Timesheets are a critical part of any business. It allows owners and supervisors to track time allocated to each individual project. The age old paper timesheets have been around for a long time. Why? It seems simple and it works. But is it the most efficient way of tracking time? Could online timesheets be more efficient? Should your staffing company switch from paper to online tracking?
Companies are still commonly using paper timesheets today. This method is as easy as it is simple for the employee as they only need to write down a few numbers and turn it in.
There are a few problems with this however. First someone has to manually approve the timesheets and bring them in from the jobsite. Second the timesheets must be re-entered into software for billing. All of this has potential for human error.
Online timesheets can drastically lower this potential for error. Employees will directly enter their time into an online timesheet. There is no transferring of data to worry about. When the time is entered the HR department can instantly see any changes to the system and adjust accordingly. Also many staffing companies are working with several different clients. If you require approval of timesheets from these clients many of the top timesheet programs out there have this. The approval system should be able to send notifications for approval seemlessly behind the scenes. Then when the submitted time has been approved your HR contact should be automically notified. Make sure to ask about online approvals if you need this.
Another area online timesheet programs help is a centralized location for all time tracking, expense, and invoicing data. Having a single location to view time is essential for helping your HR department do payroll in an effecient manner. Many times staffing companies have employees at remote locations. By having a centralized location for time entry you can keep track of what your employees or contractors are working on.
When looking at different timesheet solutions, pay special attention to the reporting that is available. Determine if the reporting will work for your business. And if it doesn't, is the software provider flexible where they are willing to customize the system to fit your needs?
As you can see, online timesheets are far more efficient and accurate way of tracking employee's time. Take a look at Timogix which provides a secure timesheet solution for your business.