How One Masonry Contractor Conquered Time Card Fraud with CrewTracks

Words: Erin Koets


In the world of masonry, precision and efficiency are essential. But what happens when the very foundation of your operational data—time tracking—is riddled with inaccuracies and even fraud? This was the challenge facing a mid-sized commercial masonry firm we recently worked with. Like many contractors, they relied on traditional paper timesheets, a method that, while familiar, had become a significant liability.

There were a few different issues for this company. Manual time entry often led to errors, from illegible handwriting to simple mathematical mistakes. Even more concerning was the growing suspicion of time card fraud. Whether it was "buddy punching," exaggerated hours, or crews clocking in before they were truly on-site, these discrepancies were quietly eroding their bottom line. The administrative burden of collecting, deciphering, and manually entering these paper records was also immense, pulling valuable resources away from more productive tasks.

Enter CrewTracks. Our solution offered a much-needed digital transformation for their timekeeping process. We transitioned them entirely off paper timesheets and onto our mobile app. The change was immediate and impactful.

Here’s how CrewTracks made a difference:

  • Accurate, Real-Time Tracking: Crews now clock in and out directly from their smartphones or tablets, right from the job site. This means precise timestamps and, when combined with optional GPS tracking, verified location data. This alone virtually eliminated "buddy punching" and ensured workers were actually on-site when they clocked in.

  • Simplified Reporting: All time data is captured digitally and fed directly into the system. This meant an end to manual data entry errors and a dramatic reduction in the time spent processing payroll. What once took hours of administrative effort now takes minutes.

  • Transparency and Accountability: With every clock-in and clock-out recorded digitally, there's a clear, unalterable record. This transparency naturally fosters greater accountability among team members, as discrepancies are easily identifiable.
The results for this masonry contractor were significant. By eliminating the inefficiencies and vulnerabilities of paper timesheets, they were able to save substantial money that was previously lost to inaccurate reporting and time card fraud. The near-elimination of fraud not only protected their profits but also brought a new level of trust and fairness to their operations.

This story isn't unique. Many masonry contractors face similar challenges in an industry where every minute and every dollar counts. Embracing digital tools like CrewTracks isn't just about modernizing; it's about building a more accurate, efficient, and ultimately more profitable foundation for your business.



Midyear - A Well-Earned Reward
August 2025

As managers or owners involved in the masonry industry, there are of course some perks that land on your plate. Such as a lot of extended workhours, calls, texts, and emails on weeknights or on weekends. The stresses, anxieties, pressures, and responsib

GEN NXT: Ashley Harris
August 2025

This month, the MCAA had the chance to talk with Ashley Harris from Washington, a mason who is determined by doubters and her ability to prove people wrong. Read about her story and why she chose masonry over any other trade. Ashley found her calling in

Masonry in the Media: Amber Palace, Brandenburg Gate, & More
August 2025

The impressive masonry structures around the world make up the scenery in each of these films as they can transport the audience to the past or demonstrate the strength of timeless masonry to the viewer at home. Each structure adds to the stories they are

Outreach Outlook: Back to School and Building Stronger Together
August 2025

As the summer winds down and we turn the page toward a new academic year, I hope everyone had an opportunity to rest, recharge, and reconnect with family and friends. These quiet moments help us return to our work with a renewed sense of purpose and energ