Time Tracking/Time Management

Caution: Long post

The subject of keeping track of your time has come up in several posts over the past few months. I recently came across the list below, which I compiled last year as part of an online course I taught.

I would be interested to hear from anyone who has tried any of these, and, if you have used it, your opinion. Is it simple to use or is there a steep learning curve? Is the fact that it takes longer to log time than with paper and pencil overcome by its functionality? Did using it make you anxious? Is this or that program the best thing you've ever found for your business management?

I've starred (*) those about which I've had positive feedback, but don't let that stop you from telling me if you didn't like it. I'd also be interested to hear of any other computer or smart-phone based tracking/managment systems you've used with success.

Thanks!

Sarah

• CostCenter.com, (manage billing and costs). http://www.yourcostcenter.com/index.aspx
• Firefox addon (Mozilla time tracker) https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1887/.
• GoalTender: http://goaltenderapp.com/
• Jobs: http://bjango.com/apps/jobs/
• LogIt! Time Logger http://www.bobheck.com/logit/default.aspx PC only
• Screen shots at http://www.bobheck.com/logit/screenshots.aspx
• MS Office – managing your time:

• With Excel: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/ex...304141033.aspx

• With Outlook: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/ou...138061033.aspx
• *Omnifocus, for Mac http://www.omnigroup.com/products/omnifocus/
• Quick timer http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/quick...340875627?mt=8 iPhone app
• Quickbooks Time Tracker http://quickbooks.intuit.com/product...ngsoftware.jsp A big advantage is its integration with Quickbooks,
• *Reqall: for the iphone: http://www.reqall.com/ captures and organizes data. My brother says it’s genius but might be a bit much for someone not familiar with iPhones or with time tracking in general
• *RescueTime http://www.rescuetime.com/ This is the one I use --It's really focused on not wasting time when on the computer so it tracks the websites you visit, which can be important for my work. It is possible to log tasks. No integration with costs.
• Responsive Time Logger http://www.responsivesoftware.com/ Quick Tour here: http://www.responsivesoftware.com/qs_1.htm
• *Time Equals Money http://stone.com/TimeEqualsMoney/TimeEqualsMoney.html
• Time Force: http://www.mytimeforce.com/ This is a system developed for large businesses that need to track whereabouts, sick days, etc. It may be adaptable but I didn't explore further.
• Time Logger http://www.acrodesigntech.com/timelogger.html windows pc only. Fairly basic (e.g., you use email to move info )
• Todo: http://www.appigo.com/todo/ A site that list links to other Timecard software: http://timecardsoftwareonline.info/
• If you look around the website of your office suite (word processing-presentationspreadsheet, etc) software, you’ll probably find some templates you can use/adapt