How to make timesheet entry more efficient

How do you make timesheet entry more efficient?

Timewatch’s top 10 to make your timesheets entry process more efficient

1. Make your timesheet SIMPLE to use

Don’t over complicate timesheet entry with too many codes or rules. Try to keep the data you need to capture as streamlined as possible, and choose a timesheet system that allows you to build your rules into the system. Rules such as minimum hours, amendment rules, approval etc.^{†-see how we do this}

2. Make your timesheet EASY to manage

Use tools that help the user track time. For example, make the most of data already in other systems. For example if you use Outlook or Google calendars in your organization, let users use this data to create timesheets.^{†-see how we do this}

3. Make timesheets FAST

Employees appreciate it when their employer trys to save them time. How can I improve my timesheet? Start by integrating with other systems such as calendar (Outlook or Google), Teams, and/or scheduling systems that already hold data on work to be done. This data can save time if it can be posted to people’s timesheets.^{† See how we do this}

4. Let users track time their way

How do you motivate employees to complete timesheets? Let them do it their own way. Everyone is different, so allowing users to track timesheets in whichever ways work best for them is important for a successful timesheet system. Although most people are used to a spreadsheet-like weekly timesheet, many now prefer a weekly calendar timesheet or one that turns Outlook or Google appointments into timesheets as they are faster and more user friendly. Similarly some users like to use their PC or Mac, others prefer their mobile or tablet. A flexible system will allow users to choose whichever way works best for them, and will save everyone time.^{† See how we do this}

5. Use timesheet automation to save time

Are timesheets effective? When done well, yes. Automation saves time, helps employees get timesheet in on time, and more accurately, and is one of the simplest way to make timesheets more efficient. Certain items could be automatically added to employees’ timesheets. For example, sick and vacation booked in scheduling system, time spent working on support tickets, appointments in Outlook that have a project assigned could all be automated and save employees hours each week. Other automation facilities could include reminders via email or Microsoft Teams to minimize late or missing timesheets. Sending automated reminders to managers to approve timesheets can also streamline your timesheet process.^{† See how we do this}

6. Make your timesheet system work for you

Most systems require users to make decisions about the time they enter – whether something is chargeable or not, how much time to charge, which rate code to use, or which items are overtime. The list, and the time taken to enter a timesheet can go on and on. Choose a timesheet system where you can teach the system your rules and let it do the work for you. It makes life easier for timesheet users and administrators, and frees up time that can be better spend on productive and chargeable tasks.^{† See how we do this}

7. Make reporting logical and timesheets easy to complete

Why is it important to complete timesheets correctly? Too many organizations over-analyze and break the ‘Make it Simple,’ ‘Make it Easy’ and ‘Make it Fast’ rules. Streamlined timesheet entry makes reporting easy too. A system that can designed and tailored to your requirements will streamlines timesheet entry, make reporting easy and more accurate, and assist management it their decision making.^{† See how we do this}

8. Sometimes rules need to be bent, find a system with the flexibility to cope

Choose a system that allows flexibility, but the facilities and power to deal with exceptions. For example: you may want people to enter a minimum number of hours per day or week, but forcing them to follow strict rules can lead to problems. Sometimes rules don’t work and your system needs to help you cope with this easily, and deal with the consequences. Some customers use exception codes, some use warnings when users are outside of expected parameters, but let them carry and deal with shortfalls through alerting and reporting. This helps highligh genuine issues with a project, and helps them get resolved more quickly, maintains timesheet accuracy and clients’ trust in the integrity of your timesheet process.^{† See how we do this}

9. Timesheet reporting should perfectly meet your needs – no compromises – none

Make sure you choose a system that allows you to create reports and dashboards to perfectly match your organization’s needs. Using a system with limited reporting forces companies to manually adapt data in spreadsheets which wastes time and leads to errors and delays in reporting. It should be possible to have your system generate all the reporting you need directly – if it doesn’t, you are paying to make up for inadequacies in your timesheet system, ie. you have the wrong system.^{† See how we do this}

10. Use a Timesheet system that meets your needs

Find a time management solution that saves your business time & money and helps your employees fill out their timesheets quickly, efficiently, and accurately.^{† See our timesheet solutions}

†Let us show you how we can help you make timesheet entry more efficient.

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