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| Timeslips Deluxe 8.0 | Time Capture & Billing |
When asked to review Timeslips Deluxe 8.0, I was a little concerned that my review would sound more like an advertisement than an objective review. I have been using Timeslips for approximately six months now (version 6.0 for four months and 8.0 for two months) and can say that it has made the tedious and frustrating task of timekeeping quick and bearable. Timeslips has a well-deserved reputation for being a "must have" software package for attorneys. In order to justify the use of software in a law firm, the program must do one thing well--help attorneys save time. Timeslips not only saves time, but actually captures time that otherwise might be lost. If you are like me, your face is in front of your computer screen throughout most of the day. Timeslips makes the process of logging my time as quick as typing a few keys. I don't have to remember client account numbers, billing rates, start times, stop times, or anything like that. I only have to remember the client's name and then turn on the clock. Timeslips does the rest. If you aren't in front of a computer all day, computerized timekeeping can take some getting used to. Once you start, however, you'll never want to go back to the old-fashioned pen and paper method. Trying to describe all of Timeslip's features in this review would be impossible, but if it relates to billing or timekeeping--Timeslips does it. The software package is actually several independent modules designed to work together. The modules consist of various tools used for reporting, timekeeping, importing, scripting (macros) and bill layout. The "compartmentalization" of the modules means that you don't have to load pages of software code that you don't intend to use. You only run the modules you need, conserving valuable system resources and memory. To create a client database, I used Timeslips' import tool ("TSImport"). This module creates a client database quickly by importing from standard comma or space-delimited databases. It also has some advanced capabilities, including the ability to import client information from a Microsoft Word table. Once my client database was set up, I entered some basic information about the firm and was ready to use the time-keeping module ("TSTimer"). TSTimer is the module most attorneys will use extensively because it helps you log and capture time. TSTimer is a simple dialog box that contains several combination drop-down fields. The "type ahead" features of TSTimer means that you never have to enter the entire name of a client or activity. Just a few letters of the name or activity will usually suffice. Clicking the "on/off" button or just hitting F5 starts the timer. Once the activity is complete, you can click off the timer and then type in a description (if the activity wasn't self explanatory), and adjust the time (if necessary). Once you become proficient in the use of TSTimer, making a timeslip can take less than ten seconds. Probably the greatest thing about Timeslips is its customizability. You can make your own abbreviations for activities, create custom bills and reports, write macros, and even design your own navigation screen for jumping to modules and running macros. However, you can easily get lost among all the features. Therefore, customization is best left for those who have a lot of extra time on their hands, or for the office computer guru. Timeslips can be used as a standalone or networked billing program. Timeslips can also be bridged with many accounting programs using an optional module called Timeslips Accounting Link. (Editor's Note: For a review of one such accounting program --DacEasy 4.0--see page 34.) Be aware of a couple of potential pitfalls when using Timeslips. Backups are always crucial when using computers, but I cannot emphasize this point enough when talking about computerized timekeeping. Also, read the instruction manual carefully when you are archiving old slips. I made the mistake of trying to "de-archive" some previously purged slips and ended up wiping out three days worth of billings. I could have avoided this mini disaster if I had been warned by the program or had a more recent backup. Overall, Timeslips Deluxe 8.0 is a great program for law firms. It leaves very few excuses to continue doing manual billing.
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Timeslips Corporation $299.95 (single user) Reviewed by Steve Schmidt, attorney, Singer, Smith & Williams, Albuquerque, N.M. PROS CONS VERDICT |
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