FreshBooks Time Tracking - Detailed Review
Productivity Tools
FreshBooks Time Tracking - Product Overview
FreshBooks Time Tracking
FreshBooks Time Tracking is an integral component of the FreshBooks accounting and project management software, aimed at helping businesses manage their time efficiently and accurately.Primary Function
The primary function of FreshBooks Time Tracking is to enable users to log and track the time spent on various projects and clients. This feature is essential for generating accurate invoices, managing employee hours, and making informed financial decisions.Target Audience
FreshBooks Time Tracking is primarily targeted at small business owners, freelancers, contractors, and accountants who need to manage time-related data for billing, payroll, and project management purposes.Key Features
Flexible Time Tracking Methods
Users can track time using a running timer or by adding time entries manually. The timer is available on the desktop app, mobile app, and through a Google Chrome extension, allowing for flexibility regardless of the user’s location or device.Ease of Use
The interface is intuitive and easy to use, requiring no special skills or training. Users can start and stop the timer, add detailed notes, and assign time entries to specific clients or projects with ease.Integration with Invoicing
Time entries can be automatically added to invoices, ensuring accurate and detailed billing. Users can review and approve time entries before they are included in invoices, reducing billing errors.Mobile Time Tracking
The FreshBooks mobile app allows employees to track time from anywhere, making it convenient for remote workers and managers to review and approve timesheets on the go.Team Time Tracking
FreshBooks enables team time tracking, allowing managers to see all time entries logged by team members in one place. This helps in monitoring project progress and addressing productivity issues promptly.Reports and Analytics
FreshBooks provides detailed reports, such as Time Entry Details Reports and Project Profitability Reports, which help users track hours worked, total costs, and project profitability. These reports can be exported as PDFs or Excel files for easy sharing.Automatic Billing
FreshBooks allows for automatic billing based on tracked time, ensuring that clients receive accurate and timely invoices. The software supports multiple currencies and languages, making it suitable for international clients. By incorporating these features, FreshBooks Time Tracking simplifies the process of managing time, enhancing the overall efficiency and accuracy of financial and project management tasks. FreshBooks Time Tracking - User Interface and Experience
User Interface Overview
The user interface of FreshBooks Time Tracking is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy for individuals and teams to manage their time efficiently.Ease of Use
FreshBooks Time Tracking features a simple and straightforward interface. Users can track time using either a built-in timer or by making manual time entries. The process is straightforward: you select the client or project, start the timer, and log the time when you’re done. This can be done from the desktop app, mobile app, or even through the Google Chrome extension, providing flexibility based on your work environment.Time Tracking Methods
Users have the option to track time in two main ways:Using the Timer
Start the timer from the Time Tracking section, enter the client or project details, and pause or log the time as needed.Manual Time Entries
Log hours directly into your timesheet without using the timer.Interface Layout
The interface is organized to make key functions easily accessible. Here are some key features:Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Views
Users can view their tracked time in various time frames, helping them manage their work hours effectively.Project and Task Assignment
Time entries can be assigned to specific projects and tasks, allowing for detailed tracking and easy invoicing.Detailed Time Entry Notes
Users can add notes to their time entries, which helps in clarifying the work done and ensures transparency.Integration with Invoicing
Time entries can be seamlessly transformed into invoices, making the billing process efficient and accurate.Team Management
For teams, FreshBooks provides a centralized view where project managers or supervisors can see all the time tracked by team members. This helps in monitoring progress, identifying productivity issues, and ensuring that all work is accounted for.Mobile and Web Accessibility
FreshBooks ensures that you can track time from anywhere. The mobile app and Chrome extension allow users to log their hours on the go, ensuring no billable hours are missed. Additionally, integrations with tools like Asana, Basecamp, Trello, and Teamwork make it easy to track time within the apps you already use.Reporting and Review
The platform generates comprehensive time reports, providing insights into how time is being utilized. This feature helps in reviewing and approving time entries, filling in any missing fields, and ensuring accurate billing. Overall, the user experience with FreshBooks Time Tracking is streamlined and efficient. The intuitive interface, flexible tracking methods, and seamless integration with other tools make it a valuable productivity tool for managing time and generating accurate invoices. FreshBooks Time Tracking - Key Features and Functionality
FreshBooks Time Tracking Overview
FreshBooks Time Tracking is an integral component of the FreshBooks accounting software, offering several key features that help users manage their time efficiently. Here are the main features and how they work:Using the Running Timer
FreshBooks allows you to track time using a start/stop timer, available on both desktop and mobile versions, as well as through a Chrome extension. To use this feature, you start the timer when you begin a task, select the client or project, add the service you’re working on, and provide a brief description. The timer continues to run until you pause or stop it, and you can log the time once you’re finished.Manual Time Entries
If you prefer not to use the timer, you can log time entries manually. This can be done retrospectively in the Day, Week, or Month views. While manual logging is convenient, it’s important to note that the accuracy of remembered data decreases over time, so logging time as soon as possible is recommended.Syncing Hours into Invoices
One of the most beneficial features is the ability to automatically add tracked time to invoices. This simplifies the invoicing process, as billable hours are directly populated into the invoice, unless marked as non-billable.Editing Timesheets
FreshBooks enables you to edit time entries logged by yourself or other team members (excluding contractors). You can modify multiple entries in bulk or edit them individually from the Day, Week, or Month sub-tabs. This feature helps in ensuring accuracy and making necessary adjustments.Integration and Automation
While FreshBooks itself does not integrate AI directly into its time tracking, you can enhance its functionality through integrations with other tools. For example, using Zapier, you can automate workflows between FreshBooks and other time tracking apps, streamlining your processes and improving efficiency. This allows you to set up triggers and actions that automate tasks, such as starting a new timer in a time tracking app when a new client is added in FreshBooks.Automatic Time Tracking Alternatives
For those seeking more advanced time tracking features, tools like Timely can integrate with FreshBooks to provide automatic time tracking. Timely tracks time spent in FreshBooks and other apps in the background, offering detailed insights into time usage and helping to identify areas for process improvement. This can be particularly useful for businesses needing more comprehensive time tracking without manual intervention.Conclusion
In summary, FreshBooks Time Tracking offers a straightforward and integrated way to manage time within the accounting software, with features like timers, manual entries, and automatic invoicing. While it does not inherently include AI-driven features, it can be enhanced through integrations with other tools to improve automation and efficiency. FreshBooks Time Tracking - Performance and Accuracy
Performance
FreshBooks Time Tracking is integrated seamlessly into the FreshBooks platform, making it convenient for users who are already utilizing the accounting and invoicing features. Here are some performance highlights:Flexible Tracking Methods
Users can track time using a start/stop timer or by adding time entries manually. This flexibility is available through the desktop app, mobile app, or Google Chrome extension.Ease of Use
The interface is intuitive, allowing employees to log time easily and assign it to specific projects or clients. Project managers can also review and approve time entries efficiently.Integration with Invoicing
Tracked time can be automatically synced into invoices, streamlining the billing process.Accuracy
While FreshBooks Time Tracking offers several useful features, there are some accuracy concerns:Manual Time Entries
When time is logged retrospectively, accuracy can suffer. For instance, logging hours at the end of the week can result in only 36% accuracy, compared to logging on the same day which achieves 95% accuracy.Timer Limitations
The timer continues to run even if there is no keyboard or mouse activity, which can lead to inaccurate timekeeping. This is particularly problematic for remote teams where it’s hard to ensure employees are actively working during the recorded hours.No Automatic Time Tracking
FreshBooks does not support automatic time tracking, which means if a team member forgets to start the timer, they must make a manual entry, introducing potential errors.Limitations and Areas for Improvement
Several limitations highlight areas where FreshBooks Time Tracking could be improved:Lack of Employment Management Features
Unlike some dedicated time tracking tools, FreshBooks does not offer features such as screenshots, website tracking, or attendance management. These features are particularly useful for managing remote teams and ensuring fair work distribution.Privacy Concerns
Introducing time tracking can raise privacy concerns among employees, who may feel it is a form of micro-management or workplace surveillance.Extra Manual Work
Managing a running timer can be distracting and requires frequent micro-decisions, which can be overwhelming for employees whose primary tasks are not time tracking.Conclusion
FreshBooks Time Tracking is a useful feature for small businesses and freelancers, especially given its integration with the broader FreshBooks platform. However, it has some significant limitations, particularly in terms of accuracy and the lack of advanced features that could enhance its functionality. For businesses needing more comprehensive time tracking solutions, especially those with remote teams, considering additional or alternative time tracking tools might be necessary. FreshBooks Time Tracking - Pricing and Plans
FreshBooks Pricing Structure
To understand the pricing structure and plans of FreshBooks, which includes its time tracking features, here’s a breakdown of the different tiers and the features they offer:
FreshBooks Lite Plan
- Price: $19 per month (or $205.2 per year when billed annually), with a current promotion of 50% off for the first 6 months, reducing it to $9.50 per month.
- Features:
- Custom invoicing
- Unlimited expense entries
- Unlimited time tracking
- Unlimited estimates
- Billing with credit card and ACH payments
- Expense importing
- 150 integrations
- Time tracking using a running timer or manual entry.
- Limitations: Up to 5 billable clients.
FreshBooks Plus Plan
- Price: $33 per month (or $356.4 per year when billed annually), with a current promotion of 50% off for the first 6 months, reducing it to $16.50 per month.
- Features:
- All features from the Lite plan
- Automated invoices
- Automated late fees and payment reminders
- Client retainers
- Unlimited proposals
- Increased invoice customization
- Automatic expense tracking
- Double-entry accounting
- Recurring invoices
- Mileage tracking.
- Limitations: Up to 50 billable clients.
FreshBooks Premium Plan
- Price: $60 per month (or $648 per year when billed annually), with a current promotion of 50% off for the first 6 months, reducing it to $30 per month.
- Features:
- All features from the Plus plan
- Project profitability tracking
- Payment reminders
- Accounts payable (AP)
- Accounting reports
- Click-to-pay options
- Unlimited billable clients.
FreshBooks Select Plan
- Price: Custom pricing, requiring direct contact with FreshBooks for a quote.
- Features:
- Exclusive access to Select Support
- Customized training for the entire team
- Special credit card transaction rates
- All features from the Premium plan.
Time Tracking Features
Time tracking is a core feature available in all FreshBooks plans, including Lite, Plus, Premium, and Select. You can use a running timer, add time entries manually, sync hours into invoices, and edit timesheets for yourself or other team members.
Free Options
FreshBooks does not offer a permanent free version of any of its plans. However, there is a 30-day free trial available for all plans, allowing you to test the features before committing to a subscription.
FreshBooks Time Tracking - Integration and Compatibility
FreshBooks Time Tracking
FreshBooks time tracking integrates seamlessly with a variety of tools and is compatible across multiple platforms and devices, making it a versatile option for managing time and projects.Integration with Other Tools
FreshBooks allows for integration with several external tools to enhance its time tracking capabilities. Here are a few examples:Hubstaff
You can integrate FreshBooks with Hubstaff, which enables automatic time tracking to FreshBooks tasks. This integration includes features like screenshots of work, activity levels, and automatic syncing of FreshBooks tasks and users. This setup helps in tracking time accurately and generating detailed time reports.
Timely Time Tracking
Using Zapier, you can connect FreshBooks with Timely Time Tracking. This integration allows you to create new time entries in FreshBooks for every new or updated time entry in Timely Time Tracking, automating the process without needing any coding.
Other Apps
FreshBooks also integrates with various other apps through its AppStore. For instance, you can use the Google Chrome extension to track time while working in project management apps like Basecamp, Trello, or Asana, and automatically pull those hours into FreshBooks.
Compatibility Across Platforms and Devices
FreshBooks time tracking is highly compatible across different platforms and devices:Desktop and Mobile
The time tracking feature is available on both desktop and mobile versions of FreshBooks. You can use the running timer or add time entries manually on your computer or through the mobile app.
Operating Systems
FreshBooks is compatible with major operating systems such as Windows, Mac, and Linux. Additionally, it has mobile apps for both Android and iOS devices.
Browser Extensions
FreshBooks offers a Chrome extension that allows you to track time directly from your browser, making it convenient to log hours while working on various websites and apps.
Additional Features
Automatic Time Tracking
Some integrations, like Hubstaff, offer automatic time tracking based on GPS and location, as well as the option to add manual time modifications.
Time Entry and Invoicing
FreshBooks allows you to record time against billable clients and projects, add detailed notes, and generate invoices based on the tracked time. This feature streamlines the process of invoicing and ensures that all billable hours are accounted for.
Overall, FreshBooks time tracking is highly integrable and compatible, making it a flexible and efficient tool for managing time across various platforms and devices.
FreshBooks Time Tracking - Customer Support and Resources
Customer Support
FreshBooks is known for its highly responsive and helpful customer support. Here are the ways you can get assistance:
24/7 Support
You can contact FreshBooks customer service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, through phone, live chat, or email. This ensures that you can get help whenever you need it.
Knowledge Base
FreshBooks has an extensive Knowledge Base where you can find answers to common questions and detailed guides on how to use the software. This resource is particularly useful for troubleshooting and learning new features.
Webinars and Resources
FreshBooks provides webinars and other educational resources to help you get the most out of their software. These resources cover various aspects of the platform, from basic usage to advanced features.
Additional Resources
In addition to the customer support options, FreshBooks offers several resources to enhance your productivity and ease of use:
User Guides and Tutorials
FreshBooks provides step-by-step guides on how to use their time tracking features, including how to start the timer, log time manually, and use the Chrome Time Tracker Extension.
Role-Based Access
FreshBooks allows you to assign different roles to your team members (Admins, Managers, Employees, Contractors, Accountants), each with varying levels of access. This helps in managing who can track time and review it.
Integration with Other Tools
FreshBooks integrates with popular project management tools like Asana, Basecamp, Trello, and Teamwork, making it easy to track time across different platforms.
Mobile App
The FreshBooks mobile app allows you to track time on the go, ensuring that you never miss logging a billable hour.
Productivity Tools
FreshBooks time tracking software is part of a broader suite of productivity tools that help you manage your business efficiently. Key features include:
Time Tracking
Easy-to-use timer and manual time entry options to track time for clients and projects.
Invoice Automation
Automatically generate invoices based on the time tracked, which can be sent to clients for approval and payment.
Detailed Reports
Weekly and monthly views of tracked time help you identify any inefficiencies and improve productivity.
Overall, FreshBooks provides a well-rounded support system and a wealth of resources to ensure you can use their time tracking and accounting software effectively.
FreshBooks Time Tracking - Pros and Cons
When considering the time tracking features of FreshBooks
It’s important to weigh both the advantages and the disadvantages to make an informed decision.
Advantages
Inclusive and Cost-Effective
One of the significant benefits of FreshBooks’ time tracking is that it is included in all subscription plans, even the most basic ones. This means you don’t have to worry about extra charges or upgrading your plan to access this feature.
User-Friendly
The time tracking system in FreshBooks is straightforward and easy to use. You can start and stop a timer or manually add time entries without needing special training or a significant learning curve.
Convenient Integration
FreshBooks allows you to track time directly from various apps and tools you already use, such as Asana, Basecamp, Trello, and Teamwork. This integration makes it easy to log hours without switching between different platforms.
Automated Invoicing
The time you track can be automatically added to invoices, which simplifies the billing process and ensures you don’t miss any billable hours.
Centralized Time Tracking
FreshBooks provides daily, weekly, and monthly views of your and your team’s time entries, helping you centralize and manage time tracking data efficiently.
Disadvantages
Manual Tracking Limitations
While FreshBooks offers a running timer, it requires manual intervention to start and stop it. If a team member forgets to start the timer, they have to make a manual time entry, which can lead to inaccuracies and lost work hours.
Inaccurate Data
Retrospective logging of time entries can lead to significant accuracy issues. For example, logging hours at the end of the week can result in only 36% accuracy, which is problematic for both billing and project insights.
Lack of Automatic Time Tracking
Unlike some dedicated time tracking tools, FreshBooks does not support automatic time tracking. This means you have to manually manage the timer, which can be distracting and anxiety-inducing.
No Employment Management Features
FreshBooks lacks features such as screenshots, website tracking, and attendance management, which are useful for monitoring remote teams and ensuring fair work distribution.
Privacy Concerns
Introducing time tracking can raise privacy concerns among team members, who may feel it is a form of micro-management or workplace surveillance.
Conclusion
In summary, while FreshBooks’ time tracking is convenient, cost-effective, and easy to use, it has limitations such as the need for manual tracking, potential inaccuracies, and the lack of advanced features that some businesses might require.
FreshBooks Time Tracking - Comparison with Competitors
FreshBooks Time Tracking
FreshBooks is primarily an accounting and invoicing platform, but it also includes a robust time tracking feature. Here are some of its key aspects:Time Tracking Methods
FreshBooks allows you to track time using a start/stop timer or by adding time entries manually. The timer can be started from the desktop, mobile, or Chrome extension, and you can log time against specific clients, projects, and services.Integration with Invoicing
Time tracked in FreshBooks can be automatically added to invoices, making the billing process more efficient.Editing and Management
You can edit time entries for yourself or other team members, and manage these entries in Day, Week, or Month views.Alternatives and Comparisons
Motion
Motion is an AI-powered task and calendar management tool that automates daily planning and task prioritization.AI-Powered Scheduling
Motion uses AI to prioritize and allocate tasks into your calendar, ensuring deadlines are met and reducing manual planning efforts.Integration
While Motion integrates well with basic calendars, it has limited information on compatibility with external tools beyond these.Unique Feature
Unlike FreshBooks, Motion focuses on automating task scheduling and calendar management, which can be a significant advantage for those needing advanced scheduling capabilities.Reclaim
Reclaim is another AI-driven tool that acts as a personal assistant for your schedule.Dynamic Scheduling
Reclaim adapts in real-time to changes in your calendar, ensuring high-priority tasks are given appropriate time slots. It also protects focus time and integrates with Google Calendar.Unique Feature
Reclaim’s dynamic scheduling and focus time protection are features that FreshBooks does not offer, making it a good alternative for those who need more sophisticated calendar management.Taskade
Taskade is a comprehensive collaborative workspace with integrated AI capabilities.Project Management
Taskade offers multiple project views (lists, boards, mind maps) and real-time collaboration tools, which are not available in FreshBooks.AI Agents
Taskade includes AI agents for automating workflows and tasks, which can enhance productivity across various industries. However, it lacks some advanced AI development features.Unique Feature
Taskade’s versatility in project management and collaboration, along with its AI-powered features, makes it a strong alternative for teams needing a more comprehensive workspace.Key Differences
Focus
FreshBooks is primarily an accounting and invoicing tool with time tracking features, whereas tools like Motion, Reclaim, and Taskade are focused more on task management, calendar scheduling, and project collaboration.AI Capabilities
While FreshBooks does not use AI for automating tasks or scheduling, tools like Motion, Reclaim, and Taskade leverage AI to enhance productivity and streamline workflows.Integration
FreshBooks integrates well with its own invoicing and accounting features but lacks the broad integration capabilities seen in tools like Taskade, which can connect with over 5,000 apps through Zapier. In summary, if you are looking for a tool that integrates time tracking with accounting and invoicing, FreshBooks is a solid choice. However, if you need more advanced AI-driven task management, calendar scheduling, or project collaboration features, alternatives like Motion, Reclaim, or Taskade might be more suitable. FreshBooks Time Tracking - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about FreshBooks Time Tracking
Q: How do I start tracking time in FreshBooks?
To start tracking time in FreshBooks, you can use either the timer or manual time entry method. For the timer, go to the Time Tracking section, click on the “Start Timer” button, enter the client or project name, the service you’re recording time for, and any details about the task. Click “Pause” when you’re finished and then “Log Time” to save the entry.Q: Can I track time manually in FreshBooks?
Yes, you can track time manually in FreshBooks. To do this, go to the Time Tracking section, select the day, week, or month view, and click on the “New Entry” button. Enter the client, project, service, and the time you worked. You can also add notes if needed. Click the green checkmark to save the entry.Q: How do I choose the time format in FreshBooks?
To choose your preferred time format in FreshBooks, go to the Time Tracking section, click on the “More Actions” button, and select “Time Tracking Settings.” Here, you can choose to track time entries by duration (hours and minutes) or by start and end time. Save your changes once you’ve made your selection.Q: Can I track time on multiple projects simultaneously?
While FreshBooks allows you to track time on different projects, you need to start and stop the timer or log time entries separately for each project. You cannot track time on multiple projects at the same time using a single timer, but you can easily switch between projects and log time accordingly.Q: How do I see unbilled time in FreshBooks?
To see your unbilled time in FreshBooks, go to the Dashboard from the left-hand menu and scroll down until you see the “Unbilled Time” section. This will show you all the time you’ve tracked that has not yet been billed to clients.Q: Can team members track time in FreshBooks?
Yes, team members can track time in FreshBooks. The time tracking feature is available to all users, regardless of their role. Team members can start the timer or log time entries manually, and managers can review and edit these entries if necessary.Q: How do I generate an invoice from tracked time in FreshBooks?
To generate an invoice from tracked time, ensure that the time entries are marked as billable. Then, go to the Invoicing section, create a new invoice, and select the client and the specific time entries you want to include. FreshBooks will automatically populate the invoice with the tracked time.Q: Can I edit time entries in FreshBooks?
Yes, you can edit time entries in FreshBooks. You can modify time entries logged by yourself or other team members (excluding contractors) from the Day, Week, or Month sub-tabs in the Time Tracking section. You can edit multiple entries in bulk or one by one.Q: Is the time tracking feature included in all FreshBooks subscription plans?
Yes, the time tracking feature is included in all FreshBooks subscription plans, from the Lite to the Select (custom) plan. There are no extra charges for using this feature.Q: Can I use the FreshBooks time tracker on mobile devices?
Yes, you can use the FreshBooks time tracker on mobile devices. The start/stop timer is available in both the desktop and mobile versions of FreshBooks, as well as via the Chrome extension.Q: How do I add notes to my time entries in FreshBooks?
When logging time, whether using the timer or manual entry, you can add notes or details about the task you’re working on. This can be done in the fields provided when you start the timer or create a new entry. FreshBooks Time Tracking - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of FreshBooks Time Tracking
FreshBooks Time Tracking is a versatile and user-friendly tool that integrates seamlessly into the broader FreshBooks accounting and invoicing platform. Here’s a comprehensive look at its benefits and who would benefit most from using it.Key Features and Benefits
Flexible Time Tracking
Users can track time using various methods, including the desktop app, mobile app, or Google Chrome extension. This flexibility ensures that time can be logged from anywhere, whether employees are in the office or working remotely.
Ease of Use
The interface is intuitive, allowing employees to log time daily, weekly, or monthly. Time entries can be assigned to specific clients, projects, and marked as billable or non-billable. Detailed notes can also be added to each entry.
Accurate Billing and Invoicing
FreshBooks Time Tracking ensures accurate and detailed invoices. Billable hours can be quickly added to invoices, reducing billing errors and ensuring timely payments.
Team Management
Managers can easily monitor how the entire team is spending their time, identify completed work, and spot any productivity issues early on. This feature is particularly useful for project managers who need to keep track of multiple projects and team members.
Reports and Analytics
FreshBooks provides detailed reports, including Time Entry Details Reports and Project Profitability Reports, which help users track hours worked, total costs, and project profitability. These reports can be exported as PDFs or Excel files for easy sharing.
Who Would Benefit Most
FreshBooks Time Tracking is particularly beneficial for:Small Business Owners
Those managing small teams or solo operations can efficiently track time spent on projects and clients, ensuring accurate billing and better financial management.
Freelancers
Freelancers can use FreshBooks to log time spent on various projects, generate invoices quickly, and manage their work hours effectively.
Project Managers
Managers overseeing multiple projects can use FreshBooks to monitor team productivity, track project progress, and make informed financial decisions.