Although tracking time has always been a good practice for business, it has been an equal pain. Old, laborious methods caused so many troubles, businesses could not realize the full benefits of this function. Putting pen to paper, whether the business was small or large, was simply inefficient.
Still, there were no other methods available. Businesses were left with spending excess amounts of time trying to keep up with the differentials of employee work hours. The situation improved when systems were introduced to track time on computers. However, some issues remained.
Initial offerings from computer solutions were tied to a designated computer. This meant that an employee working outside the office could not enter their time until they returned. A single monitor on a factory floor meant employees stood in line to enter their time. Or, they probably entered their coworker’s time.
Tracking Time with Today’s Technology
Fortunately, the timekeeping industry has better offerings on the market today. Most use web based time tracking software to make this essential part of business easier for everyone. The term “web-based” means you and employees are not tied to a specific computer. Instead, the software is in the cloud.
Employees simply sign in from any computer or device that is connected to the internet. Keeping with the advances in technology some small businesses also have mobile apps. Employees do not need to be in the office to enter their time; they can update their time from cell phones and tablets.
True Benefits for Small Businesses
Regardless of the business size, time tracking software helps to streamline varied aspects of monitoring employees. You will learn more about where time is spent each day. Additionally, you can gain insight on possible distractions to completing different tasks and how this affects labor costs.
Some activities that waste time include:
- Social media
- Internet
- Meetings
Looking at this information will be helpful in finding ways to eliminate these distractions. In return, your business can become more efficient when less time is drained on things that do not contribute to overall goals.
Use Time Tracking to Improve Efficiency
Using web based attendance software helps to improve efficiency. Uncovering how much time is spent on non-work related things is not the only benefit of using this advanced technology. Seeing how much time is spent on different work tasks is very beneficial for managers. They can determine which employees have the right skill set and who may need additional training.
For a company that includes training and development in its benefits, such data will provide incredible insight. HR can create training modules to help bring employees who may need to brush up on certain skills up to speed.
Manage Varied Work Schedules
This new economy does not always embrace traditional nine-to-five hours. Time tracking software also helps with making it easier to create schedules for varied shifts. One department might have all part-time workers; another may have staggered work hours.
Most tracking systems can monitor the data, providing up-to-the-minute data on who reported for their shift on time. Incidents of time theft is reduced; employees are not writing in time on days they were actually absent. Neither can they add overtime hours unless those were hours that they worked.
This software helps management locate issues to correct wasted time and improve efficiency. In fact, you might save your small business more money in budgeting and scheduling by using data to eliminate the need for overtime hours.
Great for Employees Away from the Office
The only real solution to tracking hours for employees who do not spend their work day in the office is having a web-based system. This quality tool is beneficial to small businesses with:
- Real estate agents
- Home healthcare workers
- Outside sales workers
- Construction workers
Thanks to having the ability to use this time system on a computer or mobile device all employees remain on the same page wherever work takes them.
Find an Easy, Web-Based System for Your Small Business
Your small business receives tremendous benefits from using web based time tracking software. The ripple effects of reducing overall labor costs will spread throughout the business and land directly on your bottom line.
Improved revenues, steady regulatory compliance and budget efficiency are just a few advantages for your business. You can redirect money and time previously spent on tracking schedules and work hours towards growth strategies to strengthen your business.
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