Summary
Workyard is a workforce management platform tailored for construction and skilled trades, offering precise GPS time tracking, crew scheduling, and job costing. Its integration with major payroll systems streamlines payroll processing and enhances job profitability insights. TL;DR Verdict: Workyard is a robust tool for HVAC contractors seeking accurate labor data and seamless payroll integration, though it requires complementary payroll software.
What Workyard Does Well
Workyard excels in providing accurate GPS time tracking and job costing, which are crucial for HVAC contractors managing multiple job sites and teams. The platform's ability to capture GPS arrival and departure times, routes driven, and mileage ensures that labor data is precise and reliable. This level of detail helps HVAC businesses maintain accurate records without relying on memory or manual timesheets, reducing errors and saving time.
The automatic cost code prompts are another standout feature. When technicians move between different types of jobs, such as from a maintenance call to an installation, Workyard prompts them to update the cost code. This ensures that labor costs are accurately attributed to the correct job, providing a clear picture of job-level profitability. For HVAC contractors, this means better insights into which services are most profitable and where improvements can be made.
Workyard's integration with major payroll systems like QuickBooks, ADP, and Gusto is a significant advantage. By feeding clean labor data directly into these systems, Workyard eliminates the need for manual reconciliation of hours, overtime, and cost codes. This integration not only saves time but also reduces the risk of errors in payroll processing, ensuring that employees are paid accurately and on time.
The platform is also designed with field use in mind. Its mobile app is responsive and easy for technicians to use, ensuring that data is captured accurately and efficiently. This focus on field usability is crucial for HVAC contractors whose teams are often on the move and need a reliable tool that works seamlessly in various environments.
Where It Falls Short
Despite its strengths, Workyard is not a full payroll engine. HVAC contractors will still need to rely on additional payroll software like Gusto, ADP, or QuickBooks Payroll to handle the complete payroll process. This requirement can be seen as a limitation for those looking for an all-in-one solution, as it necessitates managing multiple systems.
Another consideration is the need for crew buy-in to location tracking. While GPS tracking provides valuable data, it may raise privacy concerns among employees. HVAC contractors will need to ensure that their teams are comfortable with this level of monitoring and understand its benefits for job accuracy and payroll.
Finally, while Workyard offers job costing features, these are only available in the Pro tier. For HVAC businesses looking to leverage detailed job costing insights, this means opting for the higher-priced plan. Additionally, Workyard may lack some of the enterprise-level depth found in more comprehensive solutions like Arcoro/ExakTime, which could be a consideration for larger HVAC operations.
Pricing
Workyard offers a transparent pricing model, with a Starter plan at $6 per user per month plus a $50 base fee. For those needing job costing and deeper payroll integration, the Pro plan is available at $13 per user per month. This straightforward pricing structure allows HVAC contractors to easily compare Workyard with other workforce management solutions.
Who It's Best For
Workyard is ideal for small to midsize HVAC contractors who need accurate time tracking and job costing without the complexity of enterprise-level software. It's particularly beneficial for businesses that already use or are willing to integrate with payroll systems like QuickBooks, ADP, or Gusto. Contractors who value precise labor data and streamlined payroll processes will find Workyard to be a valuable addition to their operations.
Bottom Line
For HVAC contractors, Workyard offers a compelling solution for managing workforce logistics and improving job profitability. Its accurate GPS tracking and seamless payroll integration help streamline operations and provide valuable insights into labor costs. While it requires additional payroll software and crew buy-in for location tracking, its benefits in accuracy and efficiency make it a strong choice for contractors looking to enhance their workforce management capabilities.