Elite Timesolv - Aug/Sep '03

Elite Timesolv

Timesolv from Elite Information Systems Inc., is a Web-hosted time and billing solution. Timesolv can be used alone, or in conjunction with Worksolv, which is a project management solution also offered by Elite.

Once you log into Timesolv, you will come to the main navigation page. At the top of the page are five function icons — contacts, clients and projects, time and expense, bills and payments, and reports. Before using Timesolv, new users will need to register their company. When you are ready to begin entering information, click on “Administration,” then “Staff.” This is where timekeeper information is entered.

For security purposes, all timekeepers are assigned a password to ensure accurate data and maintain staff privacy. This is where you also will enter timekeeper rates and system permissions. You can choose to use the default billing rate or assign various timekeepers their own rate.

Once you finish setting up your firm’s timekeepers, you can then begin setting up client and project information. Under “Administration” you also can enter customized terminology, expense information, tracked activity and rate values. Under “Our Account,” you will enter your firm’s information, client contact information, account status and firm settings.

The setup in Timesolv is quick. You can enter only the information needed to get started, and add the rest when you have time. With Timesolv, law firms also will be able to use American Bar Association task codes and perform electronic billing using Legal Electronic Data Exchange Standard format.

Another advantage is the low start-up cost involved. There is no expensive software to purchase, no upgraded equipment necessary. At $14.95 per timekeeper per month, or $149 per timekeeper per year and it’s affordable, particularly for small firms with limited timekeepers. However, the monthly and yearly costs go down if you are using more than 20 timekeepers.

Timesolv can be used with a number of operating systems, including Windows and Macintosh. The only requirement is an Internet browser, either Netscape or Internet Explorer. Although a high-speed Internet connection is recommended, I did use the Timesolv system with a dial-up connection without any problem or long delays.

Timesolv offers a variety of billing delivery methods. You can choose to print bills in-house and mail them yourself, e-mail them to clients or use a Web-bill, where the client can view the bill online by using a secure login. For an additional fee, firm billings can be routed to Elite for mailing.

A monthly calendar is available for each timekeeper. You can choose to view the calendar by client or by project.

For those times when using an Internet connection isn’t feasible, Timesolv offers Timesync, a Windows-based applet that allows time and expenses to be entered, stored and uploaded at your convenience. Timesolv also can be used with Palm OS devices, so time and billing information can be entered from anywhere.

Making a time entry in Timesolv takes only moments. Just click on the “Time and Expenses” function on the main screen. Choose what timekeeper you will be entering information for, choose the appropriate client and project, then enter the start and stop time. You can use the default rates that you assigned earlier, or override them in this screen. You also can choose to view all of the time and expense entries made for the past week on this screen. To enter expenses, use the same screen, and choose from the list of expenses you entered earlier.

To create a bill, click on “Bills and Payments,” then choose “Create Bills.” A bill is displayed on the screen so you can edit as needed. You can preview the completed bill in Portable Document Format, and then print it, if desired.

Online help is available by clicking the “Help” button on the toolbar, although even new users will probably feel comfortable almost immediately. If you do have a question, you can choose to browse through “Frequently Asked Questions.” To review all questions, just click on “Look at all answers,” which allows you to examine the entire knowledgebase. If you prefer, you can call or e-mail questions to Elite support.

To be honest, there was nothing about Timesolv I didn’t like. Within minutes, I was navigating the system without the use of cumbersome manuals. The time from initial service sign-up to actual use was just a matter of minutes. Timesolv is money well spent.

Elite Information Systems Inc.,
a Thomson Business
(888) 827-6130

www.elite.com

Price: $14.95 per month per timekeeper or $149 per year per timekeeper. Price reduced for 20 timekeepers and up.

Internet Explorer or Netscape

Reviewed by Mary Girsch-Bock, a technical writer and independent software consultant based in Albuquerque, N.M.

Aug/Sep '03 Issue

PROS
Minimal setup time required. Works well, even with a dial-up connection and is extremely user friendly.

CONS
Timesolv can be expensive if used in larger firms.

VERDICT
I absolutely recommend it. Timesolv is easy to navigate and simple to use.