The problem
Time tracking at construction sites still often runs on paper or spreadsheets — a huge source of error and rework for HR, especially at companies with multiple sites and subcontracted labor. Closing the month becomes manual work: pulling together each site's spreadsheet, calculating overtime and absences one by one, and only discovering inconsistencies after it's too late to fix them with the worker.
How the automation works
1. Simple check-in at the site. Workers clock in with a WhatsApp message that includes their location, or by scanning a QR code posted at the site entrance — no paper, no physical spreadsheet.
2. Automatic validation. The automation checks whether the location falls within the site's allowed radius and whether the worker ID is valid. If something doesn't match, the site supervisor is notified to confirm manually — without blocking the worker who's just trying to clock in.
3. Daily consolidation. At the end of each day, the system calculates hours worked per worker and flags inconsistencies (a missing clock-out, hours above the legal limit) — and sends the supervisor a daily summary of who worked, who was absent, and who worked overtime.
4. Monthly closing by exception. On closing day, the automation totals regular hours, overtime (at the correct rate per bracket), and absences for every worker, cross-checking each site's holiday calendar. Only unresolved inconsistencies stay pending for manual approval — everything else comes out ready.
5. Sent to payroll, with a human checkpoint. The consolidated report goes to HR for review, and only after approval does the final file go to the payroll system — the automation never sends it through without that checkpoint.
Platforms used (and possible alternatives)
| Function | Used in this case | Also works with |
|---|---|---|
| Site time tracking | WhatsApp + QR code | Ahgora, Tangerino, or another electronic time-tracking app |
| Payroll system | Direct integration or file/spreadsheet | Domínio Sistemas, Senior, TOTVS RH, ADP |
| Geolocation and validation | Custom automation logic | — |
What this automation prevents
HR no longer pieces together a spreadsheet for every site at month's end. Overtime and absences don't slip through from forgetfulness — and the team only has to look closely at what actually has an inconsistency, not the entire timesheet.
Does your company have job sites or field teams with manual time tracking? Talk to us for a free diagnosis.