Time-tracking software

Time-tracking software is a category of computer software that allows its employees to record time spent on tasks or projects. The software is used in many industries, including those who employee freelancers and hourly workers. It is also used by professionals who bill their customers by the hour. These include lawyers, freelancers and accountants.

The time-tracking software tool can be used stand-alone or integrated with other applications like project management software, customer support and accounting. Time tracking software is the electronic version of the traditional paper timesheet. Aside from timesheet software, time-tracking software also includes time-recording software, which uses user activity monitoring (UAM) to recorde the activities performed on a computer and the time spent on each task.

Types of time-tracking software
Timesheet
Allows users to manually enter time spent on tasks.
Time-tracking/recording
Automatically records activities performed on a computer.

Time-tracking software can be:

  • Standalone: Used only to record timesheets and generate reports.
  • Integrated as part of:
    • Accounting systems, e.g. timesheet data fed directly to company accounts.
    • Billing systems, e.g. to generate invoices, especially for contractors, lawyers, etc.
    • Project management systems, e.g. timesheet data used by project management software to visualize the effort being spent on projects or tasks.
    • Payroll systems, e.g. to pay employees based on time worked.
    • Resource scheduling, e.g. bi-directional integration allows schedulers to schedule staff to tasks, which, once complete, can be confirmed and converted to timesheets.

Timesheet software

Timesheet software is software used to maintain timesheets. It was popularized when computers were first introduced to the office environment[1] with the goal of automating heavy paperwork for big organizations. Timesheet software allows entering time spent performing different tasks.

When used within companies, employees enter the time they've spent on tasks into electronic timesheets. These timesheets can then be approved or rejected by supervisors or project managers.

Since 2006, timesheet software has been moving to mobile platforms (smartphones, tablets, smart watches, etc.) enabling better tracking of employees whose work involves multiple locations.

Time-tracking/recording software

Time-tracking/recording software automates the time-tracking process by recording the activities performed on a computer and the time spent on each of them. This software is intended to be an improvement over timesheet software. Its goal is to offer a general picture of computer usage. Automatic time-tracking/recording software records and shows the usage of applications, documents, games, websites, etc.

When used within companies, this software allows monitoring the productivity of employees by recording the tasks they perform on their computers. It can be used to help filling out timesheets.[2]

When used by freelancers, this software helps to create reports for clients (e.g. timesheets and invoices) or to prove work that was done.

Time-tracking methods

There are several ways companies track employee time using time tracking software.

Durational
Employees enter the duration of the task but not the times when it was performed.
Chronological
Employees enter start and end times for the task.
Automatic
The system automatically calculates time spent on tasks or whole projects, using a connected device or a personal computer, and user input using start and stop buttons. Users can retrieve logged tasks and view the duration, or the start and stop times.
Exception-based
The system automatically records standard working hours except for approved time off or LOA.
Clock-in clock-out
Employees manually record arrival and departure times.
Monitoring
The system records active and idle time of employees. It might also record screen captures.
Location-based
The system determines the working status of employees based on their location.
  • Resource-scheduling: by scheduling resources in advance, employees schedules can be easily converted to timesheets.

Benefits of time-tracking software

Tracking time can increase productivity, as businesses can track time spent on tasks and get a better understanding of what practices causes the employees to waste time.[3] Time tracking software enhances accountability, by documenting the time it takes to finish given tasks. The data is collected in database and could be used for data analysis by the human resources departments.[4] Features offered by time-tracking software include:

  • Automatic generation of invoices to the professional's clients or customers based on the time spent.
  • Tracking of cost overruns for fixed cost projects.
  • workforce management packages which track attendance, employee absences, human resources issues, payroll, talent management, and labor analytics.


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See also

References
  1. Raymund Flandez (23 August 2004). "Unanet's Software Lets Managers Watch Work in Progress". Washington Post. p. E05. Retrieved 21 June 2013.
  2. "10 Time-Tracking Apps That Will Make You More Productive In 2014". fastcompany.com. 6 January 2014.
  3. Brooks, Chad. "Does Your Business Need Time Tracking Software?". Business News Daily. Retrieved 21 October 2014.
  4. "Time Tracking Software Essay". AT. July 2, 2013. Retrieved 18 July 2013.
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