We are a mid-size asphalt paving company.  We're using Computer Guidance for our accounting software and HCSS for our estimating and project management.  There is a desire among Operations to have the  field foreman electronically record payroll, eqp usage, materials stored used, leased hauling of materials to the job site, and their daily job diary.  Currently all this information is gathered on a paper document and submitted to the office daily.

This past paving season, we have entered this information into HCSS from the office using Heavy Field module in an attempt to streamline the process and work out the bugs before sending to the field.  But, the obstacles encountered has caused our owner to ask if we're using the correct method to gather this data.

 I don't really want to introduce a 3rd software to the system.  But, I must do my due diligence and look at options.  Is anyone using a software to gather this info from the field which they would recommend that we review during this effort?

We are also an asphalt contractor and we implemented mJobTime which is a PDA based time and equipment tracking system.  We were really happy with the solution.  We rolled out about 20 PDA's and it cut our payroll processing time from days to hours and increased accuracy.

www.mjobtime.com.

Thanks for your response. 

We're looking for a system which would interface with HCSS's Heavy Field module too.  We currently enter payroll to HCSS Heavy Field and then export to CGC.  This allows us to enter data one time, gives PMs the info they need for their project management, and accounting the info they need to process PR and eqp usage. 

Now that we're ready to move toward entry from the field, we're evaluating if Heavy Field is the best tool to use in the field or if there is another tool which we need to consider.  In the end, we still need PR, materials, and eqp info in HCSS and PR/Eqp info in CGC.

I'll have our IT Manager contact you and discuss further.

Rebecca, it looks like you are looking for a system that is a one point of entry system so you can concentrate on payroll not on rekeying or trying to validate the field’s entries.  Furthermore, ease of use is definitely a factor so you don’t run into obstacles. 

Austin Lane Technologies is able to integrate to any accounting system including Computer Guidance (CGC).  Specifically with CGC, our users are entering time, equipment usage, production data (daily job reports), work orders, and more with ease.  I want to emphasize that it is done with ease which is important for the field and the home office. 

We have a great fit to fulfill your needs and and it is worthwhile to see why CGC users are using Austin Lane's products.  Please feel free to call me at 940-323-9801 or email me at k.pierce@austinlane.com – Kirk Pierce

Thanks for your feedback, Jack.  The Paperless Environment that you mention is for electronically moving documents, correct?  If so, this is a little different than what I am questioning.  I'm researching other software for data entry options from the field, other than using HCSS's product of Heavy Field.

Do your field personnel handwrite their report which is then scanned and sent electronically via P.E. software to the office?  From the administrative point of view, this is more desirable for me then having data entry by the field personnel who have never used a computer.

We have 300 employees and use timberline and HCSS.  We do have a paving division.