Raken is a construction field management platform with capabilities spanning daily reporting, time tracking, safety documentation, and production tracking. For contractors evaluating Raken, the key question is whether its strengths in reporting and field documentation outweigh limitations in time tracking controls and administrative efficiency at scale.
We evaluated Raken across six categories that typically determine long-term platform success in construction operations. Our assessment draws from user reviews on G2, Capterra, and Software Advice, combined with publicly described product capabilities and integration information.
The central finding: Raken’s architecture reflects its origin as a daily reporting solution, with time tracking capabilities added later to the platform. This design sequence creates specific strengths in documentation workflows and corresponding constraints in time verification accuracy.
For organizations managing large workforces across multiple jobsites, these differences compound. Mobile app-only solutions face inherent limitations on today’s megaprojects: unreliable internet connectivity becomes a critical failure point, workers generate endless excuses (“phone died,” “no signal,” “forgot my phone”), and certain high-security environments – data centers, semiconductor plants, nuclear facilities – prohibit personal phones on-site entirely.
For contractors running 200+ workers across projects where phones aren’t allowed or connectivity can’t be guaranteed, hardware-based time tracking isn’t a luxury – it’s operational necessity. These differences determine whether the platform scales smoothly or requires constant manual oversight.
Our Raken Scoring Breakdown
Category | Weight | Score | Evaluation Criteria |
Time Tracking Accuracy & Reliability | 25% | 2.5/5.0 | Time tracking appears positioned as an added workflow alongside reporting; verification relies on GPS and optional photo/selfie capture; geofencing and bulk-edit controls are limited. |
Field Usability & Adoption | 20% | 3.0/5.0 | No hardware time clock option. Time tracking is app-based only, which can reduce reliability in construction environments. Strong mobile interface, but requires internet for most features, battery drain issues, learning curve for non-tech users, and user-reported glitches |
Features & Functionality | 15% | 4.5/5.0 | Excellent daily reporting features, 100+ safety templates, and strong photo management |
Integration Ecosystem | 15% | 4.0/5.0 | Verified integrations with Procore, Foundation, QuickBooks, ADP, Sage, cloud storage |
Scalability & Enterprise Readiness | 15% | 3.5/5.0 | Handles multi-project management well, but manual processes and lack of bulk editing limit scale |
Value for Money | 10% | 3.0/5.0 | Custom quote pricing (no public price list); third-party sites report a wide estimated range. |
Raken Overall Score: 3.3/5.0
Raken earns a 3.3 out of 5 as a daily reporting and project documentation platform. The company excels at its core strength: creating comprehensive daily reports with photos, progress notes, and safety observations. Their mobile app provides a solid user experience for field teams capturing jobsite activity.
However, Raken’s time tracking verification relies on GPS location tracking and optional photo capture – not biometric facial verification AI. Raken does not offer a physical time clock. A physical time clock avoids reliance on workers’ personal devices (which raises reimbursement and compliance concerns), functions independently of jobsite connectivity, ensures clock-ins occur at the intended location, and eliminates common issues like dead phones or missed punches. While workers can clock in/out individually via mobile app or kiosk mode, the system cannot definitively verify worker identity or prevent buddy punching. For contractors who need audit-proof time data for payroll, job costing, or T&M billing, this verification gap is significant.
Why These Categories and Weights?
Time Tracking Accuracy & Reliability (25%): The foundation of labor cost control. Inaccurate hours mean wrong job costs, disputed payroll, and challenged T&M billing. This is weighted highest because it impacts every downstream process.
Field Usability & Adoption (20%): The best system is the one workers actually use. If adoption fails due to friction, complexity, or connectivity issues, the platform’s other features don’t matter.
Features & Functionality (15%): Breadth and depth of capabilities for time tracking, daily reporting, safety management, production tracking, and documentation.
Integration Ecosystem (15%): How well the platform connects to existing tech stacks – ERPs, payroll systems, project management tools.
Scalability & Enterprise Readiness (15%): Performance with 500+ workers across 20+ sites. Can the system handle growth without manual process bottlenecks?
Value for Money (10%): Cost relative to the problem being solved. Does the pricing align with the value delivered?
Raken Overview
Raken is a cloud-based construction management software founded in 2012, originally designed as a daily reporting solution for contractors. The platform has evolved to offer specialized solutions for field workers, including daily progress reporting, time tracking tools, safety and quality tools, and document management capabilities. The web and mobile app caters to a wide range of construction firms, from subcontractors and general contractors to specialty trades and heavy civil companies.
Core Positioning: Raken describes itself as “easy-to-use construction management solution for daily reports, time tracking, safety, and field insights.” The platform is designed for field crews to capture and share real-time data through daily reports, time tracking, safety management, and quality control.
Best Fit: Based on verified user testimonials and product documentation, Raken works best for contractors who:
- Prioritize daily logs, progress reporting and photo documentation
- Need safety compliance tracking (toolbox talks, inspections, observations)
- Manage multiple projects simultaneously (users report managing 30+ concurrent projects)
- Have field teams comfortable with mobile technology
- Require basic time tracking but not precision payroll/job costing time data
Limitations: According to third-party reviews and competitive analyses:
- Time tracking is a secondary feature (not the platform’s original purpose)
- No hardware timeclock, relies on workers’ personal devices, reducing reliability on jobsites with connectivity, power, or phone-use constraints
- Offers GPS + optional selfie photos but lacks biometric facial verification AI to verify worker identity
- Internet dependency for core features (offline mode limited to last 5 cached projects)
- No transparent pricing – custom quotes only
- Photo capture available for time tracking but doesn’t use AI verification to prevent buddy punching (one worker can clock in using another worker’s phone/credentials)
Raken Pros and Cons
Cons
- Limited time verification - Offers GPS + optional selfie photos, but lacks biometric facial verification AI to prevent buddy punching
- Internet dependency - Most features require connectivity; limited offline functionality
- No transparent pricing - Custom quotes only; no published pricing
- No bulk editing tools - Time-consuming to update multiple entries
- Battery drain issues - Heavy usage during active reporting
- No web-based timer - Time tracking on web requires manual entry only
- No geofencing - GPS tracking available but can't restrict clock-ins to site boundaries
- Secondary time tracking feature - Platform built for reporting first, time tracking added later
- No time clock - No dedicated hardware device for jobsite deployment; requires smartphones or tablets
Pros
- Excellent daily reporting interface - Professional-looking reports created quickly from the field
- Strong photo/video documentation - Automatic organization, easy uploads, reliable capture
- 100+ pre-built safety templates - Toolbox talks, checklists, observations included
- Multi-project management - Handles 30+ concurrent projects effectively
- Wide integration ecosystem - Connects to Procore, Foundation, QuickBooks, ADP, Sage, Google Drive, Dropbox
- Strong mobile app - Intuitive interface optimized for field use
- Supports geofencing for mobile and kiosk punches
- Offline capabilities - Can cache data for last 5 projects in low-connectivity areas
Raken Key Features
Progress Reporting
Daily Reports – Raken’s core feature allows construction teams to create detailed daily reports from mobile devices with mobile data capture. Reports include weather conditions, work completed, crew counts, delays, and the ability to add notes. The system automatically timestamps entries and organizes them for project visibility. Reports export to shareable PDF format for distribution to stakeholders.
Collaborator Reports – Project stakeholders can view compiled reports showing activity across subcontractors and different trades. This provides general contractors visibility into what multiple teams accomplished each day without requiring separate report submissions.
Segmented Daily Reports – Reports can be broken down by project phase, location, or work area. This allows larger projects to track progress across different building sections or work zones independently.
Photos & Videos – The mobile app includes built-in photo and video capture. Upload photos directly tied to daily reports, automatically organized by date and project with options to add captions and annotations.
Notes – Field teams can add text notes to daily reports covering observations, issues, or clarifications. Notes are searchable and can be filtered by project, date, or user.
Messaging – Basic in-app messaging allows communication between field and office teams. Messages can be tied to specific projects or reports for context.
Tasks – Users can create and assign tasks within the platform. Tasks include due dates, assignees, and status tracking, though functionality is relatively basic compared to dedicated project management tools.
Time & Production Tracking
Time Tracking – Raken offers three time tracking methods: personal mobile app where workers clock in/out themselves, kiosk mode for shared device check-ins, and crew-based time cards where foremen enter hours for their teams. Workers can take selfies during clock-in for verification.
The system captures start/stop times, break periods, and total hours tied to cost codes, which flow to connected payroll systems. However, Raken’s verification relies on GPS location and optional photo capture – not biometric facial verification AI. Raken does not offer a dedicated hardware time clock, meaning all clock-ins depend on mobile devices or shared tablets, which can reduce reliability on jobsites with connectivity constraints, phone restrictions, or large crews.
Time tracking challenges: Some users have expressed frustration with the lack of bulk editing capabilities for time tracking, making it time-consuming to manage multiple workers’ time data. When corrections are needed, each worker’s work hours must be reviewed individually – a significant limitation for companies managing 50+ workers across multiple sites who need to accurately track time at scale.
Production Tracking – Field teams can log production quantities against specific activities – cubic yards of concrete poured, linear feet of pipe installed, square footage completed. Production data ties to cost codes and can be compared against budgets to calculate productivity rates.
Material Tracking – The platform includes basic material logging where teams can record deliveries, quantities received, and material usage. This provides visibility into material flow but doesn’t include advanced inventory management features.
Equipment Tracking – Users can log equipment hours, track which equipment was on site, and monitor equipment utilization. The system provides basic equipment cost allocation to projects.
Budget Management – Raken allows budget tracking at the cost code level, comparing actual labor hours and production against planned budgets. The system calculates variance and provides alerts when projects trend over budget.
Note: While Raken’s production tracking features are appreciated by users, reviews indicate they could be more advanced and require less manual data entry to provide more detailed insights and actionable insights for analyzing trends in project performance.
Project Management – Basic project management capabilities include schedule visibility, milestone tracking, and coordination between trades. The platform provides a high-level project overview rather than detailed critical path scheduling.
Production Insights – The system generates reports showing productivity trends, comparing actual production rates to historical performance. These insights help identify inefficiencies or areas where crews are exceeding expectations.
Labor Management – Beyond time tracking, Raken provides crew composition visibility, showing which workers were on site and what trades were active. This helps with resource planning and identifying labor allocation issues.
Safety and Quality
Safety Management – Raken includes quality tools for tracking safety and quality issues, allowing teams to log safety meetings, near-misses, and general observations. The system helps address issues, reduce risk, and maintain production safety standards while organizing data by project and date for future bids and compliance documentation.
Quality Management – Users can document quality inspections and track punch list items. The platform allows photos and notes to be attached to quality observations.
Managed Checklists – Pre-built and custom checklists can be created for safety inspections, quality checks, or daily startup procedures. Completed checklists are timestamped and stored by project.
Observations – Field teams can log general observations about site conditions, potential issues, or noteworthy events. Observations can be categorized and searched later.
Incidents – The platform includes incident reporting for accidents, injuries, or safety violations. Incident reports capture details, photos, and follow-up actions required.
Toolbox Talks – Safety toolbox talks can be documented in the system, including attendee sign-off and topic covered. This provides compliance documentation for safety training requirements.
Dashboards & Insights – Safety and quality data feed into dashboards showing trends, open items, and historical performance. These dashboards provide project-level and company-wide views.
Document Management
Forms – Raken allows creation of custom forms for inspections, checklists, or data collection. Forms can include text fields, checkboxes, photo uploads, and signatures.
Document Management – Raken’s document management capabilities allow construction teams to digitally store and access important project files, forms, and historical data. Documents can be organized through cloud storage solutions, categorized by project and type, providing a centralized web portal for field operations to access reports and share project data.
Cloud Software – As a cloud-based platform, Raken provides access from any device with internet connectivity. Data syncs across devices, though offline functionality is limited compared to some competitors.
Mobile App Experience
Platform Availability
Raken offers native mobile apps for both iOS and Android platforms. The Apple App Store rating is 4.8/5, while Google Play Store shows 4.4/5. According to the company’s marketing materials, the platform is designed with a “mobile-first” approach, prioritizing the field experience over desktop functionality.
Offline Functionality
Raken’s offline capabilities are limited but functional. The mobile app can cache data for the last 5 projects that users have accessed. Workers can create reports and input data while offline; the system automatically syncs this information once an internet connection is restored. However, most features require internet connectivity to function properly.
User Interface & Navigation
The mobile app features a minimalist design with a bottom navigation bar providing quick access to: Projects, Activity, Time Clock, and More (menu).
The Time Clock feature allows workers to check in/out individually through the mobile app. Workers are prompted to take a selfie for verification, though this is photo capture rather than biometric facial verification AI. The kiosk mode enables multiple workers to use a shared device for check-ins.
Users report mixed experiences. Positive reviews note the interface is “intuitive” and “easy to use,” with one Software Advice reviewer stating: “Overall I’m very pleased with Raken it is a very straight forward easy to use platform.”
However, analytics and reporting features are not available on mobile – only via the web platform.
The web app provides additional functionality not available on mobile, including detailed analytics to analyze trends and access reports across all projects. However, the mobile experience remains the primary strength for field operations capturing daily progress reporting time.
Performance Issues
Multiple verified user reviews report significant performance problems:
- Glitches and crashes: “The constant rebooting of the app while trying to utilize it on the job site.”
- Slow loading: “A lot of issues lately long slow loading, resets itself, every time I fill out in any individual thing I have to hit save and then go back and do the next one”
- Image loading: Image loading can be slow in field conditions
Internet Dependency
The Software Advice review confirms: “The mobile app did not always work as expected.” version. While offline mode exists, it’s described as “limited” and doesn’t provide full functionality.
User Experience & Ease of Use
Raken consistently earns high marks for ease of use, with some G2 reviewers mentioning it positively.
Learning Curve & Onboarding
The onboarding experience varies by user role. Field workers typically start using the daily reporting features within minutes, while office administrators need more time to configure projects, cost codes, and custom forms.
“With very little training, anyone, and everyone can at least use some function of the app, and be useful and productive with it” reports one Superintendent on Capterra, highlighting how quickly field teams adapt to the platform.
The platform’s user-friendly interface and easy adoption contribute to high satisfaction scores. Construction teams can select projects from the project tab, access work logs, and share field data with minimal training – a significant advantage in the construction industry where technology resistance is common.
Interface Design
Raken’s mobile interface prioritizes simplicity over feature density. The bottom navigation bar provides quick access to Projects, Activity, Time Clock, and More – a four-tab structure designed for field workers wearing gloves or working in harsh conditions.
However, this simplicity comes with trade-offs. “My least favorite part of raken, is the delay between mobile and PC platforms,” notes Jonathon on Capterra. Features available on the web platform – including advanced reporting, bulk editing, and detailed analytics – are either limited or absent in the mobile app.
The web interface offers more comprehensive functionality but requires internet connectivity for most features. Unlike the mobile app, the web platform doesn’t include a built-in timer for time tracking – users can only enter time manually.
Field Worker Adoption
Field worker adoption rates are generally high, driven by the platform’s visual approach to daily reporting. The ability to capture photos, add voice notes, and quickly document progress resonates with crews who prefer showing rather than writing.
But adoption isn’t universal. Some reviews indicate resistance from less tech-savvy workers, particularly when performance issues interfere with daily use. “The learning curve for certain personnel onsite is difficult and slow to accept,” notes one Capterra reviewer from Canada.
Admin & Office Experience
Office administrators generally find Raken’s setup process straightforward. Creating projects, adding workers, and configuring daily report templates can be completed in under an hour for basic implementations.
More complex setups – custom forms, production tracking, equipment management – require additional configuration time. One reviewer on Capterra mentions, “Bulk edited could be easier to use.”
The lack of bulk editing capabilities frustrates some administrators. Each worker’s time must be reviewed and edited individually if corrections are needed – a significant limitation for companies managing 50+ workers across multiple sites.
Training Requirements
Raken requires minimal formal training for basic daily reporting features. Most field users learn through hands-on use rather than structured training sessions.
For advanced features – production tracking, custom checklists, equipment management – more training is beneficial. Raken provides training resources through their help center and customer support team, but the depth of training needed depends on how extensively you plan to use the platform.
“The surveys are also very helpful and allow for easy to compute data being accessible for everyone to see,” notes Bret B. on Capterra, referencing the six daily survey questions that help teams stay organized without extensive training.
Performance Issues Impact
While the interface design is praised, recent performance issues have undermined the user experience for some customers. Philip M.’s detailed Capterra review captures the frustration:
“Following an update last summer, the app’s performance on my Pixel Pro 7 has been inconsistent… Inputting notes and pictures now require multiple attempts, and the app often reboots and shuts off unexpectedly.”
These reliability issues directly contradict Raken’s core value proposition of being easy to use in the field. When field workers must attempt multiple times to complete basic tasks, the simplified interface becomes less valuable.
Bottom Line on Usability
Raken delivers on its ease-of-use promise for core daily reporting workflows. Field workers can document progress quickly without extensive training. Office teams can configure basic projects in under an hour.
But usability breaks down in three scenarios:
- When internet connectivity is weak or unavailable (most features require connection)
2. When performance issues cause app crashes or slow loading (documented in multiple recent reviews)
3. When bulk operations are needed (no bulk editing, one-by-one processing required)
For contractors prioritizing daily reporting with stable internet access, Raken’s user experience is excellent. For those needing reliable offline functionality or managing large crews across remote sites, the experience may be frustrating.
Raken Pricing
Raken does not publish transparent pricing on their website. All pricing requires contacting their sales team for a custom quote. Based on available information from review sites and third-party analyses:
Estimated Range: $31.99-79.99 per user per month. This estimate comes from multiple sources:
- Raken’s mobile app shows in-app purchase pricing ranging from “$31.99 – $79.99 per item”
- SelectHub reports “pricing starts in the range of $10-$100”
Pricing Structure: Raken uses a tiered subscription model with four pricing plans: Starter, Basic, Professional, and Performance. For larger organizations, Raken offers a flat-rate model based on company size rather than per-user pricing. Contact sales for specific plan details and to determine Raken cost for your operation.
Bottom Line on Pricing
Raken’s lack of pricing transparency is frustrating but not uncommon in construction software. The estimated $31.99-79.99/user/month range suggests mid-market positioning – more expensive than basic time tracking apps but potentially less expensive than comprehensive platforms like Procore.
For contractors who value daily reporting and can tolerate the custom quote process, Raken may deliver solid value. For those seeking budget predictability or comparison shopping, the opaque pricing creates unnecessary friction.
Raken Integrations
Raken offers integrations with major construction management, accounting, and payroll platforms – though the depth and reliability of these integrations varies significantly.
Available Integrations
Project Management:
- Procore: Raken’s flagship integration connects daily reports, time cards, and project data. Users can sync projects, cost codes, and workers between platforms.
- Autodesk Construction Cloud: Basic integration for document sharing and project coordination
Accounting & ERP:
- QuickBooks Online: Export time entries and project costs
- QuickBooks Desktop: Limited export functionality
- Foundation: ERP integration for mid-market contractors
- Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate: Financial data sync
- Viewpoint Vista: Job costing and payroll export
Payroll:
- ADP: Manual export required (no API integration available)
- Paychex: CSV export for payroll processing
- Gusto: Time entry export
Document Storage:
- Google Drive: Automatic backup of daily reports and photos
- Dropbox: Cloud storage for project documentation
- Microsoft OneDrive: Document synchronization
Other Integrations:
- Zapier: Connect Raken to 1,000+ apps through automated workflows
- Email: Automated daily report distribution
Integration Depth: The Reality
Integration Limitations: Raken’s integration options are considered more limited compared to competitors like Procore, especially in areas like procurement and advanced scheduling. Users looking for advanced project management tools may find Raken lacking compared to other software options that offer deeper functionality across these critical workflows:
The ADP Problem
Multiple reviewers cite the lack of ADP API integration as a major frustration with this accounting and payroll software.
One Capterra reviewer notes: “No API for ADP, reporting is lacking & doesn’t have Ad Hoc reporting capability. Raken doesn’t cater to individual client’s needs. You get the canned app, canned reporting and that’s it, regardless of client’s unique needs.“
This is particularly problematic because ADP is one of the largest payroll providers in construction. The absence of automated integration forces manual data entry – exactly what time tracking software should eliminate.
Procore Integration Depth
The Procore integration is Raken’s most developed, but even here, limitations exist:
- One-way sync for some data types
- Cost code mapping requires initial setup and maintenance
- Daily reports must be manually approved before syncing
- No real-time bidirectional updates
QuickBooks Limitations
QuickBooks integration is export-only. You cannot pull project data, cost codes, or customer information from QuickBooks into Raken. This creates a manual mapping process during setup and requires maintaining cost codes in both systems.
What “Integration” Actually Means
Be aware that Raken uses the term “integration” broadly:
- True API Integration: Real-time or scheduled automated data sync (example: Procore projects and cost codes)
- Export/Import: Manual CSV export that you upload to another system (example: ADP payroll, many accounting platforms)
- Webhook/Zapier: Automated triggers for specific events, but requires technical setup
Integration Setup & Maintenance
Setup Complexity: Most integrations require configuration by office administrators. Mapping cost codes, projects, and workers between systems can take several hours for initial setup.
Ongoing Maintenance: When you add new projects, cost codes, or workers, you may need to manually update mappings in both systems.
Support Availability: Raken’s support team can assist with integration setup, but complex scenarios (custom cost code structures, multi-entity setups) may require professional services.
Notable Missing Integrations
Several major construction platforms lack Raken integrations:
- CMiC: No integration available despite CMiC being popular in heavy civil construction
- Acumatica Construction: Not currently integrated
- Jonas: No direct integration
- Many regional payroll providers: Limited to major national platforms
One reviewer on Capterra mentions: “Unable to integrate with other systems, the state required us to use their system and they would not pay for another system plus it would require dual entry.”
API Access for Custom Integrations
Raken offers an API for custom integrations, but:
- Documentation quality varies
- May require developer resources
- Not all features accessible via API
- Rate limits apply
- This is suitable for larger contractors with internal IT teams but impractical for smaller companies.
Data Export Options
If integrations don’t meet your needs, Raken offers manual export:
- Daily Reports: Export to PDF for distribution or archival
- Time Cards: Export to CSV for payroll systems
- Photos: Bulk download organized by project and date
- Checklists: PDF reports only (no raw data export)
Bottom Line on Integrations
Raken’s integration ecosystem is adequate for basic workflows – syncing projects with Procore, exporting time to QuickBooks, backing up photos to Google Drive. But don’t expect seamless, bidirectional, real-time data flow across your entire tech stack.
Integration works well if:
- You use Procore as your primary project management platform
- You can tolerate manual CSV exports for payroll
- Your accounting system is QuickBooks or one of the supported ERPs
- You have office staff who can manage integration mapping
Integration disappoints if:
- You need automated ADP payroll sync
- You use CMiC, Jonas, or other unsupported ERPs
- You expect plug-and-play without configuration
- You need raw data exports from custom checklists
Before committing to Raken, verify that your critical integrations are:
- Actually available (not just “coming soon”)
- API-based, not just manual export
- Bidirectional if you need data flowing both ways
- Maintained and updated regularly
Raken Customer Support
Support Channels Available
- Email Support: Primary support channel, monitored during business hours
- Phone Support: Available for urgent issues
- Help Center: Self-service knowledge base with articles and video tutorials
- In-App Chat: Available within the Raken platform
- Onboarding Support: Dedicated support during initial setup and implementation
Response Times
- Email responses: Typically within 24 hours during business days
- Urgent issues: Phone support available for faster resolution
- Implementation support: Dedicated contact during onboarding phase
- No published SLAs (Service Level Agreements) for response or resolution times.
Knowledge Base & Self-Service Resources
Help Center Quality: Raken maintains a searchable help center with:
- Getting started guides
- Feature-specific articles
- Video tutorials
- FAQ sections
- Integration setup guides
Training & Onboarding
Initial Onboarding:
- Typically includes guided setup call
- Configuration assistance for projects and cost codes
- Basic training on daily reporting workflow
Ongoing Training:
- Help center resources available anytime
- No mention of regular webinars or training sessions
- Advanced features training appears limited
Field Worker Training:
The lack of required formal training is actually a strength. As one reviewer notes: “Each of my Foremen/Project managers can get their notes in all day long instead of spending 30 minutes to an hour at the end of each day to dump information to the cloud.”
Most field workers learn through hands-on use rather than structured training.
Office Hours & Availability
Raken does not publish specific support hours on their website. Based on user reviews and industry standards:
- Support appears to operate during standard US business hours
- No indication of 24/7 support availability
- Weekend/after-hours support unclear
For contractors running evening or weekend shifts, this could be problematic if urgent issues arise outside business hours.
Support for Technical Issues
This is where Raken’s support shows strain. Multiple reviewers mention:
- Persistent App Crashes: Support provides troubleshooting steps but cannot always resolve underlying issues
- Performance Problems: Users report receiving standard troubleshooting (clear cache, reinstall app, update OS) without resolution
- Feature Requests: Support is receptive to feedback and feature requests, but implementation timelines are unclear. One reviewer notes: “Raken is always wanting feedback so they can improve… Raken always responds letting us know they appreciate our input.”
Raken Reviews
Across major review platforms, Raken maintains consistent ratings:
4.6/5
4.4/5
4.8/5
4.6/5
4.8/5
10/10
4.6/5
Implementation & Setup Process
Timeline Expectations
Basic daily reporting: 2-4 weeks to get field teams actively using the platform
Full implementation (time tracking, safety, integrations): 2-3 months
Biggest Implementation Challenges
- Cost Code Mapping
Your existing cost codes must be manually mapped to each project. This requires ongoing maintenance as you add projects.
- Internet Dependency
“Raken does not work well without internet or phone signal. If one user is logged on, another user’s interface with Raken is slowed down significantly,” notes Larry on Capterra. Verify connectivity before deploying to remote sites. Offline mode only caches last 5 projects.
- Time Entry Accuracy
One G2 reviewer notes: “I do not like that the foremen can rollover hours from the previous day… they have a habit of just rolling over the hours and those hours are not accurate.” You’ll need clear policies about the rollover feature.
- Integration Reality
The ADP integration requires manual export despite being listed as an integration. Test integrations during pilot phase.
Success Factors
- Start with pilot projects (2-3 projects) before company-wide rollout
- Choose willing adopters first, not resisters
- Budget 20-40 hours for IT/admin setup of full platform
- Field training is minimal (30-60 minutes per person for basic daily reporting)
Raken Alternatives & Competitors
Raken competes in the crowded construction field management space. Here’s how it stacks up against major alternatives across different use cases.
SmartBarrel
Best for: Contractors who prioritize highly accurate labor hours and a streamlined time-tracking workflow, where biometric facial verification reduces buddy punching and verified time flows cleanly from foremen to payroll.
The Core Difference: Hardware + AI vs. Software-Only
Raken is a daily reporting platform that added time tracking. Workers clock in via mobile app with GPS and optional selfies – but there’s no AI verification. One worker can clock in using another worker’s phone. The selfie is a photo capture, not facial verification.
SmartBarrel is a purpose-built construction time tracking platform with biometric facial verification AI. The system uses weatherproof hardware time clocks (TimeClock 4.0) or mobile apps with AI-powered facial verification. Every clock-in is verified automatically – the AI compares the current photo to previous photos and confirms facial verification. Buddy punching is eliminated at the source.
Why Hardware Changes Everything
TimeClock 4.0 eliminates the excuses that plague software-only solutions:
- Magnetic, weatherproof, lives on jobsite (no iPad to charge)
- Built-in LTE (not WiFi-dependent – works anywhere)
- Solar or electric powered (runs on DeWalt battery if needed)
- Works with PPE- gloves, safety glasses, hard hats
- Fob or phone number punch-in (no phone required)
- Setup in under 60 seconds (magnetic mount, power up, done)
Worker Accountability Without Foreman Burden
Raken: Workers check in/out via app. Selfies provide photos for manual review. GPS confirms phone location. Foreman validates accuracy.
SmartBarrel: Workers scan face at the device or app. AI verifies their face automatically. Hours flow to the dashboard pre-populated and verified. Foreman reviews and assigns cost codes. Done.
Built for T&M Billing and Complex Workforces
SmartBarrel creates audit ready documentation:
- Facially verified attendance
- Geo-fencing confirms workers are on site
- Real-time data (not end-of-week memory)
- Timestamped, AI-verified entries that withstand disputes
For contractors managing temp labor, hourly subs, or union workers, SmartBarrel’s workflows account for complex rules and close trust gaps. Everyone gets verified the same way – AI confirms workers’ faces automatically.
Zero Manual Entry Architecture
SmartBarrel captures multiple data points automatically: facial verification, geo-fence compliance, timestamp, weather, device used, and project assignment.
Foremen review a pre-populated timesheet with verified workers and accurate hours, assign cost codes with a single click, approve entries, and export the data directly to payroll. This reduces administrative effort while improving time accuracy and consistency.
Integrations: Procore, Viewpoint Vista, CMiC, Plexxis, PowerBI
When to Choose SmartBarrel Over Raken:
Choose SmartBarrel if:
- Accurate time tracking is critical and labor hours must be verified, not estimated
- You want an efficient foreman-to-payroll workflow that minimizes administrative effort, corrections, and rework
- You’re managing 200+ workers across multiple jobsites and need automated verification at scale
- Manual photo review doesn’t scale with your operations
- Your job costing, ERP, and financial reporting require verified time data, not estimates
- You bill significant T&M volume and need audit-proof documentation
- You manage complex workforce structures (W2, temp labor, hourly subs, union)
- Your sites lack reliable WiFi (remote, underground, industrial)
- You need real-time verified data flowing to Procore, Vista, CMiC, or PowerBI
Choose Raken if:
- You’re primarily buying for daily reporting and photo documentation
- You manage small, trusted crews (under 50 workers)
- GPS + photo capture is sufficient for your verification needs
- You have office staff available to manually review time entries
- You primarily run lump sum contracts with salaried teams
- Time tracking is secondary to field documentation
Pricing: SmartBarrel’s pricing is not publicly available (similar to Raken). Both require custom quotes.
The Bottom Line
Raken is a daily reporting platform that added time tracking. SmartBarrel is a time tracking platform built for accuracy and accountability.
For contractors where time theft impacts margins, where T&M billing requires bulletproof documentation, where temp labor creates trust gaps – SmartBarrel eliminates the guesswork Raken cannot.
The hardware + AI combination isn’t a luxury. It’s the difference between hoping your time data is accurate and knowing it is.
Procore
Best for: Enterprise contractors needing comprehensive project management, not just field reporting
Key Differences:
- Scope: Procore is a full construction management platform (financials, scheduling, RFIs, submittals, etc.). Raken focuses specifically on field workflows.
- Complexity: Procore requires significant setup and training. Raken is designed for quick deployment.
- Pricing: Procore is significantly more expensive (estimated $400-800/user/month for full suite). Raken is estimated at $31.99-79.99/user/month (requires custom pricing).
- Time tracking: Both offer individual worker clock-in via mobile app with GPS verification. Raken adds optional selfie photos (not AI-verified); Procore has geofencing but no photo capture. Neither uses biometric facial verification AI.
When to choose Procore: You need comprehensive project management, not just field reporting. You have a budget for enterprise software and dedicated staff for administration.
When to choose Raken: You primarily need daily reporting and basic time tracking. You want faster deployment and a lower price point.
Fieldwire
Best for: GCs and larger contractors needing task management and plan markup tools
Key Differences:
- Primary focus: Fieldwire emphasizes task management, plan viewing, and punch lists. Raken emphasizes daily reporting and documentation.
- Plan tools: Fieldwire offers robust plan markup and version control. Raken has basic document storage but limited plan tools.
- Pricing: Fieldwire publishes transparent pricing starting at $39/user/month. Raken requires custom quotes.
- Time tracking: Fieldwire has basic time tracking. Raken’s time tracking is more developed.
When to choose Fieldwire: You need strong plan management and task assignment features. You value transparent pricing.
When to choose Raken: Daily reporting with photos is your priority over plan coordination.
Busybusy
Best for: Small to mid-size contractors wanting simple, affordable time tracking
Key Differences:
- Specialization: Busybusy focuses exclusively on time tracking. Raken bundles time tracking with daily reporting and safety tools.
- Pricing: Busybusy publishes transparent pricing at $20/user/month. Raken’s estimated $31.99-79.99/user/month is significantly higher.
- Features: Busybusy has more time tracking features (equipment tracking, digital timesheets). Raken has stronger daily reporting.
- Verification: Busybusy uses photo capture for clock in/out. Raken uses GPS + optional selfie photos (but neither uses AI biometric verification).
When to choose Busybusy: You need affordable, straightforward time tracking without the daily reporting overhead.
When to choose Raken: You want daily reporting, safety tools, and time tracking in one platform.
ExakTime
Best for: Contractors needing mobile time tracking with some verification
Key Differences:
- Verification: ExakTime offers photo capture and optional facial verification in their mobile app. Also offers hardware “Hornet” device with fob-based check-in (no facial verification).
- Mobile-first: ExakTime is primarily mobile app-based. Raken offers mobile + web + kiosk options.
- Daily reporting: ExakTime has basic daily logs. Raken’s daily reporting is far more comprehensive.
- Pricing: Both require custom quotes.
When to choose ExakTime: Time tracking accuracy is your priority, and you prefer a mobile-first approach.
When to choose Raken: You want richer daily reporting and don’t need facial verification for time tracking.
ClockShark
Best for: Service contractors (HVAC, plumbing, electrical) doing residential/commercial service work
Key Differences:
- Service vs. construction: ClockShark designed for service companies with small crews visiting multiple sites daily. Raken designed for construction with crews spending days/weeks on same project.
- Scheduling: ClockShark has robust scheduling and dispatch features. Raken’s scheduling is more basic.
- Project tracking: Raken better suited for long-duration construction projects. ClockShark is better for short service calls.
When to choose ClockShark: You run a service business with rotating job sites and need scheduling/dispatch.
When to choose Raken: You’re in construction with multi-week or multi-month projects.
iAuditor (SafetyCulture)
Best for: Companies prioritizing safety inspections and checklists over daily reporting
Key Differences:
- Checklist strength: iAuditor offers superior customizable inspection templates. Raken has 100+ pre-built safety templates but less customization.
- Daily reporting: Raken’s daily reporting is more construction-specific. iAuditor is cross-industry.
- Time tracking: iAuditor has no time tracking. Raken includes time tracking.
- Pricing: iAuditor offers free tier and transparent paid plans starting at $24/user/month. Raken requires custom quotes.
When to choose iAuditor: Safety inspections and checklists are your top priority across multiple industries.
When to choose Raken: You need safety tools integrated with construction-specific daily reporting.
Comparison Matrix
Feature | Raken | SmartBarrel | Procore | Fieldwire | Busybusy |
Time Tracking Accuracy | GPS + photo capture (no AI verification) | Biometric facial verification AI | Manual crew entry | GPS + photos | GPS + photos |
Buddy Punching Prevention | Weak (photos without AI identity verification) | Strong (AI facial biometric + hardware) | Weak | Moderate | Moderate |
Hardware Option | None (software-only) | TimeClock 4.0 device + mobile apps | None | None | None |
Internet Dependency | Required (limited offline) | Built-in LTE (not WiFi-dependent) | Required | Required | Required |
Daily Reporting | Excellent | Good | Good | Basic | Minimal |
Safety Templates | 100+ included | Not the primary focus | Available | Basic | None |
Geo-fencing | No | Yes (restricts clock-ins to site boundaries) | No | No | No |
Worker Accountability | Moderate (manual photo review) | Strong (automated AI verification) | Weak | Moderate | Moderate |
T&M Billing Documentation | GPS + photos | Facially verified + geo-fenced (audit-proof) | Manual entry | Basic | Basic |
Setup Time | Days to weeks | Under 60 seconds (hardware) | Weeks to months | Days | Days |
Works Without Phone | No (app-based) | Yes (fob or phone number) | No | No | No |
Pricing Transparency | None (custom quotes) | None (custom quotes) | None (custom quotes) | Published ($39+/user) | Published ($20/user) |
Best For | Daily reporting priority | Time tracking accuracy & T&M billing | Enterprise everything | Task management | Affordable time tracking |
Bottom Line on Alternatives
Raken is strongest at daily reporting and weakest at time tracking verification. If daily reporting is your priority and GPS + photo verification without biometric AI is acceptable, Raken is a solid choice.
But if time tracking accuracy directly impacts your profitability – particularly for T&M billing, temp labor management, or union compliance – purpose-built time tracking solutions like SmartBarrel deliver biometric facial verification AI and accountability that Raken’s photo capture cannot match.
The right alternative depends on whether you’re buying primarily for reporting or primarily for time tracking. Raken excels at the former, struggles with the latter.
Final Verdict & Recommendations
Overall Score: 3.3/5.0
Raken excels at daily reporting but struggles with time tracking accuracy. Whether it’s right for you depends entirely on which problem you’re actually trying to solve.
The Bottom Line
Raken is excellent at what it was designed for: Making daily reporting fast, visual, and professional. Field teams can document progress with photos in minutes instead of spending 30+ minutes writing text descriptions. Office teams get consistent, readable reports instead of illegible handwritten notes.
Raken is mediocre at time tracking: Time tracking offers individual clock-in options but uses GPS + photo capture rather than biometric facial verification AI. Raken lacks a physical timeclock, which can lead to power and connectivity issues. While with Raken workers can check themselves in/out via mobile app or kiosk, the system cannot definitively verify worker identity or prevent buddy punching. GPS proves someone with a phone was at the jobsite – not which specific worker was there.
Who Should Choose Raken
Strong fit if you:
- Prioritize daily reporting quality over time tracking accuracy
- Have salaried field teams or trusted hourly workers where buddy punching isn’t a major concern
- Have stable internet connectivity across jobsites
- Can afford estimated $31.99-79.99/user/month pricing
- Need OSHA-aligned safety templates and toolbox talk tracking
- Work primarily lump sum contracts, not T&M billing
Marginal fit if you:
- Need time tracking but can accept GPS + photo verification without biometric AI, plus lack of bulk editing for work hours management
- Have occasional connectivity issues (offline mode caches 5 projects)
- Manage some temp labor but it’s not the majority of workforce
- Want better daily reports AND better time tracking (you’ll get the former, not the latter)
Poor fit if you:
- Need biometric facial verification AI to prevent buddy punching (Raken offers photo capture but not AI identity verification)
- Require a physical time clock for reliable check-ins on remote or restricted jobsites where phones and connectivity are inconsistent
- Primarily bill T&M and need audit-proof time documentation
- Manage significant temp labor or hourly subcontractors
- Operate in remote areas without reliable internet
- Need extensive offline functionality
- Require transparent pricing (Raken uses custom quotes only)
- Run a service business with short-duration service calls
- Have a budget under $25/user/month
The Time Tracking Verification Gap
This is critical to understand: While Raken offers multiple time tracking methods – including individual worker clock-in via mobile app and kiosk mode – its verification architecture cannot prevent buddy punching. Here’s why:
What Raken offers:
- Individual worker clock-in/out via mobile app or kiosk
- Optional selfie photos during clock-in
- GPS location tracking
- Crew-based time card entry (foreman enters for team)
What’s missing:
- Biometric facial verification AI (Raken’s selfies are photo capture, not AI-powered identity verification)
- A physical time clock to eliminate power, connectivity, and mobile device reliability issues
- Geo-fencing to restrict clock-ins to specific job site boundaries
- Prevention of one worker clocking in for another using their phone/credentials
The vulnerability: A worker can clock in their absent coworker using that person’s phone and credentials. The selfie feature helps but doesn’t use AI facial recognition to verify identity – it’s primarily for visual review by supervisors. GPS proves someone with the phone was at the jobsite. It doesn’t prove which specific worker was there. The absence of a physical time clock further increases this risk by making time tracking dependent ondevices, connectivity, and battery life rather than a fixed, controlled check-in point. If time theft and buddy punching could cost you thousands monthly, Raken’s verification methods have structural limitations.
SmartBarrel: The Time Tracking Accuracy Alternative
The fundamental difference: Raken relies on GPS and photo capture through mobile devices, with photos requiring manual human review. SmartBarrel is purpose-built for time tracking and uses biometric facial verification AI with geo-fencing, supporting both mobile check-ins and physical time clocks.
What this means: Raken proves someone with a phone was at the jobsite. SmartBarrel proves which specific worker was there – and that they stayed on-site.
SmartBarrel is built for: Mid-market and enterprise contractors managing large workforces across multiple sites – where verified time data feeds job costing, not manual estimates.
Hardware advantage: TimeClock 4.0 device eliminates excuses – works without WiFi, phones, or training. Setup in under 60 seconds.
FAQs About Raken
How much does Raken software cost?
Raken does not publish transparent pricing. Based on available information, expect $31.99-79.99 per user per month, though actual pricing requires a custom quote from their sales team. Annual contracts receive approximately 20% discount versus month-to-month billing. A free trial is available without a credit card requirement.
Is Raken easy to use?
For the most part, yes. Field workers typically start creating daily reports within minutes without formal training. The photo-centric mobile interface requires a minimal learning curve. However, recent user reviews document app crashes and performance issues that undermine the ease-of-use advantage.
How does Raken work?
Field workers use a mobile app to create daily reports with photos, complete safety checklists, and document progress. Time tracking offers multiple options: workers can clock in/out individually via mobile app (with optional selfies), use kiosk mode for shared device check-ins, or foremen can enter crew hours via time cards. GPS and photo verification provide location and visual confirmation, though Raken doesn’t use biometric facial verification AI. Data flows to web dashboard, where office teams review reports, approve time cards, assign cost codes, and export to payroll/ERP systems. Integrates with Procore, QuickBooks, Foundation, and other major platforms.
Does Raken offer a free trial?
Yes. Raken offers a free trial with no credit card required. Trial length and specific limitations are not published on their website – contact their sales team for details.
