Managing time effectively can be a Herculean task, particularly when small businesses are constantly juggling numerous responsibilities with limited resources. These can include overseeing daily operations, servicing clients, staying competitive in a fast-paced market – and more. And, all at once.
This is why selecting the right time tracking software is a pivotal decision for small businesses aiming to enhance productivity and efficiency.
Why Small Businesses Should Track Time
Tracking time offers small businesses invaluable insights that can drive growth and efficiency.
By meticulously recording how employees allocate their work hours, small businesses gain a clearer understanding of project timelines, resource distribution, and productivity levels.
This data serves as a compass for making informed decisions, optimizing project management, and identifying areas for improvement.
Time tracking not only enhances accountability and transparency but also aids in accurate billing, fostering better client relationships.
Ultimately, for small businesses seeking to maximize their potential, time tracking is a strategic tool that empowers growth through data-driven decision-making and streamlined operations.
How Small Businesses Can Track Time
Small businesses can effectively track time through a variety of methods that suit their operations and preferences. Here are just a few examples:
Traditional paper or digital time sheets allow employees to record their work hours and tasks manually. This method is simple but requires diligent data entry.
Installing physical or digital clock-in/clock-out systems in the workplace helps monitor employee attendance – but not necessarily productivity.
Many project management platforms include built-in time tracking features. This approach streamlines project management and time monitoring in a single platform.
For on-site work, biometric time clocks using fingerprints or facial recognition provide accurate clock-in/out records.
Physical punch cards or digital equivalents can also be used to track hours worked.
Finally, time tracking software probably offers the best time management solution for a small business. Dedicated time tracking software automates the process, offering features like timers, task categorization, and detailed reporting. In fact, as per a recent study by Deloitte, more than 30% of professionals identify manual time entry and data adjustments as two of the most time-consuming procedures.
Best Time Tracking Software for Small Business
Traqq
Capterra rating: 4.9 (90 reviews)
G2 rating: 4.8 (103 reviews)
Traqq provides time tracking, activity monitoring, and productivity insights. It’s a great fit for remote teams, offering real-time tracking and the ability to categorize work activities. Traqq’s privacy-focused features and budget-friendly pricing are beneficial for small businesses seeking efficient time management solutions.
Pros
- Automatic time tracking
- A full set of features for remote teams
- Screenshots and screen video recordings for ultimate accountability
Cons
- Limited integrations
Pricing:
- free for small teams (up to 3 people) with a full set of features
- $6 per user/month (up to 100 people)
- Enterprise – custom
Toggl Track
Capterra rating: 4.7 (2,213 reviews)
G2 rating: 4.6 (1,550 reviews)
Toggl Track offers simple and intuitive time tracking features. Its user-friendly interface makes it easy for employees to track their time spent on tasks and projects. Toggl’s detailed reports provide insights into productivity trends. Its affordability and scalability make it suitable for small businesses looking to streamline time management.
Pros:
- Google Calendar integration
- Easy data export to payroll and accounting software
- Automated payroll for small businesses
Cons:
- The editing process for incorrectly entered data is complicated
Pricing:
- Free for up to 5 users
- Starter – $9 per user/month
- Premium – $18 per user/month
- Enterprise – custom
Clockify
Capterra rating: 4.7 (4,621 reviews)
G2 rating: 4.5 (154 reviews)
Clockify is a free time tracking software with robust features. It offers unlimited users and projects, making it ideal for small businesses with growing teams. The software’s user-friendly interface, integrations with other tools, and customizable reporting options make it a versatile choice.
Pros:
- Unlimited time tracking on a free plan
- Team chat feature
- GPS tracking on Pro and Enterprise plans
Cons:
- No shift scheduling features
- No payroll functionality
Pricing:
- Basic – $3.99 per user/month
- Standard – $5.49 per user/month
- Pro – $7.99 per user/month
- Enterprise –- $11.99 per user/month
Harvest
Capterra rating: 4.6 (558 reviews)
G2 rating: 4.3 (790 reviews)
Harvest is known for its user-friendly interface and time tracking capabilities. It integrates seamlessly with popular project management and invoicing tools. Harvest’s detailed reporting and analytics help small businesses make informed decisions about resource allocation and project timelines.
Pros:
- Simple and flexible user interface
- Financial and payroll integrations
- Billable time tracking
Cons:
- Doesn’t support notifications on some devices
Pricing:
- Free for 1 user and up to 2 projects
- Pro – $10.80 per user/ month
Hubstaff offers advanced time tracking features including app and website monitoring, GPS tracking, and team scheduling. Its detailed activity reports and integrations with project management tools make it suitable for small businesses seeking comprehensive productivity monitoring.
Hubstaff
Capterra rating: 4.6 (1,442 reviews)
G2 rating: 4.3 (429 reviews)
Hubstaff offers advanced time tracking features including app and website monitoring, GPS tracking, and team scheduling. Its detailed activity reports and integrations with project management tools make it suitable for small businesses seeking comprehensive productivity monitoring.
Pros:
- Location tracking
- Integration options with other apps
- Detailed reports
Cons:
- UI can be complex to navigate
Pricing:
- Starter – $4.99 per user/month
- Grow – $7.50 per user/month
- Team – $10 per user/month
- Enterprise – custom
TimeCamp
Capterra rating: 4.7 (588 reviews)
G2 rating: 4.7 (193 reviews)
TimeCamp offers in-depth time tracking and project management features. Its integration capabilities with various tools enhance workflow efficiency, making it a great choice for small businesses looking to manage tasks and time in a single platform.
Pros:
- Automated time tracking
- Accurate reports and productivity insights
- Billing and invoicing features
Cons:
- Clunky mobile app
- Limited functionality without a subscription
Pricing:
- Free
- Starter – $2.99 per user/month
- Basic – $5.99 per user/month
- Pro – $7.99 per user/month
FreshBooks
Capterra rating: 4.5 (4,273 reviews)
G2 rating: 4.5 (669 reviews)
FreshBooks combines time tracking with invoicing, making it ideal for service-based small businesses. It simplifies project tracking and allows seamless transition from tracked time to client billing, enhancing efficiency and accuracy.
Pros:
- Easy time tracking for billable hours
- Robust invoicing features with customizable templates
- Multiple integrations with popular business tools and apps
Cons:
- Higher pricing for large teams
- Limited customization options for reports
Pricing:
- Lite – $8.50 per user/month
- Plus –- $15 per user/month
- Premium – $27.50 per user/month
- Select –- custom
My Hours
Capterra rating: 4.8 (937 reviews)
G2 rating: 4.6 (247 reviews)
My Hours, tailored for small businesses and freelancers, is a cloud-based time tracking solution offering several key features. Users can easily track time through a simple timer or manually input time entries on the timesheet. Moreover, My Hours comes with project budgeting features that are especially useful for small businesses. You get the flexibility of setting custom hourly rates and other per-project adjustments.
Pros:
- Intuitive and user-friendly interface
- Comprehensive time tracking and reporting features
- Project and task management capabilities
- Integration with popular project management tools
Cons:
- Limited integration options
- Free plan has limitations on users and features
Pricing:
- Free basic plan for individuals and small teams
- Pro – $8 per user/month
Timely
Capterra rating: 4.7 (693 reviews)
G2 rating: 3.7 (113 reviews)
Timely makes time tracking easy. It creates tasks automatically, so you don’t have to do it manually. It also analyzes your time usage to see which tasks take the longest and when resources are free. Plus, its simple drag-and-drop interface helps you stay organized. It’s a straightforward time-tracking tool that covers all your essential needs.
Pros:
- Seamless integration with various project management tools
- Automated schedules and timesheets for extra efficiency
Cons:
- Limited customer support
- No free plan to test out the functionality
Pricing:
- Starter – $9 per user/month
- Premium – $16 per user/month
- Unlimited –- $22 per user/month
Everhour
Capterra rating: 4.7 (392 reviews)
G2 rating: 4.7 (163 reviews)
Everhour is simple and easy to integrate with other apps such as Asana, Trello, and Basecamp. This ease of use makes it accessible to teams with varying levels of tech expertise. Everhour’s real-time tracking capabilities empower small businesses to keep a close eye on project progress and resource allocation.
Pros:
- Multiple project tool integrations
- Advanced reporting
- Payroll and billing features
Cons:
- Slight learning curve
- Limited functionality without a subscription
Pricing:
- Free basic plan
- Lite – $5 per user/month
- Team – $8.50 per user/month
To Sum Up
Time tracking software is a pivotal asset for small businesses seeking to optimize productivity, enhance project management, and foster growth. The array of options available, such as Toggl Track, Clockify, Harvest, Hubstaff, Traqq, TimeCamp, and FreshBooks, offer tailored features that align with various business needs. By leveraging these tools, small businesses can gain valuable insights, streamline resource allocation, and ensure accurate client billing.
FAQ
Is There Free Time Tracking Software for Small Business?
Yes, there are several free time tracking software options available for small businesses. Clockify is a notable example, offering essential time tracking features without any cost. It’s a great choice for small businesses looking to start tracking time without the financial commitment.
What Is the Best Timesheet Software for Small Business?
Selecting the best timesheet software depends on your specific business needs. Clockify, Toggl Track, and Harvest are popular choices due to their user-friendly interfaces, detailed reporting, and integrations with other tools. These options provide efficient timesheet tracking, making them suitable for small businesses seeking to enhance productivity and project management.
