A Guide to Time Tracking
Many companies, businesses, freelancers and personal users use time tracking in order to manage their time. In order to help individuals and employers manage this essential activity, companies have developed time tracking software. Depending on requirements and the need for complex functionality, customers can choose from a variety of time tracking software available.
Why Use Time Tracking?
Time tracking can be used by various parties, ranging from business owners, freelancers, and large corporations. Individual business owners, such as freelancers or contractors frequently use time tracking software to manage their projects and time. Unwilling to purchase an expensive, fully integrated system, freelancers can turn to web-based time tracking software. There are a number of affordable or free time tracking applications available, capable of features such as invoicing, project management and email access.
For larger companies, their requirements may be more complex and demanding. It is important to keep track of employees’ hours, as it allows employers to accurately determine how payment is distributed. With the need to manage tens or even hundreds of employees, managers need an effective time tracking system that can handle multiple users. Companies can utilize time tracking software that is integrated with various functions, including payroll and project management systems.
Tips for Choosing Time Tracking Software
Cost:
Some time tracking software is subscription based, where users may a monthly fee for use. Certain desktop and advanced web-based time tracking software is license-based, and can be purchased after a one-time fee. Other time tracking applications, especially web-based applications, offer free versions, with additional features that can be unlocked through subscription.
Platform:
Time tracking software is available on different platforms, and can be offered as a web-based, mobile, or downloadable application. Web-based time tracking applications are accessed over the Internet, and typically do not have hard drive requirements. In addition, some web-based programs possess cross-platform compatibility, and don’t need to be constantly updated. Desktop time tracking software often come bundled with other functions and features, and are suited for parties with more demanding requirements. However, desktop software may be more costly than other platforms.
Recently, smartphones have become a popular platform for developers, with the number of smartphone owners rising every day. Mobile time tracking applications are particularly useful for individuals who are not constantly near a computer. Some examples of parties that utilize mobile time tracking software include contractors, freelancers, and artists.
Features:
Customers should consider whether they’re looking for an application that simply tracks time, or includes various features. Desired features may include: team and enterprise time tracking, invoice creation, project management, and interactive reports.
Integration:
Time tracking applications can include integration with other systems to provide greater functionality and versatility. While several time tracking software are designed to simply record timesheets, others can be integrated with accounting, billing, and project management systems. Other integrated functions include capabilities such as: exporting to Excel, email access and smartphone compatibility. Integrated time tracking systems are especially useful for businesses and large companies, as it allows departments and employees to utilize a single software.
