Timesheet software/service
Timesheet software/service
(OP)
I have a two person consulting engineering firm, hopefully growing to 5-10ish eventually. I am currently tracking time with spreadsheets but would rather use software. Can anyone recommend a package? Ideally it would feature:
- Basic project based time tracking. No fancy analytics etc required.
- Web and/or mobile access
- Works out of the box
It seems like there are a zillion timesheet packages out there, but they are either wildly expensive or not right for consulting engineering.
- Basic project based time tracking. No fancy analytics etc required.
- Web and/or mobile access
- Works out of the box
It seems like there are a zillion timesheet packages out there, but they are either wildly expensive or not right for consulting engineering.





RE: Timesheet software/service
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
http://mmcengineering.tripod.com
RE: Timesheet software/service
RE: Timesheet software/service
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
http://mmcengineering.tripod.com
RE: Timesheet software/service
RE: Timesheet software/service
"Gorgeous hair is the best revenge." Ivana Trump
RE: Timesheet software/service
RE: Timesheet software/service
I don't know about web access, but I can't imagine it couldn't be done. I'd definitely recommend that you have someone knowledgeable set it up then give you some basic training. When you can, sign yourself up for a seminar to really learn the ins and outs. I managed with little training with Quickbooks, but Timberline was far too complicated for me.
"Gorgeous hair is the best revenge." Ivana Trump
RE: Timesheet software/service
RE: Timesheet software/service
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"Is it the only lesson of history that mankind is unteachable?"
--Winston S. Churchill
RE: Timesheet software/service
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Lump sum work is much more straightforward. Do the invoicing services really save a lot of time?
RE: Timesheet software/service
QuickBooks Premier Professional (which I am currently setting up with assistance from my accountant) includes a timecard feature, but I don't know about the regular QuickBooks. The Timeless timecard is easier to use than the one in QB, partly because a lot more has to be set up in QB before you can properly use its timecard. The reason I am switching to QB is that it will do a whole lot more, but at the cost of added complexity and more time. The learning curve for Timeless is a few hours max. The learning curve for QB seems to be infinitely long.
In Timeless, projects are organized by client|project|subproject (=phase)|task|subtask. I'm not currently using the subtask level. Timeless is really flexible in how you call out each piece: you can use letters and numbers in any combination, which means it can adapt to your current project numbering scheme. QB will do the same, but again it takes more effort to set it up.
I also set up my company as a client and that's where all my overhead numbers go (e.g. Business Development, General Office, Holidays, etc.). I updated my overhead expense "tasks" to include the chart of account numbers my accountant set up for QB (I'm using both programs simultaneously until QB is completely set up).
If all you are looking for is a simple timecard and invoicing program, I don't think you can beat Timeless Time & Expense. I did a fair amount of research beforehand and concluded that Timeless was the best one out there for this purpose.
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"Is it the only lesson of history that mankind is unteachable?"
--Winston S. Churchill
RE: Timesheet software/service
That's great feedback. Sounds like you are set up much the same way I would like to be. Timeless seems like it does everything that BillQuick does but for a fraction of the cost. BillQuick does look good though.
My impression of Quickbooks is that its not a good timesheet program. The integration of timesheets right into your accounting software is obviously desirable, but it seems like a kind of crappy timesheet. One problem is that I have to buy another seat of QB for every user. A second problem is that its not really web based. Problem three is that it requires much setup. Problem 4 is I am not necessarily comfortable with staff having a login to the accounting software.
RE: Timesheet software/service
RE: Timesheet software/service
The software is called Time Doctor and it:
1. Is pretty simple to use. Works 'out of the box'
2. Provides an analaytics of your workday (just the essential information you need for your employees)
3. Accurately tracks the work hours
4. Encourages productivity
It works really great for us. Been using it for a while now. You can check them. They have this free 30 day trial. See if it will work for you too.
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http://www.livetecs.com/
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For 2 people, I won't suggest buying unnecessary software.
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verymadmac, CayleyFTW and SylvestreW - thank you for the suggestions. Seem like practical options.