With countless digital time tracking solutions on the market, choosing the correct one for your business can be a challenging task, particularly if your organization still relies on a paper-based timesheet process. If you are considering your first electronic time tracking solution, there are a few specific factors you might want to consider as you evaluate your options:
1. Feature Set
It goes without saying that any electronic timesheet solution that you adopt should be able to handle your business’s unique data and process needs. You will want to ensure that whatever information you currently capture can also be captured by your new time tracking platform. Fortunately, most electronic time tracking solutions today offer customizable timesheets that can be easily configured to mirror the fields of your paper timesheets, and more.
You will also want to ensure that your new time tracking solution can accommodate your business’s specific processes and workflows. Whether your employees submit their own timesheets or have team leaders that submit on their behalf, you will want to seek out a time tracking solution that can handle your use case. Same goes with your approval processes, reporting needs, etc.
2. Level of Support
Given each company’s unique requirements, even digital time tracking solutions that satisfactorily address your data and workflow needs will need to be properly configured to ensure that they work as intended. Learning a new system can be a major source of frustration without adequate support, particularly for software with the configurability of the average time tracking platform.
With the critical nature of time tracking for your business’s day-to-day operations, it may not be feasible to spend time tinkering with the setup and implementation of a digital time tracking solution or figuring out how to make changes when required.
Businesses that are looking for their first electronic time tracking solution should consider a company that provides unlimited and dedicated service towards setup, implementation, and ongoing support.
In this regard, time tracking solutions vary greatly. Some solutions only provide the software and are otherwise exclusively self-serve; others provide limited or paid support options. The best option might be a company that provides support as a built-in service of the platform – acting as a true technology partner you can rely on to make the most of your new investment.
3. Value
While embracing digital timesheets can lead to significant time and cost savings in the long run, affordability remains a primary concern, particularly for businesses testing the waters with their first digital solution. Evaluate the pricing structures of potential vendors carefully; considering factors such as subscription fees, scalability options, user limitations, and any additional costs for advanced features or support services. Many available time tracking options that are advertised as “free” engage in deceptive practices where crucial functionality is locked behind expensive payment plans.
Aim to find a solution that strikes a balance between affordability and value, ensuring that you’re investing in a tool that meets your needs and provides the level of service you require, without breaking the bank.
While transitioning from paper timesheets to digital timesheet solutions offers numerous benefits (including increased accuracy, efficiency, and accessibility), it’s essential to approach the decision thoughtfully, considering the factors outlined above.
At InStaff, our Time Tracking solution provides a comprehensive, flexible feature set that meets the specific needs of even the most complex time tracking workflows for a fixed $3/month per user. We are proud to offer a dedicated account manager and unlimited support, as well as full access to our features with no hidden premiums or user limitations.
Interested in a free consultation? Fill out the form below today: