The verdict in three sentences
Custom jobsite tracking software for a construction SME (30-120 staff) costs 45,000 to 120,000 EUR in 2026, field mobile app included. It removes 5 to 10 weekly hours of re-keying between site and office and cuts budget overruns by 8 to 12 % through real-time tracking. Against market tools (Alobees, Graneet, Tolteck), custom wins when your time-tracking, reporting and payroll-integration processes are genuinely specific.
Expected features vs market solutions
| Feature | Market SaaS | Custom |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | 0 - 5,000 EUR | 45,000 - 120,000 EUR |
| Monthly subscription | 15 - 40 EUR/user | Hosting 150 - 500 EUR |
| Field mobile app (offline) | Per plan | Included, tailored |
| Geolocated time tracking | Standard | Custom |
| Photo site reports | Yes | Yes, customised |
| Per-lot budget tracking | Basic | Granular, real-time |
| Accounting/payroll integration | Limited / paid API | Native |
| Code ownership | No | Yes |
Budget line items of a construction build (2026 order of magnitude)
| Line item | Budget EUR |
|---|---|
| Scoping + field/office specs | 6,000 - 11,000 |
| Field mobile app (offline, photos) | 14,000 - 30,000 |
| Time tracking + geolocation | 8,000 - 16,000 |
| Site reports + validation | 7,000 - 15,000 |
| Per-lot budget tracking | 10,000 - 22,000 |
| Accounting/payroll integration | 8,000 - 18,000 |
| Data migration + UAT + training | 6,000 - 12,000 |
| Build total | 59,000 - 124,000 |
Add annual maintenance of 12 to 18 %/year, roughly 7,000 to 22,000 EUR depending on the build cost.
Mini case study
Sofiane runs a 60-staff structural works firm near Lyon, with 14 concurrent sites and 9 M EUR revenue. Each site manager loses 8 hrs/week re-keying time sheets and reports. Custom software at 78,000 EUR (+ 11,700 EUR maintenance/year) removes that re-keying and firms up budget tracking. Time saved: 8 hrs x 4 managers x 60 EUR loaded hourly cost x 44 weeks = 84,480 EUR/year. In parallel, cutting overruns by just 10 % on already-thin margins adds tens of thousands more. Payback: under 12 months on the re-keying gain alone.
FAQ
Does the field app work without a network?
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Yes, and it's essential on site. We build an offline mode that syncs time entries, photos and reports once the network returns. It's a major spec requirement.
Can we integrate our payroll and accounting software?
Yes, it's one of the main ROIs. Native integration (Sage, EBP, Pennylane, Silae) avoids double-entering hours and firms up payroll. Budget 8,000 to 18,000 EUR depending on the number of systems.
How long to a first field deployment?
Four to seven months for the full scope. A first batch (time tracking + reports) can be piloted on one site in 10-12 weeks before roll-out.
Is custom worth it against a SaaS at 25 EUR/user?
It depends on volume and specificity. For 30 users, a SaaS at 25 EUR costs 9,000 EUR/year; custom pays off when processes (budget tracking, payroll integration) are too specific for a standard tool, or beyond 60-80 users.
What annual maintenance budget should we plan?
Between 12 and 18 % of the build, roughly 7,000 to 22,000 EUR/year. It covers mobile-app maintenance (iOS/Android updates), security and feature evolutions.
Let's scope your project. Give us your headcount, number of concurrent sites and payroll/accounting tools, and we'll price the mobile build, integrations and maintenance. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
