Construction employee scheduling software can help you streamline communication. Let’s say you need five workers at two different job sites tomorrow. Traditionally, you would communicate with them using text messages and phone calls, which would impede your project planning.

When you use construction scheduling software, team members can automatically get notified each time you publish a new schedule or make a change to it — no need to manually reach out.

Additionally, there are various features in construction scheduling software that can help you determine exactly when and where your employees punched in. These features keep your employees accountable, preventing time theft and saving you money.

In this post, we’re taking a look at the nine best construction employee scheduling software, focusing on those that are best equipped to help you streamline communication, increase employee accountability, and reduce labor costs.

1. Buddy Punch

Buddy Punch is an employee scheduling and time-tracking app that lets you manage your entire workforce in a single tool. It’s user-friendly, has high customer satisfaction ratings, and comes with all of the features construction companies need to create schedules quickly and make sure crew members are where they need to be when they need to be there.

Buddy Punch’s scheduling tool displays all of your employees in one column and the days you’re creating a schedule for in subsequent columns. To create a shift, simply click in an open area, specify the shift’s start and end times, and add any employees you want to work that shift.

Repeat this for all of the days your schedule covers, then publish your schedule. Your employees will receive notifications that the schedule is live, and they can view their schedule at any time in the Buddy Punch app, which is available on the web and has mobile apps for both iOS and Android devices.

If your scheduling is simple, that’s all you’ll ever need to do. However, construction scheduling is not quite so simple. The good news: Buddy Punch’s scheduling tool has all of the advanced features you need to manage the complexity of construction scheduling.

Locations

In all likelihood, your crews are working on different construction projects at different locations. Buddy Punch’s locations feature lets you add all of those job sites as locations. Then, you can assign locations to shifts so employees know not only when they’re working but also where. 

Your schedule can also be filtered by location so you can build schedules for each project quickly and easily, and different locations can be assigned different colors so you can quickly see where everyone will be working at a glance.

Departments

If you have crew members working in different roles — such as general crew and foreman — you can create those different roles as departments in Buddy Punch. After that, you can assign the appropriate department to shifts so employees know when they’re working, where they’re working, and what position they’ve been assigned.

Repeating shifts

If your employees work the same hours every day, every week, you can create repeating shifts to automatically add shift templates to future weeks. The future shifts won’t be published until you push the publish button, but it gives you a big head start on creating future schedules. All you need to do is add the right employees, locations, and departments and publish.

If you do need to shift something around on a future schedule, that’s easy too. Buddy Punch’s drag-and-drop functionality makes it easy to move shifts to different days and times.

Employee availability

Nothing is more frustrating than working hard on your schedule, publishing it, finding out that an employee isn’t available to work on a day you scheduled them for, and having to start over.

With Buddy Punch, you’ll never run into this issue again. Employees can specify their availability in the app, and times when employees aren’t available show up on your calendar view. Plus, if you try to schedule an employee when they’re unavailable, the system will give you an error message and prevent publishing the schedule.

Shift trades and covers

When an employee can’t make their scheduled shift, either the employee themself or an admin/manager can open that shift up to be covered. You can select who should receive the cover request, and if another employee accepts it, the schedule adjusts automatically.

Additionally, when employees work out amongst themselves that they want to trade shifts, they can make that request in Buddy Punch. The request then goes to a manager or admin to be approved before the schedule adjusts. 

Time tracking

While Buddy Punch makes creating work schedules for your construction crews easier than ever, that’s not all it can do. It’s also a time clock that compiles timesheets for you automatically, makes running payroll easier, and keeps your employees accountable with features like:

  • Clock in/out reminders: If your employees haven’t clocked in or out within a certain amount of time after their shift starts or ends, Buddy Punch will automatically send them a reminder to clock in/out.
  • Limit early/late punches: You can prevent employees from clocking in before their shift starts or automatically clock them out at the end of their shifts to prevent unplanned overtime and unexpected labor costs.
  • Variable rates: If employees earn different rates of pay for different jobs, such as prevailing wage projects, you can set those rates up in Buddy Punch and apply them to specific jobs so Buddy Punch calculates the hours for those jobs separately.
  • Job codes: Track exactly how much time was spent on different projects with job codes. You can attach these to locations, and when employees clock in and out, the hours they spend working are automatically attached to the right projects.
  • Geofencing: Prevent employees from clocking in or out when they’re not on-site by creating geofences. If employees try to punch when offsite, the system will block the action.
  • GPS tracking: Collect location data when employees clock in and out to make sure they are on the job site when they punch, or track their travels across an entire workday with real-time GPS tracking.
  • Photos on punch: If you’re concerned about buddy punching — where employees clock in and out for each other — you can require employees to take a selfie when they clock in and out. Those photos can be reviewed on their timecards.
  • Payroll integrations: Buddy Punch integrates with popular payroll providers like QuickBooks, ADP, Workday, Gusto, and more, letting you transfer your time data to payroll in seconds and run payroll more quickly than ever before.

There are lots of additional features available in Buddy Punch beyond what we’ve covered here, and you can use them all or just the ones you need. View a complete list of Buddy Punch’s features.

Pricing

Buddy Punch’s scheduling software starts at $5.49 per user per month plus a $19 per month base fee. Add as many admin users as you want for free and get access to all of the scheduling features listed above, as well as the tool’s time, attendance, and PTO tracking features.

Learn more about Buddy Punch

2. Procore

Procore is a strong option for construction scheduling software because it’s an all-in-one platform that connects field teams, office staff, and stakeholders in real time.

Procore’s real-time communication features, such as task assignments and automated notifications, help keep all stakeholders aligned. The ability to link scheduling data with budgeting, resource allocation, and document management sets Procore apart as a comprehensive construction management solution rather than just a scheduling tool.

It also provides detailed insights into project timelines, helping teams identify potential delays and take proactive measures to mitigate risks. The software’s customizable dashboards allow managers to visualize project progress at a glance, making it easier to make data-driven decisions.

Key features

  • Bid management 
  • Project estimating
  • Pre-qualification 
  • Project management
  • Safety monitoring
  • Work scheduling

Customer reviews

Procore has an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Capterra. Here’s what customers like about the platform:

“All project financial-related items are in the one place — forecasting, subcontracts, POs, progress claiming, variations, etc. — which makes it extremely easy to track all project financial elements. It is especially convenient when Procore is used for project control (i.e., RFIs, document control, etc.), making it even more streamlined.”

3. Jobber

Jobber is a great option for service-based construction businesses. It simplifies scheduling with an intuitive drag-and-drop calendar that allows teams to assign jobs, track appointments, and manage crew availability. It also streamlines job dispatching, allowing managers to send schedules and route information directly to workers’ mobile devices.

What makes Jobber unique is its strong focus on service-based industries and its all-in-one approach to business management. Businesses can not only organize their workforce but also automate follow-ups, generate quotes, and collect payments — all within the same platform. This is particularly beneficial for contractors who manage recurring jobs or multiple small projects.

The software offers automated reminders for upcoming jobs, client appointment confirmations, and follow-ups. Additionally, Jobber provides real-time GPS tracking, allowing managers to see where their crews are in the field, optimize routes, and respond to scheduling changes more efficiently.

Key features

  • Field service CRM
  • Invoicing
  • Online booking
  • Automated customer communications
  • Quotes
  • Online payment system
  • Marketing tools

Customer reviews

Jobber has an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Capterra. Here’s what customers like about the platform:

“The system is modern, clean, and efficient. There are multiple options for the collection of payments. The price book is just wonderful. My clients really appreciate the investment in the system, and it makes things so smooth to present to them. The internal processing is clutch and simplistic. Hands down a great product.”

4. Pro Crew Schedule

Pro Crew Schedule is specifically designed to help contractors and project managers streamline crew management and scheduling. It lets teams assign tasks, set deadlines, and monitor progress in real time, reducing the risk of scheduling conflicts and delays. And its simple drag-and-drop scheduling interface makes it easy to adjust timelines and reassign tasks as project demands change.

What sets Pro Crew Schedule apart is its emphasis on crew tracking and productivity monitoring. It integrates features like GPS tracking and time logs, allowing managers to see exactly where their crews are and how much time they are spending on each task. It also has a built-in file-sharing system, enabling teams to upload plans, photos, and important documents to the platform.

Pro Crew Schedule is designed to be intuitive, allowing teams to get up and running quickly. It also supports collaboration by enabling real-time updates and instant communication between team members.

Key features

  • Inventory management
  • Time tracking
  • Task management
  • Document management
  • Employee scheduling
  • Time off requests

Customer reviews

Pro Crew Schedule has a rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars on Capterra. Here’s what customers like about it:

“It makes scheduling very easy and fast. When we started using the program, it cut my scheduling time way down, and now I don’t have to email the crews their schedule. Customer service was always available and helpful. The program was built with subcontractors in mind, and it did exactly what we needed without a lot of add-ons.”

5. Buildertrend

Buildertrend helps contractors, remodelers, and home builders manage projects with greater efficiency. It allows teams to create, update, and share project schedules in real time with a drag-and-drop scheduling tool that makes it easy to adjust timelines, assign tasks, and monitor progress.

What makes Buildertrend unique is its comprehensive approach to project management. It integrates scheduling with other essential features such as budgeting, document management, client communication, and change order tracking. This all-in-one functionality allows contractors to manage every aspect of a project from a single platform, eliminating the need for multiple software solutions.

Another standout feature of Buildertrend is its client collaboration capabilities. The platform includes a customer portal where clients can view project timelines, track progress, and communicate directly with the construction team. Additionally, Buildertrend offers automated reminders and notifications, helping teams stay on schedule and avoid missed deadlines.

Key features

  • Change orders
  • Warranty management
  • Proposals
  • Bidding
  • Invoices
  • Insurance
  • Client portals

Customer reviews

Buildertrend has an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Capterra. Here’s what customers like about the platform:

“It’s good because I don’t have to worry about long training or adaptation processes since this platform was designed with ease of use in mind.”

6. Smartsheet

Smartsheet offers a spreadsheet-like interface that is easy to use while providing advanced scheduling capabilities such as task dependencies, Gantt charts, and automated workflows. Teams can create detailed project schedules, set deadlines, and assign responsibilities with real-time visibility into progress.

What makes Smartsheet unique is its integration capabilities. It integrates with popular construction and business software, including Procore, Microsoft Project, and Google Workspace. Additionally, its automation features help reduce manual data entry by triggering alerts, status updates, and approval workflows, keeping projects on track without constant oversight.

Construction managers can generate real-time reports on project timelines, resource allocation, and budget tracking. The platform also supports collaboration with external stakeholders, allowing contractors, clients, and vendors to access project schedules and updates.

Key features

  • Automation
  • Internal and external communication
  • Workload tracking
  • Digital asset management
  • Resource management

Customer reviews

Smartsheet has an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Capterra. Here’s what customers like about the platform:

“With Smartsheet, you can easily create and manage projects, track progress, and collaborate with team members in real time. One of the most powerful features of Smartsheet is its Critical Path Highlighting feature. It makes it much easier for you to notice any issues early and try to sort them out.”

7. Fieldwire

Fieldwire allows teams to break down projects into detailed task lists, assign work to specific team members, and track progress with clear visual updates. Its task-based approach is particularly useful for subcontractors and field teams who need a clear, day-to-day breakdown of their responsibilities rather than just a high-level project timeline.

Additionally, Fieldwire offers offline functionality, allowing teams to access schedules and update tasks even when they don’t have an internet connection.

Another standout feature of Fieldwire is its blueprint and document management system. It enables teams to attach drawings, specifications, and photos directly to tasks, ensuring that workers have all the information they need in one place and reducing errors and rework.

Key features

  • Building inspection
  • RFIs
  • Change orders
  • Specifications 
  • Blueprints
  • BIM

Customer reviews

Fieldwire has an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Capterra. Here’s what customers like about the platform:

“Fieldwire provides project documentation and tracking at our staff’s fingertips. The ability to link associated drawings and details to floor plans saves a huge amount of time every day. Project photos, markups, and as-constructed information is available to all team members at any time at any location on the project. This software has streamlined processes beyond our expectations.”

8. Oracle Primavera P6

Oracle Primavera P6 is built for enterprises and infrastructure projects where accurate scheduling is critical to meeting deadlines and staying within budget. Its ability to handle thousands of tasks within a single project makes it an excellent choice for general contractors, project managers, and engineering firms overseeing multi-phase developments.

What makes Primavera P6 unique is its advanced project analytics and risk management features. It provides predictive insights, allowing teams to identify potential project delays and mitigate risks before they impact the timeline. It offers built-in reporting and scenario modeling, and it’s designed to integrate with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.

While Primavera P6 requires a learning curve due to its extensive feature set, its powerful scheduling capabilities, risk management tools, and enterprise-grade scalability make it the preferred choice for large construction projects where precision and efficiency are key.

Key features

  • Construction management
  • Intelligence cloud
  • Payment management
  • Capital program management
  • AI-powered analytics
  • Talent management 
  • Enterprise resource planning

Customer reviews

Oracle Primavera P6 has an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars on Capterra. Here’s what customers like about the platform: 

“This software has every feature required for project scheduling and tasking. The most important feature is that it works on databases so you can work on many projects at the same time. I like the way it creates the critical path of a schedule and gives you all the important calculations that you need automatically based on any updates or changes on the schedule.”

9. Buildxact

Buildxact is an excellent option for small to mid-sized builders, remodelers, and contractors who need an easy-to-use yet powerful solution. Its cloud-based platform allows users to create and manage project schedules with a simple drag-and-drop interface, and it helps streamline project workflows by automatically linking scheduling with estimating, job costing, and purchasing.

What makes Buildxact unique is its deep integration of scheduling with cost management and estimating tools. It enables users to track costs, create purchase orders, and manage supplier relationships directly from the scheduling interface. This helps you maintain better control over your budget while ensuring that materials and labor are allocated efficiently. It also offers real-time pricing updates from suppliers.

Key features

  • Lead management
  • Customer communications
  • Estimating
  • Quoting 
  • Dealer connection
  • Cost tracking
  • Accounting
  • Invoicing

Customer reviews

Buildxact has an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Capterra. Here’s what customers like about the platform:

“I am solving my scheduling and project tracking bottlenecks. This program makes it very easy for the client and myself to understand our overall project progress and what employees are working on what portions of our project.”

Choosing the best construction scheduling software for your crew

Choosing the right construction employee scheduling software can make a big difference in your day-to-day operations. The tools we covered here each bring something unique to the table, from easy scheduling to full-on project management and time tracking. 

By helping you communicate better with your crew, keep everyone accountable, and cut down on labor costs, these apps can make running your projects a whole lot smoother. So if you’re ready to simplify your scheduling and boost your team’s efficiency, there’s definitely an option here that’s the perfect fit.

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About the Author

Eric has more than 20 years of experience owning, operating, and managing businesses — everything from in-person, multi-location shops to fully remote SaaS companies. He uses what he's learned along the way to create helpful guides for other business leaders.