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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

Time-tracking software can be categorised into timesheet and time-recording software.

Timesheet software

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

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

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

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.

Technologies used by time tracking software

Time tracking software have developed to use various technology to simplify the process of starting the time tracker, also known as clocking-in and out. Available technologies involved in this process today are:

  • Face recognition: Time tracking software enable users to start their time trackers through facial scans from the devices on which the software is installed/ downloaded.[6]
  • RFID: Time tracking software enables users to be linked to a Radio Frequency Identification tag or card based on the unique code associated with the card. Tapping the linked card onto a reader transmits the code to verify attendance instantly or start the timer.[7]
  • NFC: Near-field communication cards allow users to start the tracker or verify the employee's attendance through tapping the cards on an NFC reader. Information is encrypted and kept in each card, including an employee’s ID number, which is then transmitted between the card and the reader to perform the programmed function.[8]
  • Geofencing: Geofences are virtual boundaries or digital perimeters that can be placed around specified locations. For time tracking software, these geofences restrict the clock in or out areas of users through automatically clocking them in/out when they enter/leave the set geofence.[9]
  • GPS Tracking: Attendance trackers allow for the monitoring of GPS locations during clock ins and clock outs as well as live location tracking.
  • Kiosk: Users can turn regular devices, including a tablet or a regular phone, into a shared kiosk to clock time in and out. This is ideal for tracking attendance for construction sites, manufacturing, and hospital or school attendance.

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. ^ "Deltek builds time-tracking offerings with new acquisition". Washington Technology. 2023-05-25. Retrieved 2023-10-10.
  5. ^ "Time Tracking Software Essay". AT. July 2, 2013. Retrieved 18 July 2013.
  6. ^ "What is Face Recognition Attendance? | 2024". Jibble. Retrieved 2024-09-17.
  7. ^ "RFID for Time Tracking: How is it used?". Jibble. Retrieved 2024-09-17.
  8. ^ Jibble (2023-05-16). 100% FREE NFC Time Tracking Kiosk | Walkthrough. Retrieved 2024-09-17 – via YouTube.
  9. ^ "What is geofencing and how is it used? – TechTarget Definition". WhatIs. Retrieved 2024-09-17.
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