Across London, New York, Toronto and Dubai, Smartsite’s SmartHoist and SmartWorker help teams reduce delays, improve planning and keep projects moving with confidence.
Why Smartsite is leading the way in construction productivity software
Smartsite develops user-friendly technology built around real jobsite challenges. SmartHoist, our flagship product, is installed on more than 1,600 hoists worldwide and has already eliminated tens of thousands of wasted labour hours. In 2024, we introduced SmartWorker: a real-time tracking tool that won the Related Argent Innovation Award for its proven impact on-site.
Together, these tools show why construction productivity software is no longer a “nice-to-have.” It forms the foundation for delivering safer, faster and more efficient projects.
How SmartHoist helps reduce costs on construction sites
Wasted time in vertical logistics is one of the biggest hidden costs in high-rise construction. On a typical project, hoist wait times alone can cost more than $2.7 million per jobsite per year. The calculation is straightforward:
- Average 7 minutes of wait time per call
- Around 6 trips per worker per day
- 400 workers at $38 per hour
SmartHoist changes this instantly. It retrofits onto any construction hoist and starts reducing wait times from day one, without requiring teams to change how they work. By optimising routing, balancing traffic and giving operators real-time guidance, SmartHoist frees up hours that would otherwise be lost.
Real projects delivering real productivity results
New York, 95 Madison (Woolly Mammoth)
SmartHoist cut average wait times from over 5 minutes to just 2:30 minutes. With 10,000 hoist calls per month, the project recovered thousands of productive hours, with zero disruption.
London, Oval Village (Berkeley Homes)
One of Smartsite’s earliest UK deployments. SmartHoist reduced hoist congestion and lowered wait times by 39%, even during the busiest hours.
Regents View, St. James
Across two XXL Alimak hoists on 14 floors, SmartHoist saved over 5,100 labour hours in nine months. The project also cut monthly energy use and reduced labour costs by £10,500 per month, with average wait times dropping from 5:30 to 2:30 minutes.
Manhattan, City Builders
A heavily monitored project with more than 8,500 hoist calls each month. The average wait time was 3:30 minutes across 35 floors. SmartHoist helped rebalance traffic and plan smarter material runs across the tower.
A return on investment in construction software you can actually measure
On a standard 18-month construction programme, SmartHoist delivers measurable ROI:
- $148,500 saved in hourly-paid labour
- 2.5% productivity increase across subcontractor work hours
- Up to 0.5 months faster project completion
Although many subcontractors are paid lump sum, an average of 12% of the workforce remains hourly-paid. That’s where ROI begins, and grows as the project scales.
How SmartWorker helps track time and reduce waste on site
SmartWorker gives construction teams accurate, minute-by-minute insight into where each trade is working and for how long. It’s not about tracking people, it’s about improving flow, reducing waste and giving teams the visibility they need to plan smarter.
Workers receive a small trade-coded sticker during induction. No apps, no phones and no wearables are required. Detection boxes log movement automatically and give managers real-time data on labour hours and trade-level activity without disrupting work.
SmartWorker has already supported major projects with Galliford Try and St. James, offering daily insights via mobile, tablet or desktop.
SmartWorker heatmaps
To understand real time-on-task, SmartWorker creates heatmaps that show exactly where trades spend their hours, down to the floor or room. This resolves disputes, prevents wasted time and helps teams forecast if labour needs more accurately.
Work smarter, build better
Construction productivity software isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. SmartHoist and SmartWorker give construction teams the tools to stay efficient, safe and on budget. With Smartsite, you stop wasting time and start building with clarity and control.
“We need to focus on productivity to improve the industry. By ensuring transparent and fair tracking of worked hours, we help control costs and drive real productivity on-site.”
– Chris Dent, Construction Director, Related ArgentWhether you’re optimising vertical movement or tracking trade performance, Smartsite gives your project the insight and impact it needs. Want personal advice? Get in touch with us.
