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timesheet automation

Timesheet Automation: The Future of Labor Management

The construction industry, known for its harsh environment, dynamic workforce and complex operation, is constantly changing, in order to make the most of the digital solutions that can help organize and optimize processes while boosting the project’s efficiency. One of the biggest innovations is timesheet automation, which has become a

time and materials billing

Time & Materials Billing Guide for Specialty Contractors and Self-Perform General Contractors

Many contractors in the construction industry use Time and Materials (T&M) billing to manage project costs on complex jobs, where the scope can change at a moment’s notice. With more mega projects being built, like Data Centers and Semiconductor plants, we are seeing owners and general contractors move into T&M

cutting labor costs

Stop Losing Money: How to Cut Labor Costs with Time Tracking Experts and Improve Your Budget

Labor costs are one of the most frustrating problems with the construction of projects. This usually is the deciding factor in a project’s budget. For instance, a mechanical subcontractor in one project had labor costs 25% higher than the previous expectations. This was later manifested in decreased productivity, overtime work,

construction collaboration

Top Collaboration Strategies to Boost Efficiency on Construction Projects

Collaboration has always been critical in construction, but with today’s complex projects, it’s more essential than ever to get it right. A typical project has a wider circle of stakeholders than just the owners and project managers. Architects, engineers, contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and inspectors all play a role in keeping

Field Team Communication

Why Poor Field Team Communication Costs You Big and How to Fix It

Poor communication among field teams in remote construction areas can mean costly delays and project risks. Teams struggle to coordinate effectively without real-time updates, putting projects at risk. By adopting a digital communication platform, teams gain access to real-time updates, which allow them to work closely, stay on schedule, and

payroll adn timekeeping

Payroll and Timekeeping: How SmartBarrel Supports Accurate Labor Data for Payroll Staff

Payroll and timekeeping are never simple feats, especially in the construction industry. In traditional office environments, staff would punch a clock from one, set location; construction workers are usually scattered among several job sites with variable hours, weather, and schedules. Construction payroll staff are tasked with making sure that every

Construction Site Transparency

Why It Is Important To Improve Construction Site Transparency

Consider a recent project at a public school where a lack of transparency led to significant setbacks. The contractor, unaware of crucial design changes that were communicated informally, constructed walls based on outdated plans, causing the project to fall weeks behind schedule. Unfortunately, these kinds of slip-ups are all too

rugged hardware

Boost Jobsite Confidence with SmartBarrel’s Rugged Hardware

The keys to success in the world of construction are efficiency, reliability, and accuracy; that way, your projects will be on schedule and within budget. Workforce management is at the core of any construction project, requiring tools that can operate without failure, even in the most challenging of environments. Construction

construction trends

Top Construction Technology Trends That Build Trust

The construction industry has always been the root of modern society’s blooming, but going through that process, it has faced the challenges of meeting the high expectations of transparency, efficiency, and sustainability. With the help of state-of-the-art construction technologies, many companies are revolutionizing their processes to meet the demands of

Direct Labor Efficiency Variance

How to Calculate Direct Labor Efficiency Variance

Direct labor efficiency variance calculator

Before getting started, we wanted to offer an easy way to understand the concept of direct labor efficiency variance with this useful online calculator.

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In construction, labor costs make or break a project. As simple as that. Controlling these costs is essential, and