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
35 features11 integrationsOne weekend

Estimated Timeline

Based on 35 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 35 features

HR Management(7 features)

401(k) Plans

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

Employee Portal

Team can access their pay stubs and W-2s and enter their personal, direct deposit, and tax info online or in app

Health Benefits

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

HR Support Center

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

Personal HR AdvisorPremium

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

+2 more in this category

Payroll(4 features)

1099 E-File & Pay

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

Auto PayrollAI

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

Full-Service Payroll

Calculate, file, and pay payroll taxes automatically

Same-day Direct Deposit

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

Project Management(4 features)

Project Activity FeedPremium

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

Project Estimates vs ActualsPremium

Compare budgeted hours to actual hours worked

Timesheet SignaturesPremium

Capture signatures for project sign-offs

Track Project ProgressPremium

Set deadlines that empower your team to prioritize tasks

Time Tracking(4 features)

Facial RecognitionAIPremium

Optional facial recognition feature for Time Kiosk clock in/out

Online Timesheet Management

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

Simple Timesheets

Manage multiple timesheets and approve time when you're ready

Time Kiosk

Your team can use a tablet to clock in and out on-site

Support(3 features)

Expert Product Support

Get step-by-step help, troubleshooting assistance, tips, and resources via phone or chat

Expert SetupPremium

A payroll expert will complete your setup for you

Unlimited Customer Support

Phone and chat support included with paid subscription

Compliance(2 features)

DCAA Compliance

Support for Defense Contracting Audit Agency compliance

Overtime AlertsAI

Automated overtime identifies potentially incorrect overtime hours based on current laws and regulations

Documentation(1 features)

Photo Attachment

Let your team attach photos to timesheets

Enterprise(1 features)

Intuit Enterprise SuiteAIPremium

Configurable, AI-powered solution for time, HR, and benefits that scales across your business

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 35 features at very easy complexity.

Ready to Build?