Time tracking is an integral part of any company, especially one that provides services. Customers expect to see evidence that their money is well spent, so you need to keep a close eye on what your team is spending time on and how much they're working. However, it is not always easy to implement a timekeeping system in the company. In the article, we will consider some problems and solutions related to this practice. Continue reading to learn more.
Why use a timekeeping system?
Companies need to implement such a program for two reasons. First, it will help to correctly bill clients for the exact time spent on the implementation of a specific project. Another reason is to analyze what your employees spend their time on. If someone is paying too much attention to one project and not enough to another, a time tracking system will let you know. Then you can solve this issue with the employee and ensure the smooth operation of your business. You will also determine if you need to hire more professionals in this department.
Advantages of the program for tracking working hours
- Automatically generates reports on the number of hours worked by employees and productivity
The software will make your employees more honest and help them avoid the temptation to change the number of hours or work outside the schedule.
2. Helps avoid overpricing or underpricing for customers
If you don't track employee time, you run the risk of either under- or over-pricing your customers. A time tracking system helps you make sure you're billing correctly for each project.
3. Reports what employees spend their time on
As explained above, the program captures activity on the computer and requests a report on offline activity. You will have peace of mind if you see an even workload across all departments. If this is not the case, you can redistribute the task. Also, make sure that there are no daily activities that are not efficient and not relevant (for example, cleaning up unnecessary emails or long online meetings).
Tracking Tools and Why They Matter
In order to accurately track employees' time, you need to use a time tracking program (time tracker, in other words). This will increase productivity, automatically create report cards, and use the program's reports to analyze team performance.
It's important to test the software before purchasing a subscription to choose the one that works best for your business.
Features of the time tracker that you should pay attention to
Ease of use
It is important to choose a system that will be easy for you to use.
Precision
Time tracking software should be as accurate as possible. Clients expect you to bill them for the exact number of hours your employees spent on their project.
Reliability of the program
Quality software does not record personal information, geolocation of employees, passwords, etc. The function of screenshots and photos from cameras works with an interval of at least 1 time per minute. And the reports accumulate information that will help to draw conclusions about the duration of work of employees, their productivity, and what tasks they worked on.
Problems with timekeeping systems
While some time tracking systems are better than others, many are outdated and don't provide the best experience for employees. There are companies that still use paper time sheets, which is problematic for several reasons. To create accurate report cards, it is necessary to arrange a meeting with each employee and ask him to fill out the document. It takes a lot of time and is not very efficient. In addition, time sheets often have a subjective nature. This means that two employees can work at the same time, but one of them will indicate a greater number of hours worked, the other – on the contrary, less. This can cause problems and make it difficult to bill customers correctly.
What to look for in the best timekeeping system
When choosing software for your business, it is important to consider several points.
- First, you need to think about how easy the system is to use. Find out if additional training is needed for employees. And is their quality support during the implementation of the time tracker in the company.
- Find out how accurately the program records the time worked. And also what information you can get if you implement a time tracker in the company.
- Make sure the program is compatible with other systems you use in your business.
- The availability of tariff plans will be an added advantage, as it will allow you to pay only for the features and reports you need.
Summing up
If you don't have a timekeeping system, you should test its capabilities and find out what the benefits are, your company will receive the instructions. Time tracking will help you not only increase employee productivity, but also correctly bill clients, improve team discipline, and minimize inefficient spending of time and company budget. For more information, we recommend that you visit our website via the link.
