Replacement Guide

How to Build Your Own QuickBooks Time

Replace QuickBooks Time with a custom build. Employee Time Tracking Software built for your business

Weekend Project
39 features10 integrationsOne weekend

Estimated Timeline

Based on 39 features at Weekend Project difficulty, expect about One weekend with AI-assisted development.

1
Setup & scaffolding
2 hours
2
Core features
4-6 hours
3
Polish & deploy
2 hours

Recommended Tech Stack

Next.js 14

Full-stack React framework with API routes and server components

Supabase

PostgreSQL database, auth, and real-time subscriptions

Tailwind CSS

Utility-first styling for rapid UI development

Key Features to Replicate

Top features across 8 categories. See all 39 features

HR Management(4 features)

Employee Portal

Team members can access pay stubs, W-2s, and enter personal and tax information online or in app

HR Support CenterPremium

Mineral Inc offers customized job descriptions and best practices on hiring to performance

Personal HR AdvisorPremium

Get professional help on critical HR issues and custom handbooks and policies

Time-off Management

Manage employee time off to prevent miscommunication, missed shifts, and payroll errors

Payroll(4 features)

Auto PayrollPremium

Run Auto Payroll for salaried employees on direct deposit with review and approval before payday

Full-Service PayrollPremium

Calculate, file, and pay payroll taxes automatically

Payroll Integration

Connect payroll with QuickBooks Time to save up to 2 hours on every payroll run and reduce costs by up to 4%

Same-day Direct DepositPremium

Pay employees faster for free by submitting payroll up to the morning of payday

Compliance(3 features)

1099 E-File & PayPremium

Create and e-file unlimited 1099-MISC and 1099-NEC forms

DCAA Compliance

Compliance features for Defense Contractor Audit Agency requirements

Timesheet SignaturesPremium

Capture signatures for project sign-offs and approval

Time Tracking(3 features)

Billable Time Tracking

Track every second worked and increase billable time by nearly 10%

Simple Timesheets

Manage multiple timesheets and approve time when ready, maintaining full control over time tracking

Web-based Timesheets

Track, edit, and approve timesheets right from laptop or desktop

Benefits(2 features)

401(k) PlansPremium

Access affordable retirement plans from Human Interest and QuickBooks 401(k) powered by Vestwell

Health BenefitsPremium

Offer affordable medical, dental, and vision insurance packages by Allstate Health Solutions

Collaboration(2 features)

Activity Feed CollaborationPremium

Track job progress and share next steps by adding photos and updates in an activity feed

Project Activity FeedPremium

Track project progress and share next steps via project activity feed

Location & Tracking(2 features)

GeofencingPremium

Set up a geofence that reminds team members to clock in or out when entering or leaving a job site

GPS Tracking

Allows users to share their location data while on the clock via the mobile app

Reporting(2 features)

Customizable Reports

Get valuable business insights to predict job costs, plan for payroll, and boost profitability

Project Estimates vs. ActualsPremium

Compare budgeted hours to actual hours worked for better cost prediction

Cost Calculator

Keep Paying QuickBooks Time

Monthly$10/mo
Yearly$120/yr
5-Year Total$600

Build It Yourself

Est. Build Time~3 hrs
Hosting$20/mo
DifficultyVery Easy

Total Cost Comparison

1 Year
SaaS
$120
DIY
$240
3 Years
SaaS
$360
DIY
$720
5 Years
SaaS
$600
DIY
$1.2k

DIY hosting estimate based on Vercel + Supabase free/pro tiers (~$20/mo). Build time estimated from 39 features at very easy complexity.

Ready to Build?