Why Heijmans has been choosing ClockWise for more than ten years
ClockWise: control over hours in complex construction projects with several joint venture partners Heijmans has been working with ClockWise for more than ten years. In an interview with Cobouw, the construction company explains how ClockWise is used as a shared project environment for complex construction and infrastructure projects in which several contractors work together. Discover why overview, transparency and reliable time tracking are essential in that. “We use ClockWise on projects where we work together with fellow contracting companies,” says Leo de Cort, operations manager for process and environmental management at the infrastructure branch of Heijmans.
Why does Heijmans choose ClockWise?
Especially in joint venture projects it is crucial to keep a grip on hours, progress and costs, without parties having to work in each other's systems. For Heijmans that is exactly the reason to use ClockWise. “Every party works with its own system for time tracking,” says Leo de Cort. In the past that caused problems. “We worked with Excel sheets in which people had to fill in their hours every week. On the project that was processed into one overall sheet, but that was very prone to errors, time consuming and hard to check. ClockWise is the shared environment in which all parties record and approve their hours, alongside their own systems,” De Cort explains. “You have short-cycle monitoring of hours. It is easier, faster and more reliable.” Anita Borst, co-owner and involved with ClockWise from the start, adds: “ClockWise can be deployed quickly and scales up easily, and that fits the dynamics of complex projects well. Our view is that software should be easy and quick to put to use.”
Groundbreaking, even in the tender phase
For Heijmans the added value lies mainly in overview and speed. “In the A27 tender we used ClockWise intensively,” says information manager Cecile Mathijsen enthusiastically. “I thought it was quite groundbreaking to do that already in the tender phase.” It was precisely in that early phase that one shared environment proved to help keep a grip on capacity, hours and collaboration. According to Mathijsen, the system keeps an overview in complex situations. “You see more quickly where capacity is going and how hours develop within a project like that. That helps enormously when making choices.”
Complex projects, clear structure
Borst also stresses the flexible setup options. “We support complex Work Breakdown Structures (WBS) within which you can assign permissions and roles in a clear way. Approval is important. Large amounts of money are involved.” That flexibility also works across organisational boundaries. “If several organisations work together on a project, you can set exactly which party has which role in the approval process,” Borst says. “What is more, the system can soon be set up to support the Dutch construction collective labour agreement, think of the various allowances. ClockWise takes care of the right export.”
NEC4-ready: trust through transparency
ClockWise is also used by TM ROCO for the Oosterweel link. “There they work with NEC4, a new form of contract to encourage collaboration,” says Karel de Vos, also a co-owner. "Risk management is important there. With the audit trail in ClockWise you limit the risk of confusion about what is being claimed, for example. All parties can see exactly what has been claimed and why.""What matters is that you have one central truth for the hours that are recorded and for the information that is built up together. That creates trust between parties who sometimes meet each other for the first time on a project."ClockWise offers more than just time tracking. "You can attach rates to hours and go into the financial picture," De Vos says. "Not only entering hours, but approving them as well, is recorded in that audit trail. In large projects that reduces the risks considerably.”That way you keep both speed and control, even when several parties are running one project together.
Curious what ClockWise can do for your organisation?
Discover how ClockWise makes your projects clearer and collaboration easier. During a no-obligation demo we show you in around 30 minutes how ClockWise fits your way of working, and we answer all your questions.
20+ years of experience
With more than 20 years of experience in the field, ClockWise is a true specialist in project-based time tracking. We know exactly what it takes to keep projects running smoothly and efficiently.
Discover how ClockWise brings clarity to your work
Try ClockWise today. No credit card needed.
Frequently asked questions
See if your answer is here
Am I required to keep a record of hours worked?
Yes. As an employer in the Netherlands you are required to record the hours your employees work. That is laid down in the Working Hours Act. The law is simply there to make sure people do not work too much and get enough rest. How exactly you keep those records is up to you, as long as your registration is clear and reliable. Discover here how ClockWise can help you keep a clear and correct record of hours.
Is switching to ClockWise complicated?
No, switching to ClockWise is simple. The system is easy to use and quick to understand, so you can get started without long or expensive implementation projects. We guide you through the setup where needed, so you can switch quickly and smoothly and work efficiently right away.
What service does ClockWise offer?
Our customer service is directly available by phone, by email or through the website. No ticket systems or endless waiting times, but a colleague who thinks along with you straight away. Whether your question is about settings, reports or invoicing, we are here for you. Many customers choose ClockWise precisely because of our personal approach and short lines.
Does ClockWise have a knowledge centre?
ClockWise has kenniscentrum.clockwise.info, where you can find answers to your questions about time tracking and the hours screen, the holiday card, the reports and the financial options in ClockWise. If you get stuck, you can always contact our service desk.