prevents costly and time-consuming corrections for incorrectly tracked time.
Viewpoint Payroll Time Entry is a popular choice for construction companies. In this article, we’ll examine its pros and cons and examine alternative time-tracking solutions that integrate with Spectrum, including BusyBusy, WorkMax, ExakTime, and hh2 Remote Payroll.
Viewpoint Payroll Time Entry
Viewpoint Payroll Time Entry is a mobile app for construction time tracking that works as a stand-alone app and integrates with Spectrum Construction Software. Essentially, employees can use the simple app to track their time remotely from the job site or office. That information automatically integrates into the software for accurate and reliable time and equipment tracking.
Key Features
- Drop-down menu for each job makes it simple to enter employee or equipment hours.
- Supervisors can quickly enter payroll data from the job site, which is then automatically synced to the larger Spectrum system.
- Supervisors and administrators can review and check hours before the information is officially loaded into Spectrum, allowing for accurate time tracking without having to make changes later.
- Simple interface makes it easy for employees to track their hours and for supervisors to view and adjust time as needed.
Integrations and Capabilities
The strength of Viewpoint Payroll Time Entry is in its seamless and automatic integration with Spectrum Construction Software. Every change is immediately sent to the appropriate area of the Spectrum system, allowing staff in the office to have real-time insights on hours, payroll, equipment usage, and more.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Quick setup and intuitive interface
- Automatic integration with Spectrum Construction Software
- Tracks employee and equipment time
- Can track multiple jobs and job sites
Cons:
- Users report that the app can be glitchy
- Employees have limited access to an overview of their hours
hh2 Remote Payroll
hh2 Remote Payroll is a cloud-based platform that allows employees and supervisors to submit their time from anywhere, with supervisors able to clock all employees simultaneously. Hh2 integrates seamlessly with leading software platforms for 70% faster and more accurate payroll.
Key Features
- Custom approval paths to ensure every stakeholder can view and approve hours
- Automated workflows and notifications
- Real-time visibility and alignment between field operations and the back office.
Integration Capabilities
Hh2 Remote Payroll integrates with dozens of ERP and accounting systems for smooth, accurate payroll and project management.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Completely customizable to the complexities of your construction company
- Reliable, cloud-based system for accurate time tracking, even when offline.
- Codes and organizes employee time tracking
Cons
- Can require trial and error to create the most effective approval paths
Comparison with Viewpoint Payroll Time Entry
Similarities
- Both platforms excel at data coding and organization
Differences
- hh2 Remote Payroll allows for more customized processes
Unique Value Propositions
hh2 Remote Payroll offers incredible personalization, including monitoring employees at multiple job sites, customizing workflows and approvals, and providing accurate and reliable insights and time tracking.
BusyBusy
BusyBusy is a payroll app that aims to remove the headache and guesswork from time tracking. The GPS software offers flexible solutions for employees to clock in and out on their phones and for supervisors to track, review, and update the time and job codes for each of their employees.
Key Features
- Separate interfaces for employees to track their time and supervisors to view and edit employees’ time, plus a kiosk function as a central time entry point for employees.
- Live GPS locations for employees, equipment, and projects on one map allow supervisors to see who works where and with what equipment on each job site.
- Easy document uploading and real-time budget reporting give employees the tools to stay on track and budget.
- Location-based reminders notify employees if they leave the job site without clocking out.
Integration Capabilities
Busybusy integrates with hundreds of software platforms and automatically syncs the data for accurate, real-time data for accounting and project management. Busybusy integrates with Quickbooks, Spectrum, ADP, Explorer, and many other top systems.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- GPS and geofencing features for accurate time tracking and a better view of employees and equipment
- Free option with unlimited users
- Multiple time tracking options and flexible features to meet the needs of each construction company.
Cons
- GPS tracking can raise privacy issues
- Some users report that the app is glitchy and drains their battery, especially when working offline
Comparison with Viewpoint Payroll Time Entry
Similarities
- Both platforms offer simple mobile time tracking for employees and view and editing abilities for supervisors.
- Both platforms allow for employee and equipment tracking across multiple job sites and automatically sync data with software systems.
Differences
- Viewpoint is designed for automatic integration with Spectrum, while Busybusy can integrate with dozens of other platforms.
- Busybusy uses GPS technology, while Viewpoint doesn’t.
Unique Value Propositions
Busybusy stands out with its GPS capabilities, which allow supervisors to easily see where each employee is working and with what equipment. GPS reminders help employees clock in and out and avoid errors and missed punches.
WorkMax
WorkMax is a mobile solution for time tracking. Employees and supervisors can clock-in in real-time or make adjustments afterward. Supervisors can track employees, equipment, and projects for ultimate efficiency with GPS tracking.
Key Features
- Real-time or later time entry for time tracking flexibility
- GPS location stamps and geofencing for accurate time tracking across multiple job sites
- Personalized shift rules and overtime calculations
Integration Capabilities
With its cloud-based system, WorkMax integrates with more than 100 major third-party software platforms, including Spectrum, Quickbooks, Sage 50, and more, for accurate and consolidated HR, accounting, scheduling, and project management.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Live field data creates more accuracy and stronger insights.
- GPS location ensures employees are clocking in and out from the right job sites.
- Facial recognition ensures accurate time entry.
Cons
- GPS tracking and facial recognition can raise privacy issues.
- Setup can be complicated.
Comparison with Viewpoint Payroll Time Entry
Similarities
- Both systems provide real-time insights and integrate with software platforms
Differences
- Unlike Viewpoint Payroll Time Entry, WorkMax offers GPS tracking and facial recognition
Unique Value Propositions
WorkMax makes it easy for construction companies to track employee time and calculate things like overtime and billable and non-billable hours with GPS tracking and geofencing.
ExakTime
ExakTime is a cloud-based system that connects field teams with office staff to track time and equipment and keep projects on schedule and budget. GPS tracking, photo ID, and a simple interface help construction companies accurately enter time.
Key Features
- Real-time GPS tracking to ensure employees are clocking in from the correct job site
- Photo ID matches employees clocking in with their employee photos
- Rugged onsite clocks and kiosks for accurate time tracking on even the toughest job sites.
Integration Capabilities
ExakTime integrates with more than 60 platforms, including Quickbooks, Sage, and ADP. It also offers live direct database integration with numerous systems.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Available in a mobile app, kiosks, or rugged onsite clocks
- Reports and dashboards provide supervisors with real-time employee and project insights
Cons
- Tends to be one of the more expensive options
- Not as many features as other time-tracking programs
Comparison with Viewpoint Payroll Time Entry
Similarities
- Both platforms provide dashboards and insights to teams
- Both platforms help companies organize employees and project information
Differences
- Viewpoint Payroll Time Entry has more robust features than ExakTime
Unique Value Propositions
ExakTime stands out because of its flexibility across multiple platforms. Although it isn’t as robust as some other platforms, it offers consistent, reliable time tracking in all kinds of job sites.
Which Time Entry Tool is Right for You?
Gone are the days of tracking employees’ time on paper timecards. Today’s construction companies have mobile, integrated time tracking and project management options. The challenge is choosing the right tool for your company’s needs. Here are five factors to consider when choosing a payroll time entry tool:
- Company size. The number of employees, projects, and equipment will help determine what features you need in a time entry tool and how robust it needs to be. Don’t pay more for features or users you don’t need.
- Specific needs and pain points. Each tool has a unique value proposition. Match those features with your company's biggest needs and struggles.
- Integrations with existing systems. A time entry tool shouldn’t add extra work or require changing your software or project management platform. Look for a tool that easily integrates into systems you already use.
- Budget. How much do you have to spend? Some tools offer free trials or free versions with limited features, while others can be customized to your exact needs for a price.
- Recommendations based on different use cases and company needs. Look for a tool that has helped a company with similar needs and specialties. Proven results in a company similar to yours show what a time entry tool can really do for you.
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