With TimeControl 6.7 now released, it’s a good moment to review some hardware requirements. TimeControl and TimeControl Industrial 6.7 will require Microsoft .Net version 4 or higher. Version 3.5 was sufficient for TimeControl 6.6 but that will not be enough to have TimeControl 6.7 function properly.
Microsoft .Net 4 at a minimum must be installed on the TimeControl server and the application pool for the TimeControl application website must be using the .Net 4 framework.
For more information on Microsoft .Net, go to www.microsoft.com/net. For questions about your TimeControl 6.7 installation, speak to HMS Support at support@hms.ca.
Category Archives: timecontrol
The Heartbleed bug
Many of you may have read or heard about the Heartbeed bug this week. The Heartbeet bug is more of a possible exploit in the open-source code of OpenSSL, a very popular encryption method used in online services based on a Linux architecture. The condition was introduced over 2 years ago by one of the many volunteers who contribute to open source projects like OpenSSL and despite being reviewed numerous times, the exploit went undetected until a few days ago. The oversight in the code was forgetting to limit how large a response would be allowed to a module called a “Heartbeat” (hence the name Heartbleed). Countless websites have used OpenSSL in both the public and private sector.
Some clients have contacted HMS asking if TimeControl Online might be affected. The answer is that it is not affected by the Heartbleed bug. TimeControl Online does not use OpenSSL.
It’s TimeControl’s 20th Anniversary!
Yes, TimeControl is no longer a teenager! It’s HMS Software’s 30th Anniversary (We’re now 30-something) and TimeControl is now 20.
HMS Software was founded in 1984 and we’ll be celebrating all year with contests, give-aways and images from our ancient past and just to get things started, here’s something nostalgic. Yes, this is a video of TimeControl 1.0.1, the first version of TimeControl released to market in January of 1994.
Click the image on the right to see a webcast of the old DOS version working (We’ll spare you the description of what it takes to resurrect a DOS version in today’s modern PC age so we could capture the webcast!)
If you’d like the see the more of our most recent version, stop by www.timecontrol.com.
Enjoy!
Managing multiple instances of TimeControl
HMS has long supported the notion of having both a production and a staging installation of TimeControl and do not charge additional licensing costs for such use of the system. It is common, for example, to have a staging instance to use for testing upcoming versions or to use for training or internal development of reports, filters and validation rules prior to making these enhancements available to production users. A number of clients have asked what the steps are to support promoting from one instance to another. Once a version or a feature has been tested in the staging environment, how do we then make this available in the new environment? We’ve outlined some standard steps in managing multiple instances in this post.
How to create a second instance of TimeControl
Create a 2nd instance in a virtual environment
Case 1:
TimeControl is installed in a Virtual Machine environment and the database server and database are on the same Virtual Machine. Steps:
- Copy the Virtual Machine
- Change the IP to be unique
- Change the name of the Database Server to be unique
- Modify TimeControl.ini to point to the new IP
- Modify TimeControl.ini to point to the new database server
- Modify TimeControlWeb.ini to change the server’s IP address
- Modify host-headers in IIS to be unique and other DNS information as required
- See the “Cautions” section below
Case 2:
TimeControl is installed in a Virtual Machine environment and the database server and database are on different Virtual Machines. Steps:
- Copy / Backup both the TCSecure and TIMECTRL databases/schemas
- Create unique database names for each of these two databases (e.g. TCSECURE_Staging and TIMECTRL_Staging) and copy/restore the database files/schemas
- Copy the Virtual Machine
- Change the IP to be unique
- Modify TimeControl.ini to point to the new IP
- Modify TimeControl.ini to point to the new database names
- Modify TimeControlWeb.ini to change the server’s IP address
- Modify host-headers in IIS to be unique and other DNS information as required
Create a 2nd instance in a separate physical environment
If you are not using a Virtual Machine environment and instead have physical servers and want to set up a 2nd instance of TimeControl on a separate server, this will be the procedure. We will assume the database is also installed on a separate server but even if it is on the original TimeControl server, there is no obvious requirement to install a completely separate instance of your database software. Steps:
- Copy / Backup both the TCSecure and TIMECTRL databases/schemas
- Create unique database names for each of these two databases (e.g. TCSECURE_Staging and TIMECTRL_Staging) and copy/restore the database files/schemas
- Install the identical version of TimeControl on the new server
- Use the TimeControl Database Configurator to attach the new instance of TimeControl to the new databases.
Create a 2nd instance in the same physical or virtual environment
Some organizations wish to install a 2nd instance of TimeControl on the identical physical server. (It is quite unusual to install multiple instances on a virtual server as it is so easily replicated). Installing a 2nd instance of TimeControl on the same physical server is possible however the standard installation modules and upgrade modules will only work on the default installation. In order to update multiple instances on the same physical server, a series of manual steps must be performed. HMS Technical Services can guide you through this process if you require it.
Cautions
Once you have copied your 2nd instance, you may wish to check for scheduled and automated functions that were activated in your production instance that you may wish to disable in your 2nd instance. These may include the following:
- Project Management Links
If there are links to a project management system, then the scheduled links you’ve created will activate on schedule if you don’t make any changes. The Connection Pool information in the Interface Definition will be pointing to your production project management tool. If there is a scheduled job pending then data will move in and/or out of the project tool as scheduled. If there is pending posted data for the pm system or if you enter any data in the 2nd instance, it will be sent to your project pm system. We recommend immediately disabling scheduled jobs and repointing the interface definition to a 2nd project management system instance.
Caution: If you do not repoint these project links to a non-production instance of your project management tool or disable the links, then you may send duplicate timesheet entries to your project management system! - Email notifications
If you have scheduled automated email notifications of missing timesheets, the 2nd instance will start happily sending them out along with the production instance. We recommend disabling any scheduled jobs.
Caution: Not disabling email notifications can cause confusion as users may receive email notices from the 2nd instance complaining of a missing timesheet which has already been completed by the user in the main instance. - Triggers
If you have made triggers within the database to move data in and/or out of TimeControl to link to finance, payroll, billing etc., these triggers will continue to function in the 2nd instance unless you disable them.
Caution: Not disabling triggers which were designed to move data to finance for billing or payroll may result in data being sent twice!
How do we promote features between instances?
Once you have a 2nd instance implemented and you have checked the Caution section and taken the appropriate actions, you are able to start thinking of how to use the 2nd instance for testing and staging. There are some elements of TimeControl which were designed to be easily moved between instances. Other elements are more difficult.
What can be promoted easily
- Filters
- Validation Rules
- Language Definitions
- Reports
For all 4 of these categories, you can create a Export Package from the Links menu. Exporting a Validation Rule will also export any filters which are reference within it. Exporting a filter will also automatically include any “filters within filters” which are referenced. In the production instance, you can then Import a Package from the Links menu and this item will be successfully promoted and instantly available.
Categories of data that are more difficult to promote
- User Defined Fields
- Pop-up values for user defined fields
- Import/Export definitions
- Personal settings
For these categories, we assumed that this information would be updated directly in the production system. User Defined Fields are typically only created during the deployment. The Import/Export definitions carry an entire audit aspect of them which is managed behind the scenes and Personal settings are, well, personal. The best practice for almost all cases involving these 4 categories is to create them manually in the production instance.
Other methods of moving data from staging to production
There are several other methods of moving data from the 2nd instance back into production but each requires some skill.
- Export tables from staging and Import into production
TimeControl’s standard export and import modules allow all kinds of data to be moved. Export from one system and Import to the 2nd system definitions can be created and saved and then the actual creation of the transaction file and its import is very quick. - Triggers and custom code
For those who have more intimate and long standing links required, creating triggers at the database level can be accomplished. This has the benefit of being hidden from the user and the disadvantage of being hidden from the user. When triggers move data automatically in the background, a best practice is to have solid process and procedure documentation that lets all relevant parties know what is happening to the data and why.
Maintaining a “Cold Server” for disaster recovery
Some organizations have a requirement to create a “Cold Server” and keep it in stand-by for disaster recovery. This is relatively simple to do. First, follow the instructions on creating a 2nd instance to ensure it has been updated correctly. You will need to update the 2nd instance each time you do a TimeControl Upgrade of the production instance. Once the instance is established, you can hibernate the Virtual Machine or turn off the physical server (if it is dedicated) or simply turn off the TimeControl ATS, TimeControl TTS and TimeControl Scheduler Services along with the TimeControl Website (In IIS) Second, ensure that regular backups of your production instance are occurring. Should a disaster occur, activating the Cold Server is very simply:
- Turn on the Virtual Machine, turn on the Physical Server or Start the TimeControl ATS, TimeControl TTS and TimeControl Scheduler as required.
- Restore the production database backup to the 2nd instance
Ask for help
HMS Services often assist our TimeControl clients with establishing and updating multiple instances. Contact customer server at info@hms.ca to inquire about our services.
What do the version numbers mean?
We’re often asked what the significance of our version numbers are and how often we release a new update, upgrade or version. Here is an extract from the TimeControl Installation Guide explaining our 4-part version number:
HMS releases updates to TimeControl in three different levels:
Updates
An update to TimeControl is identified by the 3rd level of the version number. For example, in version 6.1.2, “2” would be an update. An update to TimeControl includes fixes to existing functionality and while it may have small additions to the data structure it has no changes to the existing data structure. An update may include minor enhancements to existing functionality and, less typically, new functionality.
Upgrades
An upgrade to TimeControl is identified by the 2nd level of the version number. For example, in version 6.1.0, “1” would be an upgrade. An upgrade to TimeControl may fix existing functionality and will contain enhancements to existing functionality as well as new functionality. An upgrade may include some changes to existing data structures as well as additional data structure elements.
Versions
A new version of TimeControl is identified by the 1st level of the version number. For example, in version 6.0.0, “6” would be a new version. A new version of TimeControl represents a change in the underlying architecture. This may mean a change or an increase in the types of platforms supported, in the technology layers such as database connections or communications protocol and in the fundamental interface design and architecture. A new version typically includes new functionality and enhanced or changed existing functionality. In some cases, functionality in a new version is deprecated. Data structures may undergo significant change in a new version compared to an old version.
Build
In addition to new updates and upgrades, you may find a 4th digit in your version. This is a “Build” number and this may change over time. A new build is usually made when we identify a hotfix that is required but only for a limited circumstance so a complete new Update isn’t required.
Where to find your version number
If you are the Administrator, go to the TimeControl administrator Menu, Select “About” in the Actions menu on the right and then click “Support Information”. You’ll see a screen like the one here taken from the TimeControl evaluation system. Here you can see the version is 6.6.2.1. That’s Version 6, Upgrade 6, Update 2 and build 1.
This screen also shows the version of every component of TimeControl. The Technical Support team often asks for this information as a mismatch between one component and another after an upgrade can be a problem.
TimeControl Rates Tutorial
Sometimes here at HMS, we work with something within the TimeControl timesheet system so often, that we forget just how remarkable a feature it is.
TimeControl and TimeControl Industrial Rates functionality falls right into that category. There are numerous TimeControl functions that make up the Rates capabilities and we’ve now released a tutorial on how to work with those functions to solve business problems
Some clients need to price hours for invoicing. Others need to cost the hours for job costing. Perhaps you have different rates for different clients or different rates for different projects. The rates architecture in the TimeControl timesheet system is the most flexible in the industry and it must be because TimeControl is used for different purposes simultaneously.
It is a key differentiator over other timesheet options.
Did you know that TimeControl supports an unlimited number of Rate Codes per employee or 
an unlimited number of Rate Codes in the system? And, for each and every Rate Code, you can store multiple values. Rates in TimeControl can be defined globally, at the resource or employee level and you can configure TimeControl to show only those rates that are appropriate to a particular situation.
TimeControl Rates can be used to track both internal costs and external invoicing values at the same time.
TimeControl Rates allows you to track an employee working at one rate on one project, and another rate on a different project in the same day.
TimeControl Rates allows the tracking of unpaid overtime and even though you have no extra actual cost today, you could still invoice the work recorded.
Rates play a key part of many timesheet scenarios and TimeControl responds to that challenge with its flexible rate structure.
Both current and prospective TimeControl architects can find out more about TimeControl Rates in our new tutorial at: www.timecontrol.com/timesheet/rates/rates_tutorial.pdf and on the new section of the TimeControl website at www.timecontrol.com/timesheet/rates.
Updated DCAA Solutions area
Every year the US Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) audits thousands of government contracts representing billions of dollars of value. 
The Agency does this not only for the US Department of Defense but also for the Department of Energy, Homeland Security and many other federal and state agencies. The DCAA sets standards for how to account for, track and invoice government contracts and amongst those standards are requirements for timesheet systems.
TimeControl has been used by many of our clients to help with their DCAA compliance and given HMS Software’s long standing high profile in defense and aerospace, it will come as no surprise that TimeControl has many features that were specifically designed to accommodate the DCAA.
On the TimeControl website, you’ll find a solutions area dedicated to how to configure TimeControl for DCAA compliance. We’ve just updated the DCAA Solutions area with a new white paper, slides and webcast that are up to date with the latest in DCAA Requirements. For more information on the DCAA, go to www.dcaa.mil.
Access to the DCAA Solutions area is free. You’ll find it at www.timecontrol.com/solutions/dcaa.
Updated Timesheet Buyer’s Guide
One of the most popular areas of the TimeControl.com website has been the Timesheet single source of HMS Software expertise in how to select a timesheet has been a great collection of resources for anyone interested in updating their timesheet system.as it makes tools available at no charge and without obligation. We’ve done a number of updates on the Buyer’s Guide site to the tools and information provided there. This area of the website provides information that both helps prospective timesheet buyers determine what kind of timesheet they might require and then shows how TimeControl can respond to those requirements. The information however isn’t specific to just TimeControl so no matter what kind of timesheet you’re looking for, this section of our site may be of use to you. The Timesheet Buyer’s Guide includes a number of tools that may be of interest to those considering a new timesheet system including:
- Webcasts of how to determine what type of timesheet might be required,
- A white paper analyzing the choice of buying a commercial off the shelf timesheet system vs. writing a customized timesheet,
- A downloadable evaluation checklist spreadsheet of the most commonly requested timesheet features with options for weighting features and scoring multiple timesheet systems,
- A Return on Investment Calculator spreadsheet which shows the financial impact of automating your timesheet system and;
- Numerous links to other resources.
The HMS Timesheet Buyer’s Guide is available at: www.timecontrol.com/solutions/buyersguide
The TimeControl expense dialog view
Most people who use TimeControl know there is an expense tab on the timesheet in which you can enter non-labor expenses. The tab becomes visible when you click the “+” sign to the left of any line and shows several tabs of additional information that can be entered and attached to your timesheet.
The Expense tab has a grid view much like the timesheet where you can add an unlimited number of lines of expenses to each timesheet line. The timesheet doesn’t need to have hours, just a selection of the project and task and then expenses can be added to it.
But, did you know that there is also a dialog view for entering expenses? The grid is preferred by many but there are some who find the dialog view more pleasant. It’s easily accessible. When you hover your mouse over the “Append” button to add an expense line, the Dialog View option appears. 
The data is the same. Only the presentation changes. You can edit an existing line in the dialog view by clicking the dialog button on the far left of any saved line.
New Contractor Management Solution Page
HMS has just released a new use-case solution page to show how TimeControl and TimeControl Industrial can be used to better manage contractors. With the human resource partnering, outsourcing and sub-contracting of today, being able to 
manage your contractors is a critical element to being competitive and we’ve made this solution available at no charge to show how an organization can make tremendous efficiency improvements in how it manages its contractors.” included on the solution page is both a webcast and PowerPoint presentation as well as references to related information. The webcast includes a presentation and a software demonstration. Some of the benefits that are presented by using the techniques described in the presentation include:
- Shortcut the invoice approval process. Save countless hours of purchasing personnel, clerks, project managers, contract managers and even the contractors themselves.
- Find out what the contractors are working on, not just how much time they’re working
- Find out how long it takes contractors to finish the tasks you’ve assigned.
- Compare the performance of internally trained personnel to contractor personnel.
- For contractors: Get paid faster.
- For the client: negotiate an early payment discount because you’re now able to approve the invoice in days, not weeks.
You can access the Contractor Management Solution Portal at: www.timecontrol.com/solutions/contractormanagement and see a complete list of solutions at: www.timecontrol.com/solutions/.