64-bit, 64bit, Installation, TC5 installation, timecontrol, TimeControl 5, timesheet

TimeControl 5 Supports 64bit installations

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There are a number of clients who have happy TimeControl 5.x installations and for one reason or another aren’t ready to move up to the TimeControl 6 family.  While there are numerous great reasons to go to TimeControl 6, we understand that upgrading right away isn’t for everyone.
We’re happy to report that while we are not putting new functionality into TimeControl 5, improvements in its infrastructure continue.  We’ve found with the help of a couple of clients who were determined not to say no, how TimeControl 5 can be successfully installed into Windows 2008 R2 (yes, R2, the 64bit version!)
We’ll make sure we include these steps in future TimeControl 5 Installation documentation but for those who want to try this sooner, here are the steps required.  First, do your installation as normal in your Windows 2008R2 64bit server environment.  We have only tested this 64bit installation technique on that version of Windows Server using IIS7.  Next:

1. Create an application pool and in *Basic Settings* make sure you set the *Managed Pipeline* to *Classic* (Click on the image at right to see the full-sized screen)
Install_64Bit_1

2. The under *Advanced Settings* set the *Enable 32-Bit Applications* setting to *True*
Install_64Bit_2

3. Then set the web site to this application pool by going into the *Basic Settings* and select the *Application Pool* to the new application pool that was just created.
Install_64Bit_3

4. Now restart the Application Pool and the Web Site to make sure the new settings are accepted and voila, you should be good to go.

Compatibility Mode, IE9, Internet Explorer, Internet Explorer 9

TimeControl 6.4.1 delivers native IE9 support

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Internet-Explorer-9When IE9 was first launched, we were certain we’d have no native support problems for it at all with TimeControl 6 After all, TimeControl now supports numerous browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Safari (yes, even on your Mac and iPad) so we were sure that IE9 support would be pretty much automatic.

Sadly that wasn’t the case and, while TimeControl 6 has worked just fine in IE9 compatibility mode, we have been working on completing our work with IE9 native (non-compatibility-mode) support.  We’re delighted to say that we’ve completed that work.  It wasn’t quite ready in time for the recent TimeControl 6.4 launch so it has been put into TimeControl 6.4.1 which has just been released.  If you’ve already configured all the PCs in your organization to use TimeControl 6 in compatibility mode, then don’t worry.  TimeControl 6.4.1 will recognize both IE9 in native and compatibility modes.

While we were at it, we added functionality to the new Project Manager Validation view to allow it to show all timesheet lines even if they’re not linked to a project management system or even to a resource and did some small fixes to other features.

The new version is available to all TimeControl clients with current support agreements at timecontrol.com/support/updates.

TimeControl 6.4, TimeControl Mobile, TimeControl updates, TimeControl upgrade, TimeControlOnline

HMS has released TimeControl 6.4

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HMS has just released TimeControl version 6.4 for new and existing clients. This version extends on the long-standing success of the TimeControl timesheet system with another new wave of enhanced and new functionality. Since its initial release in 1994, TimeControl has been one of the most recognized timesheet systems for organizations who need a single timesheet interface to fulfill the multiple requirements of payroll, human resources, project management and finance.

Enhancements in this version include the following:

All new Project Manager Validation!
We’ve completely redesigned the way that Project Manager Validation works in TimeControl 6.4. pmvalidationThe all-new multi-browser, multi-device interface allows project managers to highly individual line items that they approve or reject and TimeControl can now be configured to only transfer to a project management the approved items. This extension of TimeControl’s remarkable Matrix Approval Process for Labor actuals will make life even easier for project managers and organizational managers alike!

Not only can this view be used for approvals but project managers can move directly from the PM Validation view to do an adjustment on any timesheet line that they have rights to adjust and do the adjustment instantly. Plus Project Managers can update the ETC (Estimate to Complete) right on the screen before sending the data over to a project management system like Microsoft Project, Project Server, Primavera or Open Plan.

Direct Link to SharePoint task items
We’ve had integration with SharePoint almost since its release to the market but now TimeControl goes even further with a new ability to automatically load charge items from SharePoint task or project task lists just like we do with project management tools like Microsoft Project and Primavera.

My Assignments view
We’ve added an all new view in the MyAccounts area that lets users see what tasks they’ve been assigned to right from their own screen. myassignmentsIt allows users to look forward in TimeControl to what’s coming their way. Not only can users see this view, they can report on it or save it as an Excel or PDF file.

Expense Dialog view
Entering expenses in your TimeControl timesheet have gotten even easier as we’ve now created a new Expense dialog view that shows expenses in a form as well as a grid.

Cross-tab reports
We’ve created some brand new report types that we think will be super popular with both the accounting and project personnel. Cross tab reports let you put financial periods (Quarters, months, Weeks) as columns at the top of the report and projects and tasks as rows. It’s just the thing to show trends in labor being spent over time in any category that interests you.

Grouping by financial period
Aside from the all new cross-tab reports, we’ve made other reporting improvements. While you’ve always been able to sort and select along a financial period, it’s been harder to do sub-totals and grouping in reports by year, quarter and month.
Not anymore
TimeControl 6.4 adds date categorization fields to every line item including all historical data to allow you to do grouping and sub-totaling of any TimeControl report by these financial periods.

Improvements in TimeControlMobile
We’ve been busy with TimeControlMobile also. The updates in TimeControlMobile 6.4 includes the ability to update your (ETC) Estimate to Complete right on your smartphone. We’ve also added support for user defined fields on the timesheet. We’ve taken the opportunity to reorganize some of the data on the mobile screens so it is easier to view and update on your iPhone, Blackberry, Android or Windows Mobile 7 devices.

And lots, lots more…
There’s so much more that just won’t fit into our announcement. We’re confident that both existing and new users will love this new version.

TimeControl 6.4 is available immediately. TimeControl customers with existing current support contracts can download the new version from the Support/Updates area of the TimeControl website at no charge. TimeControlOnline customers will be notified in advance before we update our online Timesheet as a Service environment.

For more information about TimeControl, monitor the TimeControl blog at blog.timecontrol.org, the TimeControl website at www.timecontrol.com. For information about TimeControlOnline, our hosted timesheet subscription service in the cloud, go to www.timecontrol.net.
For any other questions contact HMS Software at info@hmssoftware.ca.

TimeControl dealers

New TimeControl dealer in mainland China!

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225px-Flag_of_the_People's_Republic_of_China_svg HMS Software is delighted to welcome Beijing EastWise Science and Technology Co. Ltd., our first TimeControl dealer in China. EastWise is based in Beijing and has over 10 years of expertise in Cost Engineering, Scheduling and Planning Engineering and Earned Value Engineering. We are looking forward to great things from them in representing TimeControl to their clients in China.

TimeControl is distributed worldwide through an extensive list of distributors and dealers located in several countries including: Argentina, Canada, Chile, China, Egypt, Finland, Ireland, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Sweden, Singapore, Thailand, the UK and the USA.

For more information on Eastwise and our other TimeControl dealers, please visit: www.timecontrol.com/partners/dealers.

best practices, Billing, Financial timesheet, time and billing, TimeControl 6

New white paper on Time & Billing

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Time_and_billing_wp We have a brand new white paper to add to our collection entitled, Using TimeControl 6 for Time-and-Billing.  This 25-page document is just loaded with useful information whether you have purchased TimeControl or are still in the evaluation process. 

This white paper describes how to configure TimeControl for Time and Billing. While there may be many possible configurations for Time and Billing that TimeControl would support, this simple design covers all the basics including project-based per-employee rates, projects grouped by client, summary and detailed reporting and exports for Finance and Billing.

For more information on using TimeControl for time and billing, visit the Time & Billing Solution Page on the timecontrol.com website or click here to go directly to the white paper.

best practices, project management, project timesheets, Tips

Grouping Projects for Selection

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Blog_Grouping_1Many TimeControl clients group their projects by various categories such as; by client, project  type, billable / non-billable and other criteria.  When an employee needs to select a project from the pick list for inclusion on their timesheet, the common practice is to select the category first then drill down to the projects included under that category. A common example of this is to select by client first then select the project associated with that particular client.

This type of grouping is most typically identified as a user defined field on the Project Table and may be named however required. This field can be used to create a tree-like display on the project select list when inserting a new line item on a timesheet. Grouping_blog_2An example of this would be a company who has a lot of projects that are associated to a specific client. Being able to choose the client first and then the project makes it easier for an employee to select the appropriate project, when completing their timesheet.

The setup of the tree field for the project table is completed on the Administration / System Preferences tab. For the Project tree structure, select the filed you wish to use for grouping by using the dialog box. If you wish, you can choose multiple fields and have a multi-level display.

Once this has been setup the project pick list on the time entry screen will show in a cascade fashion following the user fields. Grouping_blog_3
It is important to note that these are global settings and will affect all users.
banked time, dashboard, hr timesheets, human resources, TimeControl Timesheets, TimeRequest, TimeRequest Wizard, timesheet reporting, Validation Rules

Managing Holidays with TimeControl

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The holidays are upon us and here at HMS when we think of Holidays, we think of what Payroll and Human Resources people need to do to properly account for them in the TimeControl timesheet. TimeControl includes functionality that is perfect for managing holidays that will be taken by many staff people and assisting those personnel with entering the appropriate line item in their timesheet.

TimeRequest Wizardclip_image002
The TimeRequest Wizard is a great function which is typically made available only to Administrators. It to add entries into future timesheets and approve those entries in advance. The function is extremely simple to use. Administrators select a date in the future and then enter the description, number of hours and the charge and rate code that are appropriate for the upcoming holiday. Then the Administrator selects which users should get this timesheet entry. Once the Administrator confirms the entry, TimeControl creates a pre-approved TimeRequest which will automatically create an entry for each of those users in the future timesheet with the properly entered number of hours and charge code already done.

TimeControl Administrators often enter the entire year’s holidays in advance for the entire staff early in the year. Using the TimeRequest Wizard means fewer errors in entry during holidays for those who are entitled to the time off.

Some of the challenges which the TimeRequest Wizard’s functionally overcomes include:

How to manage different holidays for different groups?
The TimeRequest Wizard can create future entries for any filtered or selected group of employees. Perhaps you have US Thanksgiving for the American staff and Canadian Thanksgiving for those in Canada. No problem. The Administrator simply selects different filters for different groups.

What if someone unexpectedly works on the holiday?
No problem. The TimeRequest has been pre-approved and will pre-load into the employee’s timesheet but the employee can overwrite or delete that line should they wish. The TimeRequest entry simply provides them an entry that is pre-made for them, not something that they can’t undo when the time to do their timesheet comes along.

Other functionality that is important for HR and Payroll managers at this time of year includes:

Managing vacation and Personal-time-off (PTO) banks
Around the holidays it’s quite common for some staff people to want to take additional time off from their vacation or Personal-time-off banks. TimeControl supports up to 9 separate banks of time by default. In an employee wants to put additional time on their timesheet for vacation or personal time, they can make a TimeRequest to get approval and then TimeControl’s Validation Rules can check to make sure the employee still has enough time in their time-off bank.

Links to external systems
TimeControl has been designed to link to external systems such as HR and Payroll systems or services so your Holiday and time-off data can get to the right place without having to retype.

Powerful reporting and dashboarding
TimeControl’s reporting and dashboarding options lets us show summary and detailed reports for holidays booked, holidays taken as well as any additional time taken.

clip_image003TimeControl Human Resources Solution Portal
To find out more about TimeControl and how it can help with your Human Resources (HR) requirements as well as other business challenges, visit the TimeControl HR Solution Portal at www.timecontrol.com/solutions/hr. You’ll find a webcast, and screen shots and you can even see a webcast of the TimeRequest Wizard in action.

timecontrol, TimeControl Clients, TimeControl testimonials, TimeControl Timesheet Software

Another happy customer

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It’s a great feeling when clients tell us how much they love TimeControl and how it makes their life easier but when people actually take the time to write us a letter it’s even better!

I’d like to share with you an excerpt from a letter we received from Laura Nadeau of AeroInfo Systems (a Boeing Canada company):

“… My name is Laura Nadeau, I am the TimeControl administrator for Boeing Canada.  When I started with this company three years ago, I had to release every single employee individually. Now, all it takes is a simple reminder notice to employees and their managers to release their hours and the system does all the hard work for me. Thank you so much for this, as I no longer dread Monday mornings …”

Thank you Laura, you made my day.

If you are interested in reading more TimeControl testimonials, please visit: http://www.hmssoftware.ca/clients/testimonials/ If you or someone you know is interested in writing a testimonial, please contact our marketing department at: (514) 695-8122.

Billing, rate codes, time and billing

TimeControl for Time and Billing – Solutions Portal

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TimeControl is a remarkably flexible timesheet system that can be used to fulfill multiple requirements simultaneously.  It can serve as a time and attendance timesheet, a project timesheet and as a time and billing system. 

Some of TimeControl’s features that are ideally suited to a time and billing configuration including:

Easy to use interface
TimeControl’s easy to use interface can be updated from anywhere and supports a wide range of web-browsers including Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, Safari and Mozilla.

Mobile interface
Every TimeControl also includes a mobile interface designed for use from your Smartphone.  Enter or approve your timesheets on your iPhone, Blackberry, Android or Windows Mobile 7 device from wherever you are.

Expense entry
When billing must include more than just the time, TimeControl’s expense entry allows you to capture non-labor costs within the timesheet.

Remarkable table flexibility
It is TimeControl’s flexibility of its background tables which makes it capable of fulfilling many requirements at the same time.  This allows us to group data by client, by project, by task and more.

Unlimited multi-value rates
TimeControl’s power rates system is highlighted in a time and billing scenario.  Create an unlimited number of project-based rates by person and have each rate code manage multiple values.

Powerful reporting and dashboarding
TimeControl’s reporting and dashboarding options lets us show summary and detailed billing reports by client, by project or by any combination of data.  We can even show detailed reports with both the internal cost and external billing price for any hour entered.

Links to external systems
TimeControl has been designed from scratch to link to many different external systems so you can integrate your timesheet data to your finance, hr, payroll, invoicing, costing and project systems simultaneously.Time&billing sol pg

We have created a brand new solution portal dedicated to using TimeControl for time and billing.  The portal includes some great new material including a webcast, a whitepaper , slides and more.

Access to the TimeControl time and billing solution portal is free at: www.timecontrol.com/solutions/timebilling.

The official blogsite of TimeControl