First and foremost, it should be noted that “best” is a relative term. The best way for you might not be the best way for someone else. You’ll need to look at your team’s specific needs to determine which of the following time-tracking tactics are right for you.
There are several ways companies track employee time using ad agency software, like CurrentTrack.
Methods Ideal for Project Billing Work
Durational, chronological, automatic, and monitoring time-tracking methods are all excellent ways for companies that bill by the hour for project work. These are listed from least to most accurate. Durational and chronological time-tracking methods are reliant on the honor system, whereas automatic and monitoring tactics rely on technology to hold employees accountable.
Durational
Employees enter the duration of the task, but not the times when it was performed (e.g. 1.00 Hours).
Chronological
Employees enter both start and end times for the task (e.g. 9:00 – 9:30 a.m.).
Automatic
The system automatically calculates time spent on tasks (or whole projects), using a connected device or a personal computer, and user input via start and stop buttons (i.e. a “stopwatch”). Users can retrieve logged tasks and view their duration, or their specific start and stop times.
Monitoring
The system records active and idle time of employees. It might also record screen captures.
Methods Ideal for Hourly Workers
In cases where clients are on retainer, or in the case of non-billable employees, the following time-tracking techniques are useful.
Exception-Based
The system automatically records standard working hours except for approved time off or leave of absence (e.g. 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.).
Clock-in Clock-out
Employees manually record arrival and departure times; think “punch clock.”
Location-Based
The system determines the working status of employees based on their location.
Resource-Scheduling
By scheduling resources in advance, employees’ schedules can be easily converted to time sheets. The system automatically records standard working hours except for approved time off or leave of absence.
Regardless of the method you choose to employ, remember that accurate time tracking is essential to the success of your agency.
CurrentTrack can help. For more information, schedule a demo today!