Top 8 Apps for Construction Workers in 2024

From project scheduling and time tracking to document management and on-the-spot reporting, construction apps empower construction workers to manage projects efficiently—directly from their smartphones or tablets.

1. Connecteam—best for on-site communication

The Connecteam app stands out for its communication capabilities, which are particularly suited for construction teams requiring constant coordination.

Its features include real-time messaging and updates. A free trial is available, with pricing tiers that cater to different business sizes.

The top features of Connecteam include the following:

• Employee time clock and productivity tracking—Offers an efficient system for monitoring work hours, projects, and tasks, helping to eliminate common workforce management issues like buddy-punching and time padding.

• Real-time communication and collaboration tools—The platform facilitates seamless communication among team members through checklists, messaging, training, one-on-one chats, and group updates.

• Comprehensive scheduling and task management features—Connecteam offers a drag-and-drop scheduling feature, allowing easy creation and editing of shifts, tasks, and templates.

The most popular plan is $49 for the first 30 users.

2. Shoeboxed—best for expense & document management

Shoeboxed offers an expense tracking app and receipt scanning service for construction expenses and document management, allowing contractors to track project invoices and costs.

With its Magic Envelope service, construction professionals can effortlessly send their receipts to Shoeboxed by mailing them in a provided envelope.

Shoeboxed then scans, enters, and categorizes each receipt or document, making the data accessible and searchable for the user.

The following are Shoeboxed’s key features beneficial for construction workers in managing and streamlining their job-related expenses and documentation:

• Document scanning and management—Allows for efficient scanning and categorization of receipts and other documents, which can be done via app or by sending physical documents to Shoeboxed using their Magic Envelope service. This feature is crucial for construction workers who need to keep track of numerous receipts and documents for job costing, materials, and equipment expenses.

• IRS-accepted digital receipts—All receipts processed through Shoeboxed are IRS-ready, which means they meet the criteria required for tax records. This feature is handy for construction management, which needs to keep detailed financial records for tax purposes and potential audits.

• Gmail receipt sync—Importing e-receipts to your Shoeboxed account is as easy as syncing your Gmail with Shoeboxed, using Shoeboxed's special Gmail Receipt Sync feature.

• Magic Envelope service—Shoeboxed's Magic Envelope service is a convenient way to send receipts and other paper clutter for digitization. Construction workers can use this service to ensure all their job-related expenses are accurately captured and stored digitally, making it easier to track project costs.

• Integration with accounting software—Shoeboxed integrates with popular accounting & bookkeeping software like QuickBooks Online, Wave, and Xero, allowing construction workers to further streamline their financial and expense management processes. This integration can help in accurate job costing and financial reporting for construction projects.

These features can help construction companies manage job-related expenses more efficiently, keep accurate financial records for tax purposes, and streamline document management processes.

Shoeboxed is the only receipt scanner app that will handle both your paper receipts and your digital receipts—saving customers up to 9.2 hours per week from manual data entry!

The price of Magic Envelope plans starts at $18 per month. All monthly plans come with a 30-day free trial. All annual plans are charged upon sign-up and come with a full money-back guarantee if the plan is terminated at any point within the first 30 days.

What else can Shoeboxed do?

Shoeboxed has been voted as the best receipt scanner app for tax season by Hubspot and given the Trusted Vendor and Quality Choice awards by Crozdesk.

A quick overview of Shoeboxed's award-winning features:

a. Mobile app and web dashboard

Shoeboxed’s mobile app lets you snap photos of paper receipts and upload them to your account right from your phone.

Shoeboxed also has a user-friendly web dashboard to upload receipts, warranties, contracts, invoices, and other documents from your desktop.

b. Gmail receipt sync feature for capturing e-receipts

Importing e-receipts to your Shoeboxed account is as easy as syncing your Gmail with Shoeboxed, using Shoeboxed's special Gmail Receipt Sync feature.

Shoeboxed’s Gmail Receipt Sync grabs all receipt emails and sends them to your account for automatic processing! These receipts are then labeled as Sent to Shoeboxed in your Gmail inbox.

In short, Shoeboxed pulls the receipt data from your email, including the vendor, purchase date, currency, total, and payment type, and organizes it in your account.

Your purchases will even come with images of the receipts attached!

c. Expense reports

Expense reports let you view all of your expenses in one cohesive document. They also make it simple to share your purchases with your accountant.

You can also choose certain types of receipts to include in your expense report. Just select the receipts you want to export and click “export selected.”

d. Search and filter

Call up any receipt or warranty in seconds with advanced search features.

Filter receipts based on vendors, date, price, currency, categories, payment type, and more.

e. Accounting software integrations

Export expenses to your accounting software in just a click.

Shoeboxed integrates with 12+ apps to automate the tedious tasks of life, including QuickBooks, Xero, and Wave Accounting.

f. Unlimited number of free sub-users

Add an unlimited number of free sub-users to your account, such as family members, employees, accountants, and tax professionals.

g. Mileage tracker for logging business miles

After you sign up for Shoeboxed, you can start tracking miles in seconds:

• Open the Shoeboxed app.

• Tap the “Mileage” icon.

• Click the “Start Mileage Tracking” button.

• And drive!

Whenever you start a trip, Shoeboxed tracks your location and miles and saves your route as you drive.

As you make stops at stores and customer locations, you can drop pins to make tracking more precise.

At the end of a drive, you’ll click the “End Mileage Tracking” button to create a summary of your trip. Each summary will include the date, editable mileage and trip name, and your tax deductible and rate info.

Click “Done” to generate a receipt for your drive and get a photo of your route on the map. Shoeboxed will automatically categorize your trip under the mileage category in your account.

h. The Magic Envelope

Outsource your receipt scanning with the Magic Envelope!

The Magic Envelope service is one of Shoeboxed's most popular features, particularly for businesses, as it lets users outsource their receipt management.

When you sign up for a plan that includes the Magic Envelope, Shoeboxed will mail you a pre-paid envelope for you to send your receipts in.

Once your receipts reach the Shoeboxed facility, they’ll be digitized, human-verified, and tax-categorized in your account.

Have your own filing system?

Shoeboxed will even put your receipts under custom categories. Just separate your receipts with a paper clip and a note explaining how you want them organized!

3. Workyard—best for task scheduling

Workyard is notable for task scheduling among project management tools, helping contractors assign and track daily operations. It also includes a robust construction fleet management software solution, GPS time tracking, and real-time location monitoring for field crews, ensuring time card accuracy for payroll purposes.

The app precisely tracks worker location, arrival at job sites, and departure times. Workyard's services pricing is typically tailored to the size of the fleet and specific client needs, with details provided through direct inquiry.

• Precise GPS time tracking—Workyard provides accurate GPS time tracking, ensuring that every minute worked is accounted for.

• Labor compliance and time clock rules—The construction management software includes built-in labor compliance features to comply with overtime and break laws, protecting businesses with a GPS audit trail.

• Job cost reporting—Workyard enables easy tracking of job costs for each construction project by capturing hours worked per job and cost code with every time card. It offers flexible reporting, allowing breakdowns of job costs by employee, cost code, and more, which can feed into the contractor’s accounting system to increase billing accuracy and help improve future estimates.

• Simplified scheduling process—The software simplifies scheduling by allowing managers to assign work quickly using a digital team calendar. Schedules can be shared instantly, ensuring the crew has the latest schedule. It also provides features for specifying tasks with notes, checklists, attachments, and tracking progress.

Pricing starts at $50 per month base fee per company, after which it's $6 per user.

4. LetsBuild—best for safety training modules

LetsBuild provides construction teams with safety training modules directly accessible from the field or office.

The app's training resources cover crucial topics, such as QHSE (quality, health, safety, environment) standards.

• Project management—LetsBuild offers robust project management features, allowing users to efficiently plan, schedule, and track construction projects. This includes task assignments, progress tracking, and communication tools to streamline project coordination. Real-time progress tracking ensures the entire project team is up to date with their training. LetsBuild excels at keeping construction workers informed and compliant.

• Collaboration tools—Provides a platform for seamless collaboration among project stakeholders, including contractors, subcontractors, architects, and clients. It facilitates real-time communication, document sharing, and issue tracking to ensure all parties are aligned throughout the construction process.

• Site monitoring and reporting—Enables comprehensive site monitoring through progress tracking, quality control, and safety inspections. It also generates detailed reports, providing valuable insights into project performance and regulation compliance.

• Mobile accessibility—LetsBuild's mobile app allows on-site teams to access project information, update task statuses, and communicate with the project team from anywhere, enhancing productivity and decision-making on the go.

Pricing depends on the number of projects and users. To learn more, request a customized quote.

5. Fieldwire—best for equipment handling

Fieldwire focuses on efficient equipment handling, task management, and field coordination.

It allows construction teams and project managers to attach tasks to blueprints and locations, set priorities, and ensure safety in equipment handling procedures.

These features contribute to a safer job site by assisting workers and specialty contractors in effectively managing the various pieces of equipment. Fieldwire customizes reporting using data aggregated from project files, augmenting the safety of equipment operations.

• Task management—Offers robust task management capabilities, allowing users to list, assign, and keep track of tasks in real time, facilitating efficient project coordination and progress tracking.

• Plan viewing and markups—Provides comprehensive plan viewing and markup tools, enabling users to collaborate on blueprints, add annotations, and communicate changes directly within the platform.

• Issue tracking—Allows for the streamlined monitoring and resolution of construction issues, defects, and punch lists.

• Mobile accessibility—The mobile app empowers field teams to access project data, update task statuses, and communicate with construction managers on the go, enhancing productivity and real-time decision-making.

Leveraging mobile construction apps like Fieldwire is critical for any construction business wishing to boost efficiency on the job.

Pricing starts at $39 per user per month.

6. AutoCAD—CAD Software for Mobile

AutoCAD is a prominent application tailored for construction professionals needing powerful CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software on mobile devices.

Users can view, create, and edit CAD drawings anytime and anywhere, a valuable asset for fieldwork.

Based on the information gathered, here are the top features of AutoCAD—CAD Software for Mobile, revised with the latest insights:

• Simplified interface with core AutoCAD commands—The mobile app provides access to essential drafting tools and core AutoCAD commands for light editing and creating fundamental designs for construction businesses. Users can work in a simplified interface, enabling the creation, access, and update of DWG files anytime, anywhere.

• Seamless collaboration and cloud integration—AutoCAD Mobile facilitates collaborative workflows by allowing teams to review, edit, and share CAD drawings in real time from anywhere. The app supports direct opening of DWG files from Autodesk and other popular cloud storage providers, ensuring that drawings are easily accessible and simplified workflows.

• Offline mode with synchronization—The app offers an offline mode when a crew is on a construction site and can't sync with Wi-Fi. Users can access and work on projects without an internet connection, with changes synchronized later when connectivity is restored. This makes fieldwork and on-site project management practical.

• Subscription plans and trial access—AutoCAD Web offers various subscription plans, including monthly and yearly options, providing flexibility depending on user needs. New users can enjoy a fully functional free trial for 30 days, with limited read-only functionality available post-trial without a paid subscription. Current AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT desktop subscribers can access the mobile app by signing in with their Autodesk account.

The pricing for a standard subscription starts at $255/month.

7. SketchUp—best 3D visualization tool

For three-dimensional modeling, SketchUp stands out as an intuitive tool that enables contractors and architects to visualize buildings in 3D space.

It is particularly lauded for its ease of use and extensive library of models.

SketchUp provides the essential tools for creating detailed 3D designs and sharing them with clients or team members.

Based on the latest information available, here are the top features of the SketchUp mobile app, highlighting its versatility and convenience for 3D modeling on the go:

• AR model viewing—The SketchUp Viewer for mobile allows users to store and share 3D models on iOS or Android devices. A standout feature is its augmented reality (AR) capabilities, enabling models to be viewed in the context of the real world on devices that support ARKit (iOS) or ARCore (Android).

• Broad compatibility and multilingual support—SketchUp Mobile Viewer is compatible with select iPhone and Android smartphones. Moreover, the app has been translated into 13 languages, making it accessible globally to a wide range of users.

• Cloud integration and email accessibility—One of the most requested features was the ability to open models from various cloud services or email attachments. The updated SketchUp Mobile Viewer addresses this by allowing users to access models stored in Dropbox, email apps, or directly from 3D Warehouse and Trimble Connect accounts.

• Enhanced viewing experience with SketchUp styles—The latest update brings SketchUp's standard Face Styles to mobile screens. Additionally, it introduces an Orthographic camera mode and a Field of View slider for improved model exploration, which is especially useful for viewing interiors.

User testimonials from the App Store indicate a positive reception, with users finding SketchUp for iPad a game-changer in portability and usability. The integration of the Apple Pencil, in particular, has transformed the user experience, making it more intuitive and efficient for on-site tasks, smaller meetings, and personal projects.

These features make the SketchUp mobile app a powerful tool for architects, designers, and creatives, ensuring the full power of SketchUp's 3D modeling capabilities is always at hand.

The application has different pricing tiers, starting with SketchUp Free. Professional versions, like SketchUp Pro, are offered at $299/year.

8. Bridgit Bench—all-around project management

For inventory tracking, Bridgit Bench stands out with its targeted features.

It allows contractors to manage their resources effectively through pursuit tracking and labor scheduling.

They can also engage in remote planning sessions and the forecasting functionality aids in anticipating resource demand.

Bridgit Bench is marketed as a construction workforce intelligence solution, with pricing details available upon request.

The Bridgit Bench mobile app offers a comprehensive suite of features designed to enhance workforce and project management in the construction industry. Here are the top features based on the information available:

• Workforce and project management—Bridgit Bench allows you to manage all project roles and allocations. You can view, search, filter, and edit project and people data directly from the mobile app. This centralizes workforce management, making it easier for operations teams to manage their workforce effectively.

• Advanced reporting dashboard—The app provides advanced reporting capabilities, enabling users to get ahead of workforce needs. It features a people and project dashboard that keeps you updated with comprehensive profiles for all individuals, including their project history, upcoming projects, a summary of resourcing issues, and personal information.

• Real-time communication tools—Bridgit Bench includes tools like Assignment Alerts and Broadcasts, which allow immediate communication with team members about subsequent assignments or project-wide updates such as delays, weather shutdowns, or social events. All communications are logged within the app to keep the team informed and connected.

• Mobile dashboard for immediate action—The mobile dashboard highlights key areas requiring attention, such as available team members, unfilled project roles, and allocation issues. This feature enables users to dive into details and resolve issues or make changes on the fly, ensuring project and workforce management is streamlined and effective regardless of location.

• Cross-platform synchronization—The Bridgit Bench mobile app is designed to work seamlessly with its web application counterpart, ensuring data is synchronized across platforms ensuring that users can access the most up-to-date information, whether in the office or on-site.

Pricing is based on users. Request a pricing quote to learn more.

In closing

The right construction management apps streamline operations from the office to the job site, ensuring that general contractors and crew members are on the same page.

Using construction apps can significantly improve time management and cost efficiency.

Construction apps play a pivotal role in the success of construction projects by simplifying complicated calculations, providing easy access to essential documents, and enabling real-time updates.

Tomoko Matsuoka is the managing editor for Shoeboxed, MailMate, and other online resource libraries. She covers small business tips, organization hacks, and productivity tools and software.

About Shoeboxed!

Shoeboxed is a receipt scanning service with receipt management software that supports multiple methods for receipt capture: send, scan, upload, forward, and more!

You can stuff your receipts into one of our Magic Envelopes (prepaid postage within the US). Use our receipt tracker + receipt scanner app (iPhone, iPad and Android) to snap a picture while on the go. Auto-import receipts from Gmail. Or forward a receipt to your designated Shoeboxed email address.

Turn your receipts into data and deductibles with our expense reports that include IRS-accepted receipt images.

Join over 1 million businesses scanning & organizing receipts, creating expense reports and more—with Shoeboxed.

Try Shoeboxed today!