Cost Calculator and Time Tracker for Tree Industry
Dor Peleg2 min read
Key facts
RILLOO built a Glide mobile web app that replaced a Google Sheet for cost calculation and time tracking in tree labor operations. Crews log hours and equipment use from the field, and office staff use the data for invoicing.
- Industry
- Tree Care Services
- Services
- Software Engineering
- Challenge
- Tree labor operations tracked hours and job costs in a Google Sheet that needed manual updates and was hard to use on mobile in the field.
- Solution
- A Glide mobile web app that replaced the Google Sheet, with cost calculators, time tracking, customizable rates, real-time sync and data export.
- Results
- Fewer errors from manual data entry
- Automated cost calculations save administrative time
- Clear visibility into job costs and labor hours
- Technologies
- GlideGoogle Sheets
Managing tree labor operations involves many moving parts, from tracking hours worked to calculating job costs accurately. Relying on spreadsheets can slow down the process and limit access when teams are out in the field. To solve this, a mobile web app was designed to replace a Google Sheet, making cost calculation and time tracking easier and more accessible for tree industry professionals.
Mobile app interface showing cost calculator and time tracker for tree labor
Why Mobile Access Matters in Tree Labor
Tree work happens outdoors, often in remote locations. Teams need tools that work on the go, not just in the office. A mobile web app allows workers and managers to:
- Enter time and job details immediately after tasks finish
- Access up-to-date cost information from any device
- Avoid errors from delayed or duplicated data entry
This real-time access improves accuracy and speeds up billing and payroll processes.
Features That Make the App Practical
The app was built using Glide, a platform that enables quick development of mobile web apps without complex coding. Key features include:
- Intuitive navigation: Users can easily find cost calculators and time tracking tools without training.
- Real-time updates: Changes sync instantly, so everyone sees the latest data.
- Customizable inputs: Teams can adjust labor rates, equipment costs, and job types to match their operations.
- Data export options: Reports can be downloaded or shared for accounting and management review.
These features help teams stay organized and reduce the time spent on administrative tasks.
Tree Industry Operations
Before the app, the team relied on a Google Sheet that required manual updates and was difficult to use on mobile devices. The new app:
- Cuts down on errors caused by manual data entry
- Saves time by automating calculations
- Improves communication between field workers and office staff
- Provides clear visibility into job costs and labor hours
For example, a crew leader can log hours and equipment use immediately after finishing a tree removal. The office team can then generate an accurate invoice without waiting for paper timesheets or phone calls.
Getting Started with the App
Implementing the app requires minimal setup. Teams simply:
- Customize the cost parameters to fit their pricing and labor rates.
- Train staff on basic app navigation, which takes only a few minutes.
- Start logging jobs and tracking time directly from mobile devices.
Because the app runs in a web browser, there is no need to download or update software. This makes it easy to roll out across multiple crews and locations.
