The basic purpose of a time management tool is to keep track of employees’ hours on the job, which also determines their pay. Traditionally employers depended on time cards where employees would punch out their time manually.
However, things have changed, and technology has brought better versions of time management tools in timekeeping software.
But with so many options to choose from, settling on one tool can be overwhelming, especially if it is the first time you are getting time tracking software for your business.
But worry not, as this post explores some of the basic things you may need to consider when choosing the right time tracking software for your small business.
The Brand Matters
There are hundreds of timekeeping software makers, some great while others are not so good. When choosing a time tracking app, the maker’s reputation is one thing you need to consider.
Brand reputation does not happen overnight; it takes years of dedication, making mistakes, and learning from them to create unmatched products.
You probably have no clue of brands that have been around for years if it’s your first time buying a time tracking software for your business. But you don’t have to stress over it. You can check out this guide of six of the best time clock apps in the market which can be a safe place to start from.
Multi-Device and Offline Tracking Capabilities
Depending on your industry, you may have employees working at different locations. Under such circumstances getting a cloud-based timekeeping tool accessible across multiple devices such as tablets, laptops and smartphones can help with tracking for off-site workers.
Besides accessibility across devices, you may want a tool that offers offline functionality. This functionality is handy if you have employees working in areas without internet coverage.
Offsite accessible time clock applications have the added advantage of tracking an employee’s GPS location when clocked in to establish that they are where they are supposed to be.
Its Ease of Use
Technology should make work easier, not complicate things. The best time tracking machine should have the basic features necessary for clocking in and out, featuring prominently.
Additional features should be in the background to ensure that users have an easy time clocking in and out. Also, the features required should work with a few clicks.
Before investing, it would be best to run a trial of the app to ensure that it works to your expectations. Luckily, most timekeeping apps allow a trial offer or a money-back guarantee. So you don’t have to worry about the cost of trying.
Integration into Existing Tools
Automation is a great way to save time and money by eliminating repetitive tasks that would otherwise require much human power, such as manually transferring timesheets from your time management tool to payroll tools.
It is important to have a tool that integrates into your existing software solutions requiring little to no human input. Besides saving time, integration minimizes the chances of errors that could result in costly payroll mistakes.
Reporting Capabilities
While the basic purpose of time tracking software is to track the hours worked by the employee, you can do much with software that features advanced reporting capabilities.
Advanced reporting capabilities can help business owners learn more about their employees, such as productivity, budget, and overtime. You can then use this information to improve employee efficiency and profit margins.
This feature is handy if you have employees working at different locations by showing productivity based on location, which can help compare productivity and develop ways to enhance productivity in poor-performing units.
If this feels like something you are keen on having a better grasp of, you may want to choose a timekeeping software solution with advanced reporting features.