Timesheets can be a real chore

One of the great things about the web - you can scour around and read what people say then make your own mind about stuff. That includes timesheet software too. Personally, I've been subjected to a few garbage packages in the past and I've always found the custom built applications are the easiest for end users. Off the shelf stuff is usually either too complicated or can't be customised enough.

@Bill34
Looking for enterprise timesheet software at the moment. The VERY obvious plugging of Dovico on fake blogs and comments like this has meant Dovico is off my list. If the product needs this kind of underhand promotion I don't want it.

Unless everyone benefits from using timesheet software and networking internal data management, it is a waste of time and money. For the fee-earners is has to be user-friendly, for the admin team it has to reduce their headache caused by the collation and recording of all the data required by their billing department and management team, who in turn should see faster and more accurate client billing and better cost control and reporting.
The overall benefit, which is crucial now we are facing another recession, is greater profitability. A stronger business benefits everyone, even those 'slackers' who fear having their productivity tracked. Accurate real-time data, if acted upon, can save a business but ultimately timesheet software is only a tool and it is its overall adoption that will determine its usefulness. Coretime is a module that seems to have the right balance for most professionals. www.onesys.co.uk

I tried many timesheet software programs for my small company (30 employees) but the best one for ease of use and simply and quick automated reporting, was a product called dovico timesheet. I think the web site is www.dovico.com

All organisations need information on project progress (metrics in management-speak). Internally, simple, verbal reports would usually suffice (e.g. how's work on component x coming along?) because you build working relationships with those you work with day to day/know their level of expertise etc. so you can gauge as humans can so well, the accuracy/validity of their reports.

But in most organisations the data has to be supplied to "remote" un-trusting third parties such as higher management/clients/sub-contractors/standards bodies/the govt. etc.

Now say you are a client and you don't know me or the company very well and you ask "How is progress on my widget coming along?" - which response has more validity/weight with you:

1. Just fine.
2. We keep metrics on all our projects, and your widget is on track - take a look at this graph.

Now, most people, because they are "lazy" will prefer 2, even if it is based on fictional data. And everyone knows (well most managers will have at least a vague inkling) that those colorful graphs *are* be based on fictional information.

So why do people still require timesheets? Because it absolves them of responsibility. They don't want to carry the can, plain and simple.

How does this absolve responsibility? Take this simple exchange:

Client: My project's overrun - you said it was on track!
Manager: Well, we keep metrics of progress according to Good Management Standard X and everything said we were on target.
Employee: Er... actually Boss, we were all faking our timesheets to fit the plan.
Manager: You're all fired - how can I do my job if you're all lying to me!

Simplistic, but played out every day across the world.

So, timesheets exist solely move responsibility for project *failure* (that should rightfully be largely the managers') onto the shoulders of "the workers" because managers are invariably underpaid, overworked (i.e. their managers are as bad as they are), incompetent and lazy.

Timesheets are a nonsense to give administrators the illusion they are in control. The reality is that the staff invent credible work to fill the day and so use things like 'admin' for all gaps. Every task has a code and therefore the process is incredibly time consuming and the data of dubious value. I hate it.

We use Tempora which is web based. Our FD likes it because he claims it shows him how much profit we make from each client. The web site (www.temporasoftware.com) is uninspiring but the product is OK and doesn't need you to enter any codes. It's not free but boss thinks it's good value.

I use them to justify more staff and take the load off the existing employees. Now that's gotta be beneficial.

For a commercial timesheet package, try www.in-time.co.uk - we work mainly with recruitment agencies and it's very true that the software has to 'fit' exactly with how the people filling out the timesheets are actually working. Hope you'll take a look at the site.

I get fed up filling in time sheets too. They are an endless chore and th bane of the beaten down employee. I cannot understand why our business needs to know how we spend every working minute.

We use peoplesoft for our time sheet and time recording at my work. I am a business analyst. I find it a bit of a chore too, but the worse bit is the expense claim panels. They are a complete nightmare.

Get on with your job man and quit complaining about time sheets. If you have tme to complain about the software then I'd say its plain to see that you don't have enough work to do!