By Ashley Greybar at Outbuild

ABC Members can receive a 15% discount off a first year software license.

Managing construction projects can feel like trying to juggle a hundred moving parts while keeping everything on track. That’s where construction dashboards come in. Think of them as your project’s command center, giving you real-time updates and insights to boost efficiency, teamwork and quick decision-making.

We’ll break down everything you need to know about construction dashboards—what they do, how they can improve your projects and the features you should look for. Plus, we’ll show you how smart tools like Outbuild can transform the way you manage your projects.

What Are Construction Dashboards?

Simply put, a construction dashboard is a digital hub that provides a centralized, real-time view of your project's data—including metrics like schedules, budgets and team updates. Think of it as a cockpit for your project, where all the critical information is displayed in one accessible and user-friendly interface.

Unlike spreadsheets or outdated manual trackers, construction dashboards integrate data from multiple sources. They not only make your life easier but also streamline communication, helping teams work seamlessly toward shared goals.

Benefits of Construction Dashboards:

• Centralized Information: Simplifies project management by consolidating data in one place.
• Improved Decision-Making: Real-time insights help you make informed choices quickly.
• Enhanced Collaboration: Teams stay on the same page, reducing communication silos.
• Time and Cost Savings: Automation minimizes human error and redundant manual tasks.

How Construction Dashboards Revolutionize Project Management

Construction dashboards can transform how your team works on a daily basis. Here are some ways they drive noticeable improvements in managing complex projects:

1. Improved Decision-Making With Real-Time Data

Dashboards provide real-time updates, enabling managers to track resource usage, project progress and potential delays. This instant access to up-to-date data ensures decisions are backed by accurate information.

2. Enhanced Collaboration and Transparency

Rather than relying on fragmented communication tools, dashboards centralize all project data. Whether it’s a superintendent, project engineer or subcontractor, everyone stays informed, fostering transparency and teamwork.

3. Time and Efficiency Boost

Dashboards automate data collection and visualization, saving precious time previously spent on manual tracking. You can redirect that energy toward high-value tasks like planning and risk mitigation.

4. Risk and Cost Management

By offering a clear view of project metrics and potential red flags, dashboards allow you to address cost overruns or labor inefficiencies before they escalate into bigger problems.

The benefits of construction dashboards come down to three main things. They keep an overall project on budget, on schedule and of high quality.

Key Features To Look for in a Construction Dashboard

Not all dashboards are created equal. To maximize their effectiveness, consider the following key features when selecting a dashboard solution for your projects:

 

• Real-Time Analytics: Ensure your dashboard provides live updates for accurate and timely decision-making.
• Data Visualization: Choose dashboards with intuitive graphs and charts for easier interpretation of raw data.
• Flexibility: Look for customization options to suit the unique needs of your projects.
• Integration: A good dashboard links with other tools, like Procore, for seamless data synchronization.
• Accessibility: Cloud-based dashboards make updates accessible to both field crews and office managers in real time.
• 

The weekly work plan makes sure all resources are ready. It also helps everyone know their responsibilities for the project.

Types of Construction Dashboards 

Different dashboards serve different purposes, and each type can provide value depending on your needs. Here are a few of the most common ones:

1. Construction Company Dashboard

This offers a high-level overview of your company’s entire portfolio of projects, summarizing performance, resource allocation and overall progress across multiple sites.

2. Construction KPI Dashboard

Focuses on tracking key performance indicators for individual projects, such as safety metrics, labor efficiency, cost performance and quality concerns.

3. Construction Progress Dashboard

Uses visual elements like color-coded statuses to provide quick insights into progress and potential delays.

4. Construction Safety Dashboard

Exclusively dedicated to safety metrics, including reported incidents, injury rates and corrective actions taken.

Outbuild’s Smart Construction Dashboards

For construction professionals looking to gain a competitive edge, Outbuild offers innovative dashboard solutions tailored to streamline project management. With robust analytics and easy customization, Outbuild dashboards help manage your projects effectively while keeping teams aligned.

Features of Outbuild’s Dashboards:

• Project Performance Tracking: Monitor long-term performance using S-curves to spot trends and identify risks early.
• Weekly Commitments and Roadblocks: Get a detailed breakdown of team obligations and issues affecting progress.
• Percent Plan Complete: Track your team’s effectiveness in meeting commitments and adhering to schedules.
• Future Forecasting: Proactively identify delays and allocate resources to maintain momentum.

With Outbuild’s solutions, not only will you streamline progress tracking, but you’ll also promote collaboration and improve decision-making across the board.

Read the full blog post.

Take the Next Step Toward Smarter Construction Management

Keep your projects on track with Outbuild! Book a demo or sign up for a free trial today!

 

 

By Amanda Wolfe, Director, Content Marketing, STACK Construction Technologies

As construction companies and their projects grow in size and scope, so too does the volume of data generated and the number of individuals involved. With this complexity comes the heightened risk of data breaches, miscommunication and inefficiencies that can significantly impact a project’s success.

The Challenges of Managing Construction Data

The construction industry has traditionally lagged in adopting advanced technologies, but recent years have seen a shift toward digital solutions. This transition, while beneficial, has introduced new challenges in managing data. Construction projects often come with hundreds of plan pages, specifications and other sensitive documents. With multiple stakeholders, including everyone from senior management to administrative support, junior estimators and other subcontractors, the risk of sensitive information falling into the wrong hands has never been greater.

One of the primary challenges is the decentralized nature of enterprise-level construction teams. Unlike smaller businesses where employees may be centralized in one office, large-scale construction teams are often spread across various jobsites, working remotely or in different branch locations altogether. This physical dispersion makes it difficult to control who has access to what data. Additionally, the reliance on mobile devices and cloud-based platforms, while convenient, further complicates data security.

Importance of Controlled Access

To mitigate these risks, it’s crucial to implement robust access control measures. Not everyone involved in a construction project needs access to all information. For example, a subcontractor may need detailed plans for a specific phase of the project but doesn’t require access to financial records or contracts. By limiting access to only the necessary information, construction teams can significantly reduce the risk of data breaches.

Access control involves more than just setting up passwords or encryption. It requires a thorough understanding of the project’s data landscape and the roles of each team member. Managers need to define clear access levels for different team members and ensure that these are consistently enforced throughout the project lifecycle. This might involve using role-based access control systems, where permissions are assigned based on a person’s role within the project. For instance, a chief information officer might have access to all data, while an estimator might only have access to plan pages related to a specific project.

The Role of Technology in Enhancing Security

Technology plays a pivotal role in securing sensitive information in construction. Cloud-based platforms like STACK, for example, offer advanced security features such as data encryption, multifactor authentication and audit trails that can track who accessed what information and when. These tools can help managers maintain tighter control over data and ensure that only authorized personnel have access.

For large teams, STACK has the solution to keeping access to information where it belongs.

Roles and Permissions

STACK’s available roles and permissions add flexibility for teams who want to customize what’s available to certain users within the platform. STACK roles include:

Account Owner: This role has full access to ALL account information and features, no exclusions.

Estimator: This role can view and create projects, manage plans and documents, perform takeoffs, add items and assemblies to takeoffs, and edit reports and estimates (with cost data).

Takeoff Operator: This role can view and create projects, manage plans and documents, perform takeoffs, add items and assemblies to takeoffs, and edit reports (without cost data).

Cost Viewer: This role can view/search all projects, takeoffs, markups, takeoff reports, and snapshots (with cost data), and can hide/unhide takeoffs.

IT Admin: This role can view/search projects and takeoffs, hide/unhide takeoffs, print reports (without cost data), and access/edit Account Settings.

Project Creator: This role can view and create projects, manage plans and documents, view/search takeoffs, hide/unhide takeoffs and print reports (without cost data).

Viewer: This role can view/search projects and takeoffs, hide/unhide takeoffs and print reports (without cost data).

Project Teams

With project teams, STACK users can organize projects with extreme flexibility. Teams can be formed without limitation on a one-off basis or by standard configurations like office, region or location with the ability to add and move team members as needed.

Limiting access helps to protect sensitive information and limit interference from team members who should not have access to certain projects. Project teams provide all the flexibility and collaboration your employees need while still offering project controls and security required by larger teams. Each project has the ability to pull team members as needed.

Use cases for project teams include:

• Segmenting projects by team members from certain offices or regions.
• Keeping a project private so others can’t make edits or changes.
• Requiring NDA acceptance for a sensitive project that can only be made available to certain team members.

STACK Offices

STACK offices allows you to segment users by office, so that team members can be assigned to specific or multiple offices. This permits larger companies with multiple users and different hierarchies to work within a single STACK account, providing you with the best possible experience by limiting your projects and catalogs to those that are most applicable while offering the ability to access additional offices, projects and catalogs as needed.

Enhancing Team Management

Effective data management is not just about security; it also plays a crucial role in team management. When sensitive information is well-controlled, teams can work more efficiently, with clear communication channels and reduced risk of errors. By ensuring that the right people have access to the right information at the right time, managers can improve collaboration, reduce delays and enhance overall project performance.

Book time with an expert to discuss how these controlled access options can boost your team’s performance and secure your company’s data. ABC members that are new STACK customers receive a 10% discount off the list price.

By Demetrius Austin, SVP of Engineering, Integrations and Payroll, Arcoro

As senior vice president of integrations at Arcoro, I spend lot of time talking to construction leaders. I hear about the incredible projects they’re building and the skilled teams making it happen. But I also hear about persistent, behind-the-scenes headaches—and payroll consistently ranks near the top.

Let’s face it—construction payroll is uniquely complex. You’re juggling multiple jobsites, varying pay rates, intricate union agreements, prevailing wage laws and demanding certified payroll reporting. For too long, many businesses have relied on a patchwork system: paper timesheets collected from the field (often illegible or inaccurate) feeding into separate payroll software or even manual spreadsheet calculations.

We see the consequences firsthand: office managers drowning in data entry, payroll administrators stressed about compliance errors and owners struggling to get accurate job costing data to understand true project profitability. It’s a system fraught with inefficiency and risk.

Seamless Integration: The Construction Payroll Game-Changer

This is where the conversation shifts from just having software to having the right, connected software. Simply digitizing payroll isn’t enough if the time data feeding it is unreliable. The real game-changer is the seamless integration of time tracking and payroll solutions specifically designed for construction's demands, with a system like Arcoro Time (formerly ExakTime).

Imagine crews clocking in accurately via a mobile app, with GPS verification confirming their location. That clean, validated data flows directly into the payroll system—no manual re-entry, no transcription errors. The payroll engine, built to understand construction rules, then correctly calculates gross-to-net pay, handles complex deductions and generates compliant reports like certified payroll automatically.

Beyond Efficiency: Building Business Health and Profitability

This isn’t just about saving accounting a few hours of processing time (though that’s important!). It's about fundamental business health. It’s about ensuring your team is paid correctly and on time, every time. It’s about mitigating compliance risks that can carry hefty penalties. And critically, it’s about unlocking accurate labor cost data that empowers smarter bidding, better project management and, ultimately, improved profitability.

In today’s competitive environment, relying on disconnected, manual processes for your most critical resource—your people’s time and pay—is no longer viable. An integrated time tracking and payroll system isn’t just a “nice-to-have”: it's essential infrastructure for building a more efficient, compliant and profitable construction business. Arcoro is committed to providing tools like Arcoro time tracking and payroll that eliminate these headaches, allowing you to focus on what you do best: building incredible things.

About Arcoro
Empowering the builders of our world, Arcoro is the all-in-one HR technology platform purpose-built for the construction industry. As a trusted partner, Arcoro’s solutions help construction companies manage their unique workforce needs, offering the most Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) integrations of any HR software provider. Backed by best-in-class customer support, over 7,000 companies rely on Arcoro to save time, improve accuracy, reduce risk, and lower workforce costs. ABC members are eligible for 10% off new Arcoro software contracts.

Document Crunch and ABC: A Partnership Built To Benefit You

By Chad Waite, Senior Channel Manager, Document Crunch

Construction is built on relationships and partnerships, and they extend beyond back offices and jobsites into industry associations and solutions providers. The recent partnership between Document Crunch and ABC is no different, representing both organizations’ commitment to advancing construction. Here’s how it happened and how it benefits you.

Document Crunch’s Journey to the ABC Tech Alliance

Construction attorneys Josh Levy and Adam Handfinger founded Document Crunch with a clear vision: to revolutionize how the industry handles risk in complex contracts and project documents. Today, Document Crunch is the leading contract and project document compliance platform for construction and a trusted artificial intelligence standard.

Built specifically for construction, Document Crunch delivers accessible, actionable insights that mitigate risks before and long after the contract is signed, but the CrunchAI-powered platform also meets the day-to-day needs of project teams—from execution workflows to daily decision guidance and automated compliance tools. Many of the country’s top contractors, including Commodore Builders, are transforming their projects from kickoff to execution with Document Crunch.

After joining ABC's Tech Marketplace in early 2024, the additional value that Document Crunch could bring to ABC members quickly became clear. When the opportunity arose to join the ABC Tech Alliance—a prestigious tier with only a handful of select vendors—Document Crunch applied, knowing a few things would set them apart in ABC’s rigorous vetting process:

• Proven product effectiveness and real-world impact
• ABC member recommendations and testimonials
• A clear plan to bring immediate value to ABC members

A Solution Specifically Built for ABC Members

After ABC selected Document Crunch to join the Tech Alliance, the teams immediately set out to create exceptional value for ABC members. The result? A version of Document Crunch built exclusively for ABC members, informed by their actual needs with tailored AI compliance tools, available at a substantially discounted, members-only price. In addition, Document Crunch dedicated resources and team members to ABC national and local chapter needs and member success.

This partnership between Document Crunch and ABC represents a commitment to advancing construction through innovative solutions, member-focused development and a shared vision for the future of construction. As both organizations continue to work together, the focus remains clear: empowering ABC members with the tools and resources they need to succeed in an increasingly complex construction landscape.

What’s Next?

The Document Crunch team is excited to connect with ABC members at the upcoming ABC Convention 2025 in Las Vegas, Feb. 24-27. This event will provide an opportunity for members to see firsthand how Document Crunch’s AI-powered platform can transform their approach to contract review, risk management and document compliance.

Can’t join us in Las Vegas? No problem! Discover your exclusive Document Crunch and ABC member benefits today at www.documentcrunch.com/abc.

By Kori Sato, Head of Marketing, BuildOps

ABC members receive 50% off all implementation fees.

Even with all the latest advances in technology, something we’ve learned repeatedly is that, when it comes to field service management, one size definitely doesn’t fit all. We had the chance to catch up with the Hubbard Mechanical team, including Stephanie Hubbard, Human Resources and Finance Manager, and Natalie Norwood, Office & Social Media Manager, about their experience with previous cloud-based operating software and how their workflow was simplified after integrating with the BuildOps platform.

Operating out of central Kentucky, Hubbard Mechanical and its team of 13 employees have been servicing Lexington, Winchester, Georgetown, Mount Sterling, Versailles and surrounding areas since 2015. But that’s not where it all started. Homeowners and commercial maintenance personnel have trusted Art Hubbard for quality and reliable HVAC, boiler and plumbing services for the last 25 years. Their clients rely on them to help create a comfortable home and work environment—and we’re excited to help Art Hubbard and his team take the next step into their digital future.

Identifying a More Sustainable Solution

It’s not always about being stuck in the past. Sometimes it’s simply a matter of not having found the right solution for your organization’s unique needs. And that was exactly the case for Stephanie Hubbard and her team. “Before BuildOps, we used another cloud-based software to handle our day-to-day operations,” she said. Hubbard Mechanical needed an automated solution to manage its dispatching, in-field workflow and invoicing needs. “We experienced recurring outages on their server—and their one-size-fits-all approach certainly did not meet our needs.”

Tracking larger jobs became difficult, and keeping track of customer equipment was almost impossible. This became the catalyst in searching for a more sustainable solution. “We wanted the ability to pull reports instantly on equipment for our customers,” said Hubbard. “BuildOps team members asked us exactly what we were looking for and tailored their program to fit our needs. The the amount of time and effort the team put in to understand our business and workflow has made their software more powerful than any other.”

An Additional Perspective

We also had the opportunity to speak to Natalie Norwood about her experience making the switch over to BuildOps’ brand-new, personalized platform. As Office & Social Media Manager, Norwood was able to offer her own unique perspective on how BuildOps has made an impact on their business. “My primary duties include invoicing and job costing/profit analysis within the BuildOps platform,” she told us. “On a smaller scale, I also assist with quoting jobs, ordering/renting equipment, logistics for multiday commercial jobs and scheduling.” By the time she joined the business, Hubbard Mechanical had already made the switch from pen and paper to another well-known commercial software, whose invoicing, she said, was far more rudimentary.

“While everything had a line item associated with it, as it does with BuildOps, the majority of the other information—records, costs associated with each visit, etc.—were not included on the invoice,” she said. “We had to copy and paste the notes from each visit individually into each invoice,” she finished. “It was time-consuming and frustrating.”

Adopting a Personalized Commercial Workflow With BuildOps

After implementing BuildOps as its solution of choice, Hubbard Mechanical was able to track a multitude of different assets and customer information, expand their profit margins and increase the overall efficiency of their operation. “The amount of communication they had with us before, during and after developing the platform for our company was unprecedented,” said Hubbard. “The process took time—but it created a workflow that ultimately led to faster dispatch and quicker billing times.” Her techs now have access to robust software in the field, and the amount of data logged is much higher. “And the workflow,” she said, “has become very easy.”

The whole process has given the office an immediate visual of a specific job and whether it needs to be kept open or closed. As for customers? They get a clear view of what’s going on with their job and a real-time account of the charges they’ll receive. “Our techs like the software,” she said. “It gives them a good view of each job requirement and provides them with a massive database of information they can refer to from previous visits.”

Some Insights From Norwood

To add an additional view from Norwood’s perspective, data and information tracking became second nature. “I very much appreciate the details and analytical approach the platform takes when generating raw data on jobs, customers and properties,” she told us. “I was very intrigued by the onboard quoting feature BuildOps offered us,” she added, a feature that will certainly benefit the company as it scales its operation.

According to Norwood, some of the highlights of the new platform include her ability to reassign Purchase order’s to different job numbers; see all technician reports, photos and equipment for a specific job; and the sheer capability of the purchase order sections. “It’s extremely helpful,” she said. “Technicians now have the ability to create their own PO, and also fill in information for field orders created in the office at an earlier date!”

How BuildOps Can Further Optimize Hubbard’s Day-to-Day Operations

Now that Hubbard has optimized its day-to-day workflow with BuildOps, we’re looking forward to seeing what their plans are for scaling into the future. “BuildOps will definitely be a huge part of our plans for growth,” Hubbard said. “As a company, BuildOps was set on gathering our input and gave us every opportunity to ask questions and express ideas to help us achieve our goals.” The company plans to continue to use BuildOps to help adapt the program to fit its evolving needs.

As far as Norwood is concerned, she can see a future where further personalization with the BuildOps quote feature could lead to an even more seamless and flawless use of the system for the company and its technicians.

By Zulq Malik, Chief Happiness Officer, SMARTBUILD

The career landscape continues to evolve, impacting and shifting the career choices of those entering the workforce, most notably among Gen Z. Traditionally, the path to success often meant pursuing a white-collar job, typically requiring a college degree. However, as times change, so do perceptions and aspirations. Today, studies show that more and more young people are turning their attention toward skilled trades, and the reasons behind this shift are both compelling and multifaceted.

Shifting Perceptions

The stereotype of the trades as low-paying, menial labor is rapidly fading into oblivion. Skilled workers are now recognized and rewarded for their expertise, with competitive wages and benefits packages becoming the norm. This shift in perception is further reinforced by advancements in technology, such as SMARTBUILD construction management software, which empowers tradespeople to streamline their processes, enhance productivity and deliver superior results.

Technology and Innovation

At SMARTBUILD, we understand the importance of embracing innovation to drive progress within the construction industry. That’s why we're proud to partner with organizations like ABC and sponsor events like ABC’s annual National Craft Championships, where apprentices can show off their skills using the latest advancements in construction technology. By equipping craft professionals with the tools, they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving industry, we’re not just revolutionizing construction processes; we're also reshaping perceptions and elevating the status of skilled trades.

Rapid Skill Development

Instead of sitting through only lectures and seminars, apprentices are actively engaged in real-world projects, honing their skills and expertise under the guidance of seasoned professionals. This dynamic learning environment not only fosters rapid skill development but also instills a sense of accomplishment, as apprentices see construction projects come to life before their eyes.

Opportunity Knocks

As the construction industry continues to flourish, skilled trades are in high demand. This demand translates into better job prospects, increased earning potential and enhancing job security for those entering the trades. Unlike some white-collar fields where job markets can be oversaturated, skilled trades offer a promising landscape ripe with opportunities.

Low-to-No Student Debt

One of the most striking advantages drawing Gen Z toward the trades is the absence of overwhelming student debt. With the cost of higher education skyrocketing, saddling graduates with substantial financial burdens, opting for an apprenticeship in the trades presents a debt-free alternative. While their peers may be drowning in loans, those in apprenticeships are earning while they learn, setting a solid financial foundation for their future without the shackles of debt holding them back.

Career Advancement

In contrast to traditional academic pathways, where graduates may struggle to secure employment in their field, trade apprentices are already integrated into the workforce, building valuable connections and gaining practical experience from Day 1. This hands-on approach not only accelerates their career progression but also opens doors to further education and specialization, should they choose to pursue it.

The allure of skilled trades for Gen Z goes beyond mere economic considerations. It's about embracing a fulfilling and rewarding career path that offers financial stability, personal satisfaction and ample opportunities for growth. As the construction industry continues to thrive and evolve, the demand for skilled trades will only continue to grow, making now the perfect time for young individuals to explore the countless possibilities that await them in the trades. With the support and mindset and tools, including construction management software, like SMARTBUILD, the future is bright for those who choose to build their careers in the trades.

ABC members receive SMARTBUILDs SMART-HR Portal for free! ($1500/value) and 10% off annual subscriptions.

By: Matt DeSarno, CEO, Verfico

How Gilbane uses innovative technology to manage risk and enhance project efficiency.

ABC members can receive 10% off Verfico Technology solutions.

CHALLENGE

In the highly competitive landscape of the construction industry, Gilbane stands out not just for its excellence in project execution but also for its unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of workers. Recognizing the pervasive challenge of wage theft—costing workers an estimated $50 billion annually—Gilbane confronted a pivotal challenge: ensuring wage compliance while maintaining their competitive edge as an industry leader. Wage theft is particularly rampant in construction due to multitiered labor environments and a lack of transparency. Regulators are heightening legal scrutiny and enforcing stricter penalties to address the escalating problem within the construction industry. Wage theft posed both a legal and reputational risk to Gilbane, threatening the foundation of trust and ethical standing the organization had worked tirelessly to build with workers and owners alike.

SOLUTION

Gilbane’s response to this challenge was both strategic and visionary: the implementation of Verfico technology. Verfico’s cutting-edge solution enabled unparalleled transparency and compliance, capturing worker log data and reconciling it against payroll information to guarantee fair compensation. This proactive approach provided real-time insights into potential discrepancies, significantly reducing wage assurance risk and the costs associated with litigation. 

“The Verfico and Gilbane partnership enables us to deliver the type of innovative and transformational programs that represent our core company values. It allows us to proactively navigate the complexities of labor compliance while solidifying our commitment to ethical practices and making a positive impact in the communities we serve.”

KELLY BENEDICT
Vice President, Head of Innovation & Transformation, Gilbane

Verfico has the potential to help Gilbane improve efficiency in three key areas:

Litigation Costs

In 2023, wage theft cases brought by the Washington, D.C., attorney general had an average settlement cost exceeding $600,000. With legal fees often reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars, coupled with reputational damage leading to lost business opportunities, total costs can escalate to millions.

Workforce Costs

Project teams currently dedicate considerable time to manual reports and data entry, prone to errors and fraud. Verfico enhances data accuracy by directly linking daily reports to worker logs, saving supervisors and forepersons 15 to 30 minutes daily, equating to over 350 work hours on a yearlong project.

Project Costs

Project delays incur significant financial losses for general contractors annually. Verfico’s data alerts project teams to worker shortages in real time, preventing costly delays. 

By: Michael Dickran, Director of Enterprise Sales, Arcoro

ABC members are eligible for 10% off new ExakTime or Arcoro software contracts through ABC's Tech Marketplace.

US builders and contractors currently have a huge business opportunity, thanks to federal investments in public projects. Several acts have launched over the last couple of years that will eventually add trillions of dollars into infrastructure, clean energy construction and semiconductor and supply chain projects, including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal or the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the CHIPS and Science Act and the Inflation Reduction Act. Taking advantage of the billions in funds that are currently trickling down to all 50 states requires an understanding of prevailing wage and other requirements for federal contractors.

What is Prevailing Wage?

Prevailing wage is the amount employees must be paid when working on government-funded projects. It’s a mandate laid out in the Davis Bacon Act or DBA, which was created in 1931 to protect workers from receiving low pay while competing for federally funded construction projects during the Great Depression. The act, as currently amended, requires that any federal contractor who takes on a job over $2,000 on public buildings or public works must pay their workers no less than the prevailing wage and fringe benefits as on similar projects.

The prevailing wage rate is determined by the by the Wage and Hour Division (WHD) and is dependent on where the work is and what type of work is being done, i.e., specific geographic areas and jobs, like laborers, carpenters, installers and so on.

How Certified Payroll Fits into the Equation

Prevailing wages must be paid on all hours worked on the site of the work and employers must submit weekly certified payroll records. Certified payroll reports provide proof of compliance with DBA. Federal contractors must submit Federal Form WH-347 for certified weekly payrolls on contracts subject to the DBA and make sure each of the form’s fields are filled out correctly, including correct names, addresses, worker classification, hours worked and pay. Current DBA wage rates for each state can be found online by filling in a few fields or providing the wage determination (WD) number. Once the WH-347 form is filled out, submission is certified by signing the compliance statement in the form. It’s important to note it must be an officer of the company or someone that’s able to bind the company into a contract, like a controller, that signs off on the certified payroll report.

If figuring out prevailing wage and certified payroll seems like a lot, it’s because it is. But you don’t have to be an expert on the subject, let HR technology help handle the details.

The Solution: Tracking Accurate Hours

Tracking and logging accurate working hours are the foundation for fulfilling certified payroll requirements. This includes knowing the exact time when each of your employees starts and ends a job that’s funded by government money along with other details like:

• What jobs your employees performed, i.e., worker classification
• Where the employee worked
• Tracking subcontractors
• Tracking apprentices
• Signing off on time sheets by having them approved by the employee and supervisor
• Setting up wage tables for jobs via your payroll software
• Feeding the information to your payroll system to print certified payroll reports

Accurately tracking worker time, transferring the data to payroll and submitting certified payroll reports can take substantial time without software that’s built for construction. For example, some payroll systems like QuickBooks don’t have pay tables, forcing accounting staff to manually look up prevailing wage amounts.

Payroll time tracking software allows contractors to track and store all worker hours. Unlike paper time sheets or even Excel spreadsheets, the information can’t be altered, fudged or lost. Time tracking software can also follow your workers from job to job. So even if your employees work on both government and privately funded jobsites the same week or same day, the information is logged securely and accurately. The data can then be quickly and easily uploaded for use with your payroll software. Good time tracking software will streamline your certified payroll process by providing all the information you need for certified payroll reports.

How ExakTime Can Be Used for Prevailing Wage Projects

ExakTime is a cloud-based time and attendance solution from Arcoro that gives you the power to manage employees’ time records, job costing information, locations and other field data easily and efficiently. ExakTime’s construction-first solution solves both accuracy and reporting needs of prevailing wage jobs by:

• Tracking job costs
• Tracking employee location via GPS and geofencing features
• Setting up multiple cost codes for multiple employees
• Following employees from location to location
• Having an established mapping to more than 100 payroll packages

ExakTime also is configurable for alternative pay as well as job and cost codes for prevailing wage work. You can view all your job sites and limit certain codes, like prevailing wage codes, to specific sites. For example, admins can set up multiple groups, with specific worker classifications under each.

• Group A (Non-Prevailing Wage): Demolition, drywall, finishing, foundation, framing
• Group B (Prevailing Wage): PW-Laborer, PW-Flaggers, PW-Drywall Installer, PW-Carpenter

Employees who work both types of job can easily switch between cost codes, ensuring accurate pay and classification. Only employees working on prevailing wage sites get the option to clock in under a prevailing wage job classification, ensuring those who work only on non-prevailing job sites can’t clock in under a higher wage.

ExakTime also offers an at-a-glance dashboard that lets managers see where employees clock in and the cost code assigned, start time, hours, overtime, breaks and total time. Security features, like geofence and FaceFront photo ID, reduce or eliminate buddy punching or padding time sheets.

ExakTime helps reduce the risk for prevailing wage noncompliance. It provides an electronic paper trail that includes employee sign off, data accuracy via proof of chain of command and securely stored and easily accessible documentation in case of audit.

Plus, ExakTime works with top construction payroll providers. Our partners include Sage, Spectrum, Vista, Acumatica and more.

Let ExakTime set you up for success when it comes to complying with the DBA, prevailing wage and submitting certified payroll report. Plus, with our easy onboarding, award-winning features and top-notch support, you can be assured you’re getting a solution that works for your company.

Don’t wait. Contact an ExakTime representative today.

By: Matt DeSarno, CEO, Verfico Technology

ABC members can receive 10% off Verfico technology solutions.

Does it matter that many, if not most, of the contractors that engage in wage theft do so unknowingly? Not at all. But innovative technology solutions can help you avoid it altogether.

In my 20-year FBI career, I faced off against gang members, drug traffickers, international terrorists, cybercriminals and corrupt politicians. It was fulfilling work, even though I knew there would always be more criminals and my job would never be done. I enjoyed taking small steps every day to make things better.

That approach has prepared me well for my new challenge: fighting the massive problem of wage theft in the $2.7 trillion U.S. construction industry.

A $50 Billion Problem

Wage theft is the illegal practice of not paying employees the full wages or benefits to which they are entitled. This can take many forms, such as failing to pay overtime, misclassifying employees as independent contractors or making improper deductions from an employee’s pay.

This isn’t as high-profile a crime as, say, ransomware attacks—but it has a far greater impact. While ransomware theft is estimated to cost companies $11.5 billion globally, wage theft in the United States alone costs workers more than $50 billion per year, according to the Economic Policy Institute.

That’s more than the annual cost of robberies, burglaries and car thefts combined. Note, too, how that $50-billion loss affects all Americans, not just laborers. Stolen wages are taken out of circulation, out of the economy and out of the tax base.

Every month, it seems, there are new headlines illustrating the depth of the crisis.

In November, the California Labor Commissioner’s Office settled a lawsuit with a contractor for $1 million over violations of overtime and paid sick leave law.

In December, Minnesota regulators announced they are seeking $2.4 million in back wages and damages for construction workers in a case against two subcontractors.

In January, Colorado lawmakers introduced a bill to crack down on a construction industry they say has been “polluted by wage theft.”

These examples emphasize the urgency for collaborative action and innovative solutions to protect workers’ rights and ensure fair compensation—and to also protect contractors from legal risk and reputational damage.

Why This Matters

For construction leaders, wage theft is a strategic liability with far-reaching consequences, both legally and reputationally. This is especially frustrating because most general contractors do not engage in wage theft knowingly. They simply have limited visibility into the labor practices of their numerous subcontractors.

Either way, employers risk serious criminal and civil penalties—as well as reputational damage. In a recent Verfico survey on wage theft, for example, fewer than half of U.S. adults found it credible that “employers sometimes commit wage theft by mistake.” That means that, when mistakes do occur, many Americans will not give construction companies the benefit of the doubt.

Respondents said that when construction companies practice wage theft, it makes them concerned about other aspects of those companies’ operations. Specifically: Nearly three-quarters of respondents said they worried that construction companies that committed wage theft would cut other corners as well.

Many respondents also said they worried these practices would result in slower delivery of construction projects, lower-quality work and a negative impact on communities that rely on construction jobs.

For the vast majority of general contractors that demonstrate honesty and ethics, the importance of eliminating wage theft extends beyond legal and reputational considerations. It has significant financial implications as well.

Those companies that cheat not only discredit the industry, but they also have an unfair advantage over legitimate companies. Stamping out wage theft levels the playing field among competitors.

Tide-Turning Technology

While politicians in Washington and in statehouses across the country have been introducing legislation and tightening regulations around wage theft, I don’t believe this approach is what’s best for preventing wage theft in the construction industry. A better direction is to develop market-based solutions driven by technology.

By integrating innovative tech solutions, companies can monitor, track and reconcile wages in real time, preventing incidents of wage theft and reducing the likelihood of legal and reputational damage.

Technological solutions in this context serve a dual purpose: They not only protect companies from legal risks but also promote a culture of fairness and ethical treatment of the workforce. By ensuring that workers are paid what they are owed, companies can foster a more positive work environment, leading to higher productivity and employee satisfaction.

Taking a proactive approach to technology solutions while collaborating with other interested parties on the topic of wage theft, such as governments and advocacy groups, is the best way forward for the construction industry to lead in solving this longstanding issue. Ultimately, all stakeholders must work together to ensure the future of the construction industry is rooted in fairness and just compensation for all.

A Shared Responsibility

Rebuilding trust in the construction industry requires a deliberate commitment to transparency, collaboration and tech-driven solutions. By embracing these principles, construction leaders can not only mitigate the risks and costs associated with wage theft but also build a more productive, efficient and sustainable workforce. This, in turn, leads to improved project outcomes, enhanced client satisfaction and a stronger reputation for the industry as a whole.

The future of construction, like the buildings it creates, must rest on a solid foundation of fairness, integrity and shared prosperity.

By: Satyam Verma, AEC Practice Leader, Construction, Egnyte

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The construction industry is at the cusp of a digital transformation, primarily driven by the transition toward cloud computing. This significant shift promises to enhance efficiency, collaboration and innovation in a sector traditionally reliant on tangible materials and labor. For construction companies, adopting cloud technology is not just an upgrade but a fundamental change in how projects are managed and teams collaborate. This post is one of a three-part series discussing the steps for effectively migrating to the cloud, focusing on the assessment and planning and migration preparation phases.

Phase 1: Assessment and Planning

Start with a comprehensive evaluation of your current on-premise infrastructure to identify challenges, limitations and areas of inefficiency in data handling, cooperation and scalability. Set clear objectives for cloud migration, such as improving data accessibility, enhancing collaboration and reducing IT infrastructure costs, and conduct a cost-benefit analysis to understand the expected return on investment. For construction firms, this means critically assessing how project data and drawing files are managed and identifying communication bottlenecks.

Phase 2: Migration Preparation

Once the evaluation is complete and objectives are set, the next step is to develop a comprehensive migration strategy. This includes determining which data and applications to move to the cloud first, optimizing data for cloud storage and implementing robust security measures to protect sensitive information.

Choosing the right cloud solution is crucial in the construction sector, where effective project data management and collaboration are essential. Egnyte has proven to be an invaluable asset for ABC members like PCL, where Chris Palmer, manager of advanced technology services, notes, “Our data volume doubled over two years. Egnyte enabled us to cut down on labor needed for new storage provisioning and decrease our capital expenditures, saving PCL time and money.”

DOWNLOAD: Data Migration Checklist: Your checklist for replacing your file server with cloud-based storage

Adapting to Change and Mitigating Transition Challenges

A key aspect of cloud migration is preparing the workforce for the upcoming changes. This involves conducting training sessions, creating detailed documentation and setting up a support network to address any challenges during and after the transition. It’s also vital to anticipate and mitigate potential issues, such as data loss or operational downtime, to ensure a smooth shift to cloud operations.

Moving to cloud technology offers construction companies a strategic advantage in an increasingly digital world. By thoroughly assessing current infrastructure, setting clear objectives, developing a detailed migration plan and preparing for organizational change, construction firms can achieve a successful transition to the cloud. This boosts operational efficiency and collaboration and positions them for future growth in a rapidly evolving industry.

If you found this article helpful, read our next post in the cloud journey series, which covers streamlining data migration and cloud adoption for construction companies.