How to Choose Time-Tracking Software

If you own a small business, choose the right time-tracking software to help take control of your company's expenses and increase employee productivity.

Instructions

Step 1: Know why you're buying time-tracking software Know why you're buying time-tracking software. Consider using it for increased employee productivity, payroll expense control, or time-billing accuracy for clients.
Step 2: Know about employee-tracking software Know about software that keeps track of employee leave or vacation time as well as who's working on what task. This can be especially important for a growing business.
TIP: Employee-tracking software can also keep track of labor time of subcontractors, as well as payments for materials per project.
Step 3: Know about client-tracking software Know about software like Tenrox that tracks client billing time on specific projects along with employee labor time related to each project.
Step 4: Consider stand-alone time-tracking software Consider stand-alone time-tracking software. It should integrate seamlessly with your other business software, preferably from the same developer.
Step 5: Know about web-based time-tracking services Know about web-based time-tracking services like actiTIME, updated through your browser or Smartphone. Compare free trials before subscribing.
TIP: Web-based time-tracking software should be compatible with your computer operating system, and your e-mail and other business software.
Step 6: Consider software suites Consider time-tracking software that is a module of accounting or business software suites like QuickBooks or Time Trader. Watch your bottom line improve after you get a handle on your time.
FACT: In 2007, the New York City Schools Chancellor fired a worker whose movements were tracked for months through his GPS-enabled employer-issued phone.