Time Tracking Software: How to choose one

In a fast moving world, and a competitive work environment, time is precious. Whoever said time is money was right because nowadays companies have actually started paying their employees on the basis of billable hours. But the question is how you bill your employees or freelancers?

This is taken care of with the help of a time tracking software. A time tracking software can easily automate various processes including working out the total time each employee spends at work or on a particular project. It is actually a quick, convenient, and efficient way of recording billable hours as opposed to the manual method. Now that you know what a time tracking software, the question is what factors will determine which software you choose.  

Choosing a Time tracking software

It is not an easy job to choose the right time tracking software but here are some tips that will help you to choose the right one:

Wide Area Network: The time tracking software should work over a wide area network. This basically means that you should be able to use it across every department across cities and even countries. This would help in updating the records throughout your branches. So if Jim accesses the software in Nevada and adds some information then Sasha in your Moscow office should be able to see that information. Another example: If one of your employee’s clocks in the actual time taken to deliver a particular project, client information, etc. with relevant documentation then you should be able to access the information and approve it or even modify it. Once it is approved, the data will be sent to the accounts department for invoicing purposes.

Minimize errors: The time tracking software should be flexible enough to be incorporated into the fiscal system so that it can minimize data entry errors.

Tracking: The time tracking software should not only provide information on billable hours but also keep a tab on various projects, the project managers, teams working on a project, project deadlines, project phases, commencement and completion of phases etc. This will cut down on a lot of paperwork.

Time considerations: The timer tracking software should be able to integrate the overtime of an employee with the amount of leave time per project. This will help you to keep a tab on employee leaves, how much to pay an employee, and other related information. You should also be able to use it for approving or disallowing vacations or leaves requested by employees.

Time Zone: The time tracking software should take into account the different time zones for different branch locations so that the margin for any time based delivery errors are minimal.

Industry based: You need to look for a time tracking system that is specific to your industry or to the industry of a client. Of course, you can’t keep replacing one time tracker with another, so it is best to use a single time tracker that will have all the features. Flexibility is an important aspect in a time tracking software.