What are the types of time-tracking software?

Timesheet. Allows users to manually enter time spent on tasks.

Time-tracking/recording. Automatically records activities performed on a computer.

Time-tracking software can be:

Standalone. Used only to record timesheets and generate reports.

Integrated as part of:

• Accounting systems, e.g. timesheet data fed directly to company accounts.
• Billing systems, e.g. to generate invoices, especially for contractors, lawyers, etc.
• Project management systems, e.g. timesheet data used by project management software to visualize the effort being spent on projects or tasks.
• Payroll systems, e.g. to pay employees based on time worked.
• Resource scheduling, e.g. bi-directional integration allows schedulers to schedule staff to tasks, which, once complete, can be confirmed and converted to timesheets.

What is 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 needs for big organizations. Timesheet software allows documenting time spent performing different tasks.

When used within companies, employees enter the time they've spent on tasks into electronic timesheets. These timesheets can then be approved or rejected by supervisors or project managers.

Since 2006, timesheet software has been moving to mobile platforms (smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, etc.) enabling better tracking of employees whose work involves multiple locations.

What is a 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. This software is intended to be an improvement over timesheet software. Its goal is to offer a general picture of computer usage. Automatic time-tracking/recording software records and shows the usage of applications, documents, games, websites, etc.

When used within companies, this software allows monitoring the productivity of employees by recording the tasks they perform on their computers. It can be used to help fill out timesheets.

When used by freelancers, this software helps to create reports for clients (e.g. timesheets and invoices) or to prove work was done.

What are the 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 the active and idle time of employees. It might also record screen captures.
Location-based. The system determines the working status of employees based on their location.