Keeping track of time is a necessity in our fast-paced, ever-changing world. Whether you’re searching for a solution for your company, juggling multiple projects as a freelancer, or simply trying to find a better work-life balance, a reliable time tracking app can be your ultimate productivity partner.
However, it is important to remember that not all time tracking apps are created equal. In this article, we’ll explore three essential features that every time tracking app should have, making your time management experience more efficient and enjoyable.
Messaging, photos, and scheduling are must-have features when browsing for time tracking apps. Here’s why we stand by that:
Messaging: Boost Project Communication
Gone are the days when an app’s sole responsibility is to log hours. In today’s interconnected work environments, communication is key. A top-notch time tracking app should not only monitor how time is being spent but also communicate that to the right people at the right time. With seamlessly integrated messaging, you can clarify tasks, discuss project specifics, and share updates within the same app you use to track your time.
Team messaging embedded in your time tracking app eliminates switching between multiple tools. This streamlines communication and significantly reduces the risk of important information slipping through the cracks. Team members can easily engage in conversations, seek clarifications, and provide updates, all while staying focused on their time-bound tasks.
Photos: Monitor Progress and Liability Protection
A picture is worth a thousand words, and that still holds true in time tracking. The ability to document work through photos is particularly useful for tasks that need visual evidence. By capturing visual cues alongside time entries, you can gain a holistic view of your work, allowing you to share progress with stakeholders.
Not only are pictures useful for progress tracking, but uploading photos protects you from false liability claims. Before and after pictures can be found with timestamps if questions on who’s at fault arise. Avoiding contract disputes can be tricky in any profession; photos provide a little backup (or, as we like to say, “cover your ass”).
GPS, Time, and Project stamps help you find pictures based on when and where they were taken as well as who took them—helping you stay organized while being responsible.
We’ve talked about how photos are essentially the easiest way to share progress with stakeholders and how they can potentially protect you. Still, we need to talk about the significant impact between team members.
Photos provide instant visual clarity for your team. For example, if a team member is discussing a specific location or environment, an image can help others understand the context better. Having photos right in the app bridges the gap caused by physical distance, places, or processes that can be difficult to explain!
Scheduling: Optimize Productivity & Time Management
Scheduling templates have helped people jot down tasks and manage their time for decades. Now, time tracking apps have built-in scheduling features, eliminating the headaches from dealing with paper schedules.
Scheduling within a time tracking app allows the supervisor to create a daily schedule for one employee for a single day or multiple employees for multiple days! Employees can access these schedules quickly through their phones to see project information, locations, and detailed instructions.
All professions can avoid the hassle of scheduling conflicts by using a time tracking app that includes scheduling features.
Bonus Feature
Messaging, Photos, and Scheduling features are a must when choosing your app, but have you ever wanted to upload a document company-wide? Documents is a bonus feature that allows you to attach documents with detailed instructions to a specific project.
In Conclusion
Your time tracking solution should do more than just log hours. The significance of having the right features buit in cannot be overstated.. They transcend the limitations of traditional time tracking, providing a holistic solution that caters to communication, documentation, and organization. As we pursue efficiency, these time tracking app features stand as steadfast allies, shaping how we manage our most valuable resource—time. So, embrace the power of messaging, photos, and scheduling in your time tracking journey, and propel yourself toward a better future.
