Lumber has launched in Canada, expanding its construction workforce management software into a market facing skilled labour shortages.
The company is targeting Canadian contractors with tools for payroll, human resources, time tracking, compliance and site productivity. The system is designed around Canadian federal and provincial employment rules, as well as union requirements common in the construction sector.
The expansion comes as builders face pressure from a tight labour market and a growing pipeline of infrastructure work, including data centres and renewable energy projects. Figures the company cited from the Canadian Occupational Projection System point to a construction hiring shortfall through 2033, with 25,600 job openings expected and 25,000 workers available to fill them.
That gap has increased demand for software that can reduce back-office administration while helping companies manage crews across multiple sites. In construction, payroll and compliance are more complex than in many other industries because employers often deal with different wage classifications, regional rules, remittances and collective bargaining agreements.
"Small to medium-sized construction firms face a formidable challenge as they confront labour constraints and a complex regulatory environment testing the limits of their operational capacity and profitability," said Shreesha Ramdas, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Lumber.
Payroll focus
Lumber's payroll product is built to handle union reporting, expenses, remittances and flexible pay cycles. It also supports Records of Employment and liability tracking, which can become burdensome for employers operating across provincial jurisdictions.
The software automatically applies prevailing wage rates based on job classification, location and project type. It also generates certified payroll reports intended to meet federal and provincial standards.
For contractors working with multiple unions, the platform is designed to process wages, dues, deductions and hourly benefits according to collective agreements. In a sector where payroll errors can trigger compliance issues, payment disputes and friction with workers, that capability is significant.
Lumber says its system uses artificial intelligence to review timesheets and payroll entries against labour rules and historical data. The software is intended to identify anomalies or possible compliance breaches before payroll is finalised.
Hiring tools
The Canadian launch also includes human resources functions aimed at recruitment and onboarding. An applicant tracking system is built into the platform, while digital onboarding allows new hires to complete paperwork before arriving on site.
Credential management is another part of the product. Through BuilderFax, a digital credential management platform acquired by Lumber, the software tracks licences, certifications and safety training, and sends alerts when renewals are due.
That may be useful for contractors managing workers across trades and locations, where training and certification standards can vary. Keeping records current is not only an operational issue but also a matter of compliance and safety.
Site data
On site, the platform offers mobile time capture through foreman-led entry and kiosk modes. Geo-fencing is used to confirm whether workers are present at a job site, while multilingual support is available in English and Spanish.
This time data feeds directly into job costing, giving project managers a closer view of labour costs as work progresses. The system also includes scheduling, dispatch and equipment tracking functions intended to help firms allocate labour and assets across projects.
Safety administration is also part of the package. Digital inspections, incident reporting and compliance documentation are included for contractors that want to tie workforce data more closely to site safety processes.
Broader trend
Lumber is entering a Canadian market where construction companies have been increasing their use of software to improve productivity and reduce paperwork. The sector is also under pressure to modernise work practices as it competes for younger employees who are more accustomed to mobile and self-service tools.
The platform includes employee self-service features for time-off requests, pay stub access and personal information updates. Such functions are increasingly standard in other industries, but construction has often lagged because of fragmented job sites and varied employment arrangements.
The software connects with accounting and enterprise resource planning systems including Acumatica, Sage Intacct, Sage 100 Contractor and Sage 300 CRE. Those links are intended to reduce manual data entry between payroll, project costing and finance systems.
Lumber has also set up Canadian-based customer support and compliance advisory resources to help contractors navigate labour laws and union obligations. Ramdas said the aim is to deliver a "game-changing workforce experience."