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This episode of Digital Doers features Casey Thames sitting down with Curt Finch, founder and CEO of Journyx, to discuss how workforce and project time data can evolve from a simple payroll function into a strategic operational tool.

The conversation explores how Journyx originated from Curt’s early experience tracking software development work for IBM, where detailed labor and project tracking revealed patterns around profitability, efficiency, and resource allocation long before modern AI tools existed. That experience became the foundation for building a system focused on operational intelligence rather than just timesheets.

Curt explains the concept of “time intelligence” and how organizations can use labor and project data to identify inefficiencies, improve forecasting, and detect operational problems before projects go off track. The discussion highlights the importance of accurate data collection, structured workflows, and reducing reliance on manual employee input through automation and intelligent suggestions.

The episode also dives into the realities of implementation and adoption in industrial environments, including challenges tied to workforce buy-in, cultural resistance, and balancing operational visibility without creating a perception of surveillance. Curt emphasizes that the value comes not from monitoring employees, but from helping organizations better understand cost drivers, project performance, and strategic decision-making.

Casey and Curt discuss parallels across industries including energy, utilities, pharmaceuticals, and large-scale operations, covering how predictive insights can help organizations recognize failing projects early, improve estimation accuracy, and reduce wasted time and capital. The conversation also touches on AI’s growing role in reporting, analytics, and workflow automation, along with the risks and regulatory concerns surrounding its adoption.

The episode closes with a broader discussion around leadership, organizational culture, workforce dynamics, and lessons learned from scaling a technology company over nearly three decades. Curt shares practical insight into hiring challenges, company culture, and why operational data becomes most valuable when organizations use it proactively instead of reactively.

Guest:
Curt Finch – Founder & CEO, Journyx

Host:
Casey Thames – Digital Doers / OGGN