Getting Started with Dayworkbook

Platform: Both (Web Application and Mobile App)
User Type: Org Admin
Difficulty: Beginner
Estimated Time: 15 minutes
Last Updated: September 2025

Quick Summary

Learn how to create your Dayworkbook account, complete initial setup, and understand the platform basics to start digitising your construction daywork processes. This guide covers everything from signup to your first dashboard view.

What You'll Learn

Create a free trial account with 5 complimentary daywork sheets
Complete company setup and initial configuration
Navigate the dashboard and understand key platform sections
Prepare for setting up your directory and creating your first job

Before You Start

Prerequisites:

None - this is your starting point with Dayworkbook

You'll Need:

Valid email address for account verification
Basic company information (business name, location, contact details)
Understanding of your construction daywork requirements (variations, emergency repairs, time & materials work)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Create Your Free Trial Account

Navigate to the Dayworkbook website or download the mobile app from your device's app store.

1. Click the "Free Trial" button on the landing page

2. Enter your email address in the signup form

3. Click "Start Your Free Trial"

4. Create a secure password (minimum 8 characters with numbers, an Uppercase letter, and a special character)

5. Confirm your password

6. Click "Create Account"

🎯 Key Point: Your free trial includes 5 daywork sheets to test the platform with real projects

📱 Mobile Note: The signup process is identical on mobile with touch-optimised forms

⚠️ Watch Out: Ensure your email is accessible as you'll need to verify it shortly

Step 2: Verify Your Email and Complete Registration

1. Check your email inbox for a verification message from Dayworkbook

2. Click the verification link in the email

3. You'll be redirected to complete your profile setup

💡 Pro Tip: Add Dayworkbook to your email contacts to ensure future notifications aren't filtered to spam

Step 3: Welcome Setup and Demo Walkthrough

Once verified, you'll see a welcome screen a prompt to:

1. Enter your first and last name

2. Choose your phone number prefix and enter your mobile number

3. Enter your Company Name

4. Select your Trade Category from the dropdown

🎯 Key Point: This information appears on all your daywork sheets, so ensure accuracy

⚠️ Watch Out: You can modify these details later in Settings > My Business if needed

Step 4: Interactive Demo Experience

Dayworkbook includes a built-in demo to show you the core workflow:

1. Follow the guided tour that demonstrates creating a daywork sheet

2. The demo uses pre-filled sample data showing how to add:

- Labour resources (worker positions and hours)
- Plant & Equipment (machinery and equipment usage)
- Materials (supplies and quantities)
- Rate Items (composite work measured by unit)

3. Complete the demo by following the signature process

💡 Pro Tip: Take your time with the demo - it covers the complete daywork workflow you'll use daily

📱 Mobile Note: The demo is optimised for both web and mobile interfaces

Step 5: Upload your Branding

When you finish the demo, you’ll be asked to:

Upload your logo
Select your brand colour
Preview your branded daywork sheet!

Step 6: Understanding Your Dashboard (Web)

After completing setup, you'll reach your main dashboard. Here's what you'll see:

Key Dashboard Elements:

Active Jobs Performance: Summary cards showing jobs in progress, sheets pending approval, earned value, and success metrics
Create New Daywork Sheet: Primary action button for starting new daywork documentation
Navigation Menu (Web and Mobile):
- Jobs: List and manage all your projects
- Sheets: View all daywork sheets across projects
- Directory: Manage clients, labour, plant, materials, and rate items
- Reporting: Generate insights and billing reports (web only)
- Settings: Account, business, team, and app preferences

🎯 Key Point: The dashboard provides real-time insights into your daywork activities and project performance

📱 Mobile Note: After completing setup, you’ll land on the Jobs screen. Also note mobile navigation uses the bottom navigation bar for quick access to main sections

Step 7: Set Up Two-Factor Authentication (Recommended)

For enhanced security, especially as an Org Admin:

1. Navigate to Settings > My Account

2. Locate Security & Privacy section

3. Toggle on Two-Factor Authentication

4. Follow the prompts to set up with your authenticator app

5. Save your backup codes in a secure location

⚠️ Watch Out: As Org Admin, you alone have access to sensitive business data and payment information

Understanding the Results

After completing these steps, you should have:

A verified Dayworkbook account with Org Admin privileges
Company information and branding configured for professional daywork sheets
Understanding of core platform navigation and workflow
5 free sheet credits to begin testing with real projects
Secure account access with optional two-factor authentication

Your account is now ready for the next crucial step: setting up your Directory with clients and resources.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problem: Email verification link not received
Cause: Email may be in spam folder or delayed delivery
Solution: Check spam/junk folders first. If still not received, click "Resend verification email" on the login page or contact support.

Problem: Password requirements not met during signup
Cause: Password doesn't meet security requirements (minimum 8 characters, mix of letters and numbers)
Solution: Create a stronger password with at least 8 characters including both letters and numbers. Consider using a password manager.

Problem: Company details can't be saved during setup
Cause: Required fields may be incomplete or contain invalid characters
Solution: Ensure all mandatory fields are completed with valid information. Business name should not contain special characters except standard punctuation.

Problem: Demo walkthrough not loading properly
Cause: Browser compatibility issues or slow internet connection
Solution: Try refreshing the page or using a different browser. Ensure JavaScript is enabled and you have a stable internet connection.

Problem: Can't access certain features after setup
Cause: Features may be web-only or require specific permissions
Solution: Some features like Reporting and Billing are web-only. Switch to the web application for full functionality.

What's Next?

With your account set up, your next steps are:

Setting Up your Directory - Add your clients and configure your resource types (Labour, Plant & Equipment, Materials, Rate Items)
Create your first job - Add a project for unquotable work requiring daywork tracking
Invite team members - Add other users to your organisation with appropriate permissions
Configure app preferences - Customise notifications, reminders, and workflow settings

Still Need Help?

If this article didn't solve your issue:

Check Setting Up Your Directory for guidance on configuring clients and resources
Visit the Settings section for detailed account customisation options
Contact support via website or in-app chat
Contact us via https://dayworkbook.com/contact/