Category Archives: upgrade

How often do we release new TimeControl updates?

TimeControl version number, Chris Vandersluis, Christopher Vandersluis, Christopher Peter VandersluisOne of the most common questions from both prospective and new clients is “How often will we get updates and how are they indicated.

We’ve built significance into our version numbers so when you see an announcement or see that your version number has changed, you can easily determine how that might impact your system.  We keep a current list of the version numbers for both TimeControl Online and TimeControl on-premise in the TimeControl Support area at: TimeControl.com/support. We list the last date of an any version and the exact version number.  The TimeControl version number has four parts to it, each corresponding to a specific level of release.  We’ll identify those below along with the expected frequency of an update of that level.

Level 4: Build

The full version number of TimeControl always includes the “build” number.  For an initial release, that number might be zero (0).  For example, in version 8.2.1.4, “4” would be a new build of update 8.2.1.  This Build number may change over time.  A new build is usually made when we identify a hotfix that is required but might only refer to a highly specific and limited circumstance.  A build almost never has any change to the database at all and never introduces new functionality.  It is typical for us to release a new build every 4-8 weeks.

Level 3: Updates

An update to TimeControl is identified by the 3rd level of the version number.  For example, in version 8.2.1.4, “1” 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, rarely, new functionality.  We release an update to TimeControl every 6 months or so depending on the need.

Level 2: Upgrades

An upgrade to TimeControl is identified by the 2nd level of the version number.  For example, in version 8.2.1.4, “2” would be an upgrade.  An upgrade to TimeControl may includes fixes to 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.  We strive to never deprecate data structures, so there should never be the removal of a table or fields.  It is typical for us to release a new update every 6-12 months.

Versions

A new version of TimeControl is identified by the 1st level of the version number.  For example, in version 8.2.0, “8” 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 enhancements or changes to existing functionality.  In some cases, functionality in a new version is deprecated and a path to shifting from the old functionality to new functionality is identified.  Data structures may undergo change in a new version compared to an old version.  We typically release a new version every 3-4 years.  TimeControl is enjoying its 30th anniversary this year and we are in version 8 so it wouldn’t be surprising to see a version 9 in the next year.  That’s something to be excited about.

Where to find your version number

In either TimeControl Online or TimeControl on-premise, you can clickon your profile logo at the top right of the screen and select “Support Info”.  You’ll see a screen like the one here.  The version numbers is in the Web Information area.  You can see the version is 8.5.0.3.  That’s Version 8, Upgrade 5, Update 0 and build 3.  You can ignore the “e” as this is sometimes used for internal systems.

We always publish the changes in any new Version or Upgrade. on the TimeControl website.  You can find the most current release notes at: TimeControl.com/features/latest.

HMS Releases TimeControl version 6.8

We’re delighted to tell you that we have released TimeControl version 6.8. It seems like just yesterday that we were telling you about 6.7 and all the new features there including the new Workflow module, the elimination of the last ActiveX controls and updated OnBoarding and Project Link functionality but here we are again with a major release of new functionality! In this version, we are very excited to include a new module we have talked about for some time. The Accruals Module will allow TimeControl administrators to automate functions such as banked time or calculated overtime and more. We also have added functionality to Expenses and Timesheets to allow you to insert your own documents (such as receipts) and a new Menu Editor that gives you even more flexibility over the TimeControl menus! Here are some of the more noticeable new and enhanced features you’ll be seeing in this version: Accruals moduleAccrual4
TimeControl 6.8 includes a new Accruals module which allows Administrators to create a rules-based accrual of time into different elements of TimeControl tables. For example, Vacation could now be accrued automatically on a monthly basis and the amount per employee entered into the vacation bank on the employee table or overtime could be accrued from the timesheet using a banked-overtime rate into a bank of personal time in the employee table which could be used for time off later. There are 4 different types of Accrual rules now possible:

  1. A scheduled rule that is based on static values in the employee tables
  2. A scheduled rule that is based on values in the timesheets being posted
  3. A rule executed during posting that is based on the timesheet values
  4. A scheduled rule that looks at rate-code values

While doing Accruals within TimeControl has been possible in the past, it typically required expertise at the database level and now virtually all of these types of conditions can be managed by the users themselves in the Accruals module. Accruals are easy for an Administrator to create but, like Validation Rules and Workflow, are so potentially powerful, that we haven’t begun to explore the limits of what is possible with them. manage_menu_items_add_2 TimeControl menus now editable
TimeControl has always allowed items in the menu to be secured using User Profiles. Now, TimeControl 6.8 goes so much farther. Administrators are now able to add their own menu items directly to the TimeControl menu using the Menu Editor or move existing items from one tab to another to match their own requirements. Add documents to an expense line item or a timesheet header
Expense_Dialog_ReceiptsTimeControl 6.8 allows multiple files to be uploaded and saved within each expense line item or to the entire timesheet. This will allow scanned or photographed expenses to be saved with the Expense Line or at the timesheet level. There is no limit to the number of documents that can be attached to each expense line or to the Timesheet itself. For those who have their expense approvals managed at the same time as their timesheet, this makes the TimeControl expenses functionality that much more attractive. “Adjust” on PMV is configurable in User Profiles
In TimeControl 6.7, users who have access to the Debit/Credit function will see the “Adjust” link within the Project Management Validation screen. This appeared if the user had access to Debit/Credit. The appearance of this link is now configurable in User Profiles as of TimeControl 6.8. Even if the user has access to Debit/Credit, the Adjust link in the PMV can be hidden using this User Profile option. Clickable dashboardsClickableDashboard
As of TimeControl 6.8, on dashboard elements where appropriate such as the Personal Status view, users are able to click on a link which will bring them directly to the appropriate area or element of TimeControl We’ve added an “Adjust” button to the Posted Timesheet List
TimeControl 6.8 adds the Adjust link that is currently only in the Project Manager Validation screen to the Timesheet list. If a user has access to the Debit/Credit function, they will see the Adjust button on the Timesheet list and clicking on it will automatically create a Debit/Credit record for that timesheet. This makes getting to a Debit/Credit to adjust it in TimeControl that much easier. Hide “Remember Me” and “Keep me Logged in” on login screen
TimeControl 6.8 can now be configured in the TimeControl.ini file to allow the “Remember me” and “Keep me Logged in” checkboxes on the Login screen to be hidden from users. When users logout, return them immediately to login screen
TimeControl 6.8 can now be configured in the TimeControl.ini file to allow the user to bypass the confirmation dialog and return directly to the login screen while logging out. Filter resources during Project Management import
TimeControl 6.8 allows the project manager to set a filter to not transfer certain resources from the project management system. This could allow hiding certain types of resources such as generic resources from being automatically added to the TimeControl Resource Table. Plus, we’ve made performance and minor improvements in a wide range of other modules:Find out more about TimeControl 6.8 at www.timecontrol.com/timesheet/latest or talk to us about your timesheet needs at www.timecontrol.com/contact/contact.php or info@hms.ca.

TimeControl 6.6 now available

Version 6.6 of TimeControl is now shipping.  We made both TimeControl and TimeControl Industrial 6.6 available for download for existing clients as well as available for new clients on July 4th and we couldn’t be happier with all the major new and enhanced functionality. This version of TimeControl and TimeControl Industrial is a big accomplishment and includes improvements that our clients will be delighted with.  The enhancements in version 6.6 are the result of the partnership between HMS development and our remarkable clients. TimeControl 6.6 includes a wide range of improvements and enhanced functionality.  Some of the most notable enhancements include: Multi-browser Drill Down Analyzer
Drill Down Analyzer HMS has enhanced one of the most popular TimeControl features ever created.  Using this tool allows administrators to respond to unexpected queries about the timesheet data in seconds without creating a whole report. The module has been rewritten into the multi-browser, multi-device architecture.  Now these queries can be analyzed on an iPad or mobile device.  New and improved Import Tables
Also improved is the Import Tables module with more formats supported and a highly enhanced interface with previews, simpler drop menus and more.  TimeControl / Hard Dollar and Primavera
We’ve enhanced the TimeControl link that supports the Hard Dollar cost management system and Oracle-Primavera project management system simultaneously.  Data between the three systems has more options, more data can be transferred and it is easier to keep all three systems in synch. Other features that have been enhanced, updated into the new multi-browser/multi-device architecture or rewritten include:

  • Timesheet List enhancements in the Filter function
  • Batch Release
  • The New User Wizard for onboarding
  • Default Charge and Rate for TimeRequest
  • User Profiles
  • Reveal Culture in Manage Languages
  • AutoFill
  • Filter announcements by user and profile
  • Reports Table
  • Change timesheet ownership
  • Filter table
  • Timesheet Image now in the Report Designer
  • Adding Tabbed Separated Values Export (TSV) as an export format

TimeControl 6.6 and TimeControl Industrial 6.6, HMS Software’s Field Data Collection version Both TimeControl 6.5 and TimeControl Industrial 6.6 are available for immediate shipment.  TimeControl pricing begins at $120/User for on premises purchases.  Pricing for TimeControl Industrial, TimeControl Online and TimeControl Industrial Online, HMS Software’s hosted Timesheet as a Service in the cloud is available upon request. Read What’s New in TimeControl 6.6 to see a complete list of new and enhanced features or see the TimeControl 6.6 press release.