Manual time entry is the process of recording work hours by typing them into a system, a spreadsheet, or a paper timesheet. Instead of using software that automatically tracks time, employees write down the hours they worked and what they did during that time. This method is often used at the end of the day or week when employees remember and log the tasks they completed and the time they spent on each task.
Manual time entry remains relevant in most working environments because it allows workers the ability to track their time even without a computer. For instance, a worker in the field or going to face-to-face meetings can't always count on keeping track of the time they spend. In these situations, noting time entries ensures that their work is being recorded.
When a person forgets to start a timer or keep a record of hours in real-time, it proves useful. It may not be the fastest way, but it allows individuals to record their work without depending on technology every time. It might seem like extra work, but it is very important. Here’s why:
To appreciate how manual time entry operates, consider an employee who has client meetings all day. In the evening, they sit down and input how many hours each meeting took.
A further example may be a machinery technician who visits various job locations. Once each job is complete, they update their timesheet with the duration they worked on and off the job.
In most creative professions, such as writing or graphic design , individuals tend to work on separate tasks during the day and manually track the hours for every project at the end of the day.
In the majority of workplaces, manual time entry begins with the employee noting how long they take to complete each task or activity. They either write down this information during the day or recall it and enter it later. That time is then recorded on a timesheet or an electronic form. After the entries are done, they are typically checked over by a supervisor or manager, particularly if they're being used for payroll or billing. Employees at certain companies need to report their time daily, although others require this every week. It depends on the company’s rules and the kind of work being done.
It's one of the greatest things about manual time entry that it has been working without a computer perfectly for occupations where the ability to use one wouldn't be available in every place constantly. Individuals can log time after the work itself, so they have room for flexibility. It's also good when a person forgets to set a timer or when a task arises unexpectedly.
There are risks involved as well, though. Individuals may lose track of what they spent their time on or how long they spent doing it if they wait for too long to complete their timesheets. This can result in an error or lost time. It can also require more effort and time to complete the entries each day, particularly in contrast to systems that automatically record time.
Manual entry and automatic time tracking are very different. In manual entry, the employees are in charge of logging their time. They have to recall what they have done and how long it took them, and then enter it.
In automatic tracking, the system times automatically, typically by tracking activity on a computer.
Manual entry provides more autonomy and is superior for non-computer work, but automatic tracking is generally more precise and requires less time. Some businesses employ both, depending on the nature of work their teams perform.
Time Champ provides support for manual as well as automated time tracking features. For employees working off-site, going for meetings, or missing the clock on a timer, Time Champ's Log Time feature provides effortless entry of hours afterward. The Work Log Report further allows managers to view all the manual entries in one place. Thus, teams can remain agile without compromising on logging their hours neatly and efficiently.
