Has time tracking revolutionized productivity and workforce management, or is it not all it’s cracked up to be? Larry Alton looks at both the pros and cons of time-tracking software in Allbusiness.com.
“Thanks to automation and centralization, as well as intuitive, convenient employee interfaces, it’s now possible to get a more accurate, reliable read on how your employees are (or aren’t) spending their time,” Alton writes.
He notes that a lot of different software packages all have their own strengths and weaknesses, and that companies should look for the one that’s the best fit for them.
Some of the advantages he cites are accountability and motivation. Time-tracking software also provides high-level analytics that can help a business calculate the cost and value of projects.
On the downside are things like reductionism: Tracking software can tell how long it takes to complete a task but doesn’t necessarily take into account how well it was done. Not to mention, excessive workplace monitoring can be bad for morale.
“The bottom line is time-tracking software has incredible potential, but isn’t an all-in-one solution, nor is it guaranteed to have only positive effects,” he explains. “Each business is different, and will hope to get something different out of the time tracking software it uses. Whether time-tracking software is right for your business depends on how you’re going to use it, as well as which platform you ultimately choose.”
