Time-Tracking, Procurement and Lead Gen

On The Clock (www.ontheclock.com, 888/753-5999) is a versatile Internet-based time clock GPS-based software solution for small businesses to keep track of employee clock-in/out at jobs. Employees can be restricted to one punch location, or they can utilize multiple locations.

Features include an online time clock, mobile time clock, payroll, and GPS tracking. You can require punching in/out using only specific authorized devices—e.g. mobile phones, tablets, desktops, and/or laptops. A Who’s In punch map using employee location pin drop indicators helps identify who is working and where that person punched in. The software also has geofencing and workplace Wi-Fi recognition to ensure clock in/out Wi-Fi internet connections match what you have set.

An easy-to-use dashboard enables you to include time off policies and gives you the ability to view up-to-date totals. The software handles all deductions and payments, minimizing errors and helping ensure accuracy.   

Pricing: subscription-based and scalable, plus a monthly fee for each wireless carrier and additional fee per employee when using a biometric fingerprint reader for sign-in, if you incorporate one yourself. Free 30-day trial.  

StructShare

StructShare (www.structshare.com) is a modern procurement platform purpose-built for specialty contractors to streamline materials management and purchasing workflows. It automates the full procurement cycle—from field requests, through RFQs, POs, deliveries to invoice reconciliation—by connecting field teams, purchasing, warehouse, and accounting in one unified system.

The platform features a mobile app with a searchable item database and supplier catalog, real-time notifications, and built-in chat for seamless communication. Key capabilities include multi-level requisitions and PO approvals, three-way invoice matching, inventory tracking, and real-time dashboards that offer drill-down insights into material costs, quantities, and usage trends.

StructShare integrates effortlessly with leading accounting and project management systems, including Procore, Sage 300 CRE, QuickBooks, Foundation, Vista, and Spectrum.

Pricing: subscription, tiered by company size and volume

The Service Program

The Service Program (www.theserviceprogram.com, 866/480-1879) is a customizable software solution configured and populated with capabilities geared, at its core, to the needs of service-based contractors.

The cloud-based system streamlines scheduling and has route optimization tools, improves communications between office staff and field techs, and provides real-time insights into operations. It also has a customer portal which allows clients to view service history, upcoming visits, and invoices.

The Software Program includes a mobile web app that keeps technicians connected from the field, no downloads required. Techs can, from a smartphone or tablet, view assigned work orders, capture customer signatures, update job statuses, add photos, and record parts used.

It also enables customizable reports, service agreement tracking, and the ability to generate branded service forms.

The Service Program also has a customer portal, which allows clients to view their service history, upcoming visits, and invoices. 

In addition, The Service Program integrates directly with QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online. Work orders, invoices and payments sync automatically, helping ensure accurate records and fast billing cycles.

Pricing: subscription plan scaled fee per month, with on boarding fee scaled by plan selected (differentiated by the number of users), plus a separate fee for adding the Mobile Solution, which requires use of a smartphone or table for each user. The monthly subscription includes technical and customer support.

ServiceDirect Marketplace

ServiceDirect Marketplace (www.servicedirect.com, 877/978-1099) is a pay-per-call local lead generation platform for service based businesses that is dedicated to connecting smaller and/or relatively new companies to potential local customers in real-time through an in-bound phone call sent directly to you.

How it works: the user inputs the types of customer leads you are interested in and the zip codes of your service area; select “your Cost Per Lead”—the amount you will pay for each Billable Lead generated for the campaign. (You can refine—increase or decrease—either criterium anytime.) Service Direct then generates exclusive in-bound leads for you to pursue. You can set a monthly budget and can pause your account anytime. There is no set-up fee—you create your account for free and pay only for valid leads—and no term contract.  

Service Direct Marketplace finds potential customers in your area who appear to need HVAC service or installation through search engine marketing, social media advertising, mobile apps, and direct mailers. A Billable call is defined as one you get from a potential customer seeking service your business provides or that results in a booked appointment.    

An Affiliate Health Dashboard gives insights to the efficiency of your account based on key metrics that impact buyer and consumer outcomes (payout). Among the data tracked: trendline metrics for such KPIs as Service Needed Rate, comparison against peer performance, and the ability to filter calls to identify quality calls and flag underperforming ones.  

Service Direct also offers two other similarly operating plans: Select, which is geared to larger, more established companies with bigger ad budgets and Enterprise, for franchise or many-location businesses.

Patti Feldman writes articles and web content for trade magazines and manufacturers of building products. She can be reached at [email protected].