Time Logger, Version 4.0

Time Logger, Version 4.0

Responsive Time Logger 4.0 is a well-integrated, thorough timekeeping package. Utilizing a familiar database format, Time Logger seeks to make the tedious, but all important chore of timekeeping — and just as importantly, billing for that time — as painless as possible. The most recently released version also has vastly improved its mobility feature, an interface with the Palm handheld system for even more complete records, making this a terrific contender in this price range.

Like other similar programs, Time Logger permits time entries either by use of a stopwatch feature, up to four at any one time, or by manual data entry. You can integrate stopwatch use with manual entries as well; you can pause the stopwatch and resume, with Time Logger tracking the time for you the entire time. You can customize the timekeeping parameters, to an exact minute or to a common increment such as 10 or 15 minutes per hour, again, aiming toward the ultimate goal of producing a bill.

Reviewing the data in other database management programs presents no challenges because the program saves its data in Access’ .mdb format. Like most of us, though, I keep the information Time Logger uses in other programs — for example, an accounting program and a case manager. Therefore, I tried importing and exporting data to QuickBooks and experienced no problems, which was a pleasant surprise.

I also could import client information (names and addresses) from my case management program to Time Logger. As is often the case with these imports and exports, there were a few bumps, but overall, the program setup and information integration from other sources were acceptable.

However, it would be nice if the program included an import feature from the leading case managers, such as Time Matters and Amicus Attorney, to make implementation of the client database a bit simpler. I used the Palm Time Logger quite a bit because I am often thinking about billing when I’m not in front of my computer.

Sending information back and forth between my Palm and the database was easy, only requiring a refresh of the database after a HotSync, allowing the easy recapture of that billable time. It also was useful to be able to sync back and forth between the Palm and the database, so all my billing records were with me.

The program is filled with the convenience of drop-down lists just about everywhere you possibly need to enter information, including clients, projects, activity and rate. Even more handy is the powerful ability to link descriptions to a person, client, project, subproject, activity or any other feature. This permits timekeeping with a few mouse clicks, furthering the generation of detailed invoices at a later date.
If much of your work is similar — reviewing contracts, transmitting changes, telephone conferencing, meeting with clients — the descriptor and linking features are powerful tools. Linking is not intended for the faint of heart. It requires an understanding of the workings of a relational database, but it makes time entries faster.

Time Logger also includes the ability to record and bill for your expenses and disbursements, often an area that falls by the wayside in smaller offices. You even can charge for travel. Time Logger enables you to record your miles and automatically calculates the travel fee for invoices.

Time Logger’s strongest feature is its ability to translate time and billing data into an invoice in an acceptable presentation for a client. Like its predecessor, Time Logger uses the Windows DDE (Dynamic Data Exchange) link to send the time data to your selected word processor. The program includes the ability to view, print and post invoices; you can invoice single or multiple clients simultaneously. You can review and update the status of accounts receivable. You can open your word processor and edit the supplied template to produce invoices in your preferred format by using the edit invoice template.

I experienced a few glitches in sending invoices to WordPerfect (I got an error message when using the View Invoice feature from within Time Logger) but easily worked around the problem; a call to technical support indicated their awareness of the problem, and they released a program fix just before press time.

I really like the Time Logger program and believe you get a lot of bang for your buck. The Palm interface alone can cost as much as the entire Time Logger package. The program contains all the best features and should have you whistling “Happy Days are Here Again” as your collections increase.

Responsive Software
(800) 669-4611
www.responsivesoftware.com

Windows 95/98/NT/2000

$89 for the single-user version.

Reviewed by Denise P. Ward, Esq., Grean & Ward, Port Chester, N.Y.

Dec/Jan '01 Issue

PROS
Palm link included. Best-looking
invoices because of word processor link.

CONS
Need to fix WordPerfect link. Import data to client database could be easier.

VERDICT
I really liked this product. It’s well worth the price. The Palm interface alone makes this program complete. I recommend this product for the small office looking for an automated way to increase billings and hopefully collections.