To say there are many moving parts in the field is an understatement. It’s crucial to leverage technology in the field so your team can manage all these moving parts at maximum productivity while keeping everyone safe. From real-time task tracking to safety protocols and streamlined workflows, the right software tools can make all the difference and save loads of time for everyone involved. Look for these benefits to ensure your software helps the field boost its productivity.

Easy-to-use tools that cut down on manual entry

Look for software that encourages the field to take on more responsibility and ownership of their tasks. It helps them better understand their tasks and the overall project while streamlining processes. Time card software is a great place to start. Find software that was created with the field in mind, so it’s easy for them to pick up and allows them to enter their own regular, overtime, and lunch hours.

This not only saves time but also minimizes errors that often arise from paper-based time cards or inefficient time card systems. With easier logging and streamlined processes, foremen and project managers can review the logs instead of entering the hours themselves.

A big way to cut down on manual entry? Make sure your software can be seamlessly integrated with your accounting system. This greatly reduces double or even triple entry for the field and office. All that time card information is automatically uploaded into your accounting system in one click.

Not only will your payroll team thank you, but this also means that field crews are more likely to be paid on-cycle.

More project visibility results in fewer errors later

When there are multiple ongoing projects, it can be difficult for a project manager to know exactly which project needs their attention most urgently. Look for software that provides comprehensive production data for foremen and superintendents so they can immediately make changes in the field. Real-time dashboards and reports enable them to track labor and project costs, allowing quick adjustments if something is off track and can save precious time and money on the job.  

Ensure your software has forecasting and production planners available in case the project is off track. This helps the foremen assess what changes need to be made and test out different scenarios to get the budget and/or schedule back on track.

A central log of daily events

The field crew is acutely aware of what’s going on with the minute details of the project. Look for software that empowers them to share their insight with the rest of the crew. One easy way to do this is by having field crews log daily diaries of project events in your project management software. They can document weather conditions, capture photos, and note job tracking details related to labor, equipment, and materials.

This can help give the team a better look into the project, foster informed decision-making among managers, and make it easier to share crucial project details throughout the team.

Reduce project delays by amplifying your safety culture

When it comes to safety software, you’re able to reap time-saving benefits by reducing the amount of incidents and project delays. Investing in safety software that’s thorough, user-friendly, and easy-to-learn, helps keep the field crew safe while building their safety skills at the same time. Equip the field with software that promotes a proactive safety culture to reduce future incidents.

Have them report near misses or make observations about potential safety hazards on site so they’re actively learning more about safety. You never know when a five-minute near-miss report could prevent an incident or a five-day delay to the project.

Prevent incidents with an effective inspection process

Look for a safety solution that makes jobsite inspections seamless. Many software solutions come with inspection templates that help train new field members on the inspection process while ensuring the inspection is completed accurately. HCSS Safety, for example, provides over 250 inspection templates to choose from, while also giving you the ability to customize the templates or build the inspection forms from scratch.

Check out this short video to see that it takes just a few clicks to get the inspection up and going in HCSS Safety.