Time-tracking software
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Time-tracking software are computer programs that allows users to record time spent on tasks or projects.
Time-tracking software may include time-recording software, which uses user activity monitoring to record the activities performed on a computer and the time spent on each project and task.
Multiple industries utilize time-tracking software, including those that employ freelancers and hourly workers such as lawyers and accountants, where historically timesheets may have been used.
Time-tracking tools are used stand-alone or integrated with other applications like payroll, billing, project management, customer support, accounting, and scheduling software.
Types of time-tracking software
[edit]Time-tracking software can be categorised into timesheet and time-recording software.
Timesheet software
[edit]Timesheet software is software used to maintain timesheets. It was popularized when computers were first introduced to the office environment with the goal of automating heavy paperwork for big organizations.[1] Timesheet software allows employees to enter time spent performing different projects and tasks.
Time-tracking/recording software
[edit]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, including the usage of applications, documents, games, websites, etc.[2]
Time-tracking methods
[edit]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 may 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
[edit]Tracking time can increase productivity, as businesses can track time spent on tasks and get a better understanding of what practices cause declined employee productivity.[3] Time tracking software can enhance accountability, by documenting the time it takes to finish given tasks.[4] The data is collected in database and could be used for data analysis by the human resources departments.[5] 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 to track attendance, employee absences, human resources issues, payroll, talent management, and labor analytics.
- Tracking of productive and non-productive hours.
- Creating accountability and transparency between employers and employees.
- Evaluating the team's workflow.
See also
[edit]- Comparison of time-tracking software
- Computer surveillance
- Employee-scheduling software
- Meeting scheduling tool
- Project-management software
- Schedule (workplace)
- Time and attendance
- Time management
References
[edit]- ^ Raymund Flandez (23 August 2004). "Unanet's Software Lets Managers Watch Work in Progress". Washington Post. p. E05. Retrieved 21 June 2013.
- ^ "10 Time-Tracking Apps That Will Make You More Productive In 2014". fastcompany.com. 6 January 2014.
- ^ Brooks, Chad. "Does Your Business Need Time Tracking Software?". Business News Daily. Retrieved 21 October 2014.
- ^ "Deltek builds time-tracking offerings with new acquisition". Washington Technology. 2023-05-25. Retrieved 2023-10-10.
- ^ "Time Tracking Software Essay". AT. July 2, 2013. Retrieved 18 July 2013.