Tracking time
Tuesday September 2, 2008
I am often asked about how to track time for freelance projects - this is especially important if you bill by the hour or only have a limited amount of time to provide for a project. I just learned about a system called My Intervals that tries to solve both project management and time tracking in one online application. It looks really easy to use. You just set up a task and then click on the start button to start tracking the time. When you're done you click stop and it adds that time into your time sheet and project time list. The part I tend to forget is the "turning off" part of that process, but if you train yourself, I'm sure this would become a very valuable tool. What time tracking software do you use?
Comments
The newer versions of Quickbooks includes this tool. You can start and stop the time as needed. My biggest problem is with interruptions and I believe I end up cutting off time just to be sure I’m not overcharging. Since I am the only person, interruptions like email, phone calls and looking at webdesign.about.com daily all cut into my time, if I’m not careful! *smile*
It is definitely a challenge. I only use hourly for maintenance. Per page pricing makes it simpler, by far.
I use TimeStamp http://tinyurl.com/278ywc. Very simple to set up and use for multiple projects. I like the “slacking” button, so I can temporarily stop the tracking if I answer the phone, for example.