Time is gold, especially in the business world. If you and your team can’t properly manage your time, your overall productivity and, ultimately, your revenue likely will suffer. A timesheet app could be just the tool you’ve always sought to boost your team’s time and project management. However, with so many options and features available, you might have difficulty finding which timesheet software to buy.
While other companies prefer an app that integrates time tracking with payroll and invoicing, an app with offline features might be good enough for you. Still, many, if not most, timesheet apps depend on an internet connection, so you must ensure that you and your team have a reliable internet experience. Whether you’re a business owner comparing timesheet apps or a staffer recommending one to your employer, this article can help you find the best project management time-tracking tool for your team.
Why Should Businesses Invest in a Timesheet App?
The primary purpose of investing in a timesheet app is to measure and analyze project profitability. This wonder tool can help you answer the question: “Which clients or projects offer me the highest return on investment ROI?” Timesheet apps are one of the most effective tools for tracking hours when invoicing clients. Billing accuracy and budget forecasting help companies stay profitable and eliminate non-billable project tasks.
With a quality time-tracking app, project managers can get real-time progress reports, data-backed scheduling, and increased accountability. Once you determine the clients or projects you should focus on, you can refine your processes and increase your production to achieve the best possible business outcomes. Is it clear who’s doing what inside your organization? Which projects overshoot their budgets? Which employee productivity rate is highest or lowest? Time and project tracking software can help you solve these kinds of problems. You will have a bird’s eye view of projects, their status, and upcoming invoices. Consequently, you can monitor how things are going on a project or employee level and what tasks are overdue or pending. You can then use these analytics to enhance workflow, reduce project expenses, and manage resources.
Features To Look For in a Timesheet App
Here are five “red flags” to avoid when choosing a timesheet app:
1. No cross-platform features
Consider integration capabilities. Avoid selecting a timesheet app that doesn’t integrate smoothly with other essential applications, such as payroll and project management solutions.
For example, if you use Asana for project management, choose a timesheet app that works well with Asana.
2. Complex user interface or UI
Do not be swayed by flashy features — without intuitive functionality, even the most ideal functions fall flat. Beware of choosing a system that requires exceptional tech-savviness.
Look for timesheet apps compatible with any device that allows instant clock-ins and clock-outs from employees’ phones and operates smoothly without any additional complications.
Aside from quick processing and ease of use on different devices, here are what makes timesheet apps seamless.
- Streamlined and comprehensive onboarding
- Notifications and reminders for tasks
- A user-friendly and intuitive design
- Synced across all connected devices
- Easy-to-find FAQ (frequently asked questions) or contact details
3. Costly options
When picking a timesheet solution, there are several cost-related mistakes to avoid.
A common mistake is not considering the various price points of timesheet software and purchasing a solution without assessing your budget.
Another mistake to avoid is not checking out free trial periods or subscription plans, which can help you make an informed choice that fits your company’s needs without signing a long-term contract.
4. Overkill
While more innovative time-tracking apps offer highly specialized functionality, your company might only need the basic ones.
Therefore, consider the scope and nature of your business. This assessment can help you determine which features are essential to tracking employee time efficiently.
5. Limited Features
One mistake when choosing a time-tracking tool is not focusing your search based on your company’s goals.
Your preferred app may lack the necessary features if you only have a general idea of your business objectives. So, identifying your pain points and prioritizing specific features is crucial.
For example, ensure your tool supports client invoicing to keep track of billable hours. It’s also crucial to optimize employee productivity by setting break timers.
To prevent overlooking crucial details regarding the timesheet apps you consider, conduct a needs analysis and get feedback from your staff to create a detailed shopping list.
Dig Deeper: Many companies have adopted online and automated time-tracking systems in today’s highly digitized world. However, you may want to start time and project tracking via printed timesheets. These templates can be helpful backups during technical or system failures. Printed timesheets can be more convenient for some employees, especially those with limited experience with technology. Still, timesheet apps can be more practical for employees on the go. They can easily update timesheets on smartphones and laptops. They also don’t have to worry about paper timesheets getting lost. Time-tracking apps can also provide greater accuracy since data is stored digitally, making errors easier to correct. These tools can also help employers quickly track hours, helping them manage their employees better and anticipate future needs. Time management is essential for businesses as it affects revenue and productivity. Investing in a timesheet app can help address this need.
How Your Business Can Benefit from TrackingTime Timesheet App
Various features, such as project management, billing accuracy, real-time progress reports, and improved accountability, are available. A timesheet app lets businesses monitor production rates, evaluate project profitability, and streamline workflows. However, selecting the right timesheet app is challenging due to the many options available with various features. It is critical to avoid common pitfalls when selecting time-tracking tools, such as apps with no cross-platform integrations, complex UI, high cost, limited features, and failing to consider the nature and size of the business. TrackingTime’s intuitive design, compatibility with various devices, ease of navigation, reminders and notifications, and help and support features are essential aspects you can consider. With TrackingTime, you can empower your team and unleash productivity. Overall, businesses can benefit from choosing the right timesheet app to track their time efficiently, boost productivity, and maximize profits.
About the Author
Lucille Adams is interested in financial management and is passionate about applying her knowledge and expertise to helping professionals plan for their children’s education, investing, and retirement. Over the last two decades, Lucille has worked with actuarial, insurance, and retail banking businesses. She believes personal connections with people are essential for technology to work. Lucille is currently working as a consultant to some of her long-time clientele.
How To Pick a Timesheet App
- No cross-platform features
Consider integration capabilities with payroll and project management solutions. Choose a timesheet app that works well with essential applications like Asana.
- Complex user interface or UI
Look for intuitive functionality and avoid systems that require exceptional tech-savviness. Seek timesheet apps compatible with any device for instant clock-ins and clock-outs. Prioritize streamlined onboarding, notifications, user-friendly design, synced devices, and easy-to-find FAQs or contact details.
- Costly options
Assess different price points and consider your budget. Check free trial periods and subscription plans before committing to a long-term contract.
- Overkill
Determine the scope and nature of your business to identify essential time-tracking features.
- Limited Features
Focus your search based on your company’s goals and identify pain points. Ensure the app supports client invoicing and employee productivity optimization, like setting break timers. Conduct a needs analysis and gather feedback from staff for detailed evaluation.
