Field productivity is a measure of onsite execution that enables project teams to track progress against different scopes of work. Also referred to as a production rate, the formula is defined as the total output over the total input. For example, if a scope of work requires 120 cubic yards of concrete (output) to be placed, and it’s estimated the work can be completed with 30 labor hours (input), the production rate required to complete the work on budget and on time is four cubic yards per hour.

Field productivity should be tracked by self-perform contractors who want to understand how they are executing on a job. It’s not uncommon for self-performing contractors to not know if they made money on a job until after it’s finished, but by then it’s too late to course correct. Tracking field productivity information in real-time means project teams can make adjustments before it impacts their bottom line.

Tracking field productivity gives teams the insight required to protect profit margins, keep projects on schedule and more accurately bid future jobs. Understanding how efficiently crews are executing on a scope of work enables the project team to adjust manpower or timelines to meet budget or schedule. Tracking field productivity on projects also informs what level of performance is possible, so companies can more accurately and competitively bid future jobs.

A field productivity solution should be easy to use, accessible by any mobile device, and integrated with other technology solutions. Ease of use is vital for field teams to adopt any digital solution and provide accurate information. Mobile functionality is also important because work happens in the field, and any tool built for construction should provide field friendly production reporting and eliminate visits to the jobsite trailer or complicated spreadsheets. Finally, a field productivity solution should integrate with other technology solutions. Integration helps to eliminate double entry and ensure field, project, accounting and executive teams are all operating off the same real-time information to make informed decisions. 

A platform means connecting the entire project team, from the office to the field with one place to work together to do what you do best – build. A field productivity solution that’s part of a platform means time and productivity data flows seamlessly across tools and systems. A standalone field productivity solution often requires exporting data, double entry and extra administrative work. When a timesheet containing productivity information is submitted in a platform, it automatically updates production reports for field teams, the budget for project managers and ERP systems for accounting teams.