The original business function of a timesheet professional application was as an accounting function primarily for the tracking of each employee's payroll. Timesheet functions then evolved to include time breakdowns of specific employee tasks or company projects as well as client billing, and project costing and estimation.

With the advent of computers and databases, timesheet practices evolved, so that professionals can now buy timesheet professional software that includes:

1. Standalone packaged software
2. Part of an accounting or office software suite
3. Web-based programs
4. Mobile-based solutions

Each of these product choices has its advantages and disadvantages according to a company's size and mode of operation.

Sage Software is one of the leading timesheet professional software companies. Its products include:

• Sage TimeSheet Professional Software, a standalone timesheet software package
• Sage Carpe Diem, a web-based timesheet program
• Sage Carpe Diem Mobile Solutions, a mobile-based time tracking software

The key features of Sage TimeSheet Professional Software include:

1. Tracking a project's budget
2. Payroll management
3. Employee time tracking
4. Customizable software
5. Built-in data analysis tools

The key features of Sage Carpe Diem TimeSheet Professional Software include:

1. Employee time tracking from anywhere in the world
2. Web browser module
3. Online database
4. Security features and login controls

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Explore features of specific standalone timesheet professional software like Sage TimeSheet

To buy timesheet professional software that's standalone may provide an alternative for users reluctant to use a web-based or mobile-access system.

I recommend: Go to the Sage Timesheet Professional Software website to see product features in action. Note that you will need to provide personal contact information to get the timesheet professional software download of the product demo. And like Sage, you'll need to provide contact info for a 30-day free trial of Dovico Timesheet, a similar standalone timesheet program.

Visit a timesheet professional software website to consider web-based timesheet program products

A web-based timesheet professional software supplier like Sage Carpe Diem may offer offsite management benefits for businesses operating in diverse locations

I recommend: Sage software offers time tracking applications on a wide variety of platforms, see Sage Carpe Diem's CDWeb, their web-based timesheet application and log onto the free online demo. OpenAir's web-based office suite has a robust Timesheets module. Replicon offers two Web Timesheet products, one for "Project & Billing" and the other to track employee "Time & Attendance."

Decide if your business would be best served by timesheet professional software with mobile access

Timesheet professional software with mobile access, like Sage Carpe Diem Mobile Solutions, may provide project management for those users without a PC in remote locations.

I recommend: Sage Carpe Diem Mobile Solutions is their time tracking application compatible with Blackberry and other PDAs along with workstations not connected to a network. Nextel offers its Xora GPS Time Track system for mobile service provider Sprint. This product is aimed at companies managing cargo and transportation fleets. iambic AllTime is a time management application for Palm PDA operating systems.

Find product information on specific standalone timesheet professional software

Standalone timesheet professional software may provide an alternative for users reluctant to use a web-based or mobile-access system.

I recommend: Sage's Sage Timesheet is a standalone time-management application. To download timesheet professional software demos, you will need to provide personal contact information. In addition, like Sage, you'll need to provide contact information for a 30-day free timesheet professional software download trial of DOVICO Software's DOVICO Timesheet.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Because information technology platforms are subject to rapid change, consider purchasing timesheet professional software geared more toward diverse platforms.
• •  While time management applications can be helpful to your business, some critics cite issues of employee privacy regarding timesheet software products.
• •  Before purchasing, make a timesheet software comparison between Sage and other software products.