Editing Timesheet

{{Short description|Record of the amount of time a person has spent on a particular job}}
{{one source|date=March 2012}}
[[File:Time sheet.png|thumb|Contemporary time sheet]]
A '''timesheet''' (or '''time sheet''') is a method for recording the amount of a worker's time spent on each job. Traditionally a sheet of [[paper]] with the data arranged in [[table (information)|tabular]] format, a timesheet is now often a [[digital document]] or [[spreadsheet]]. The '''time cards''' stamped by [[time clock]]s can serve as a timesheet or provide the data to fill one. These, too, are now often digital. Timesheets came into use in the 19th century as [[time book]]s. To record time in a more granular fashion, [[time-tracking software]] may be used.

==Use==
Originally developed for an [[employer]] to calculate [[payroll]], a timesheet can also be used for [[management accounting]]. Timesheets may track the start and end times of tasks or just the duration.  It may contain a detailed breakdown of tasks accomplished throughout the project or program.  This information may be used for payroll, client billing, and increasingly for project costing, estimation, tracking, and management. 

Some companies provide web-based timesheet software or services that provide a means to track time for [[payroll]], billing and [[project management]]. One of the major uses of timesheet in a project management environment is comparing planned costs versus actual costs,<ref>[http://www.pmhut.com/measuring-project-health Measuring Project Health] ''Neville Turbit, January 1, 2008''</ref> as well as measuring employee performance and identifying problematic tasks. This knowledge can drive [[corporate strategy]] as users stop performing or reassign unprofitable work.

==Time cards==
[[Image:ADP Model 4500 timecard reader.JPG|thumb|An ADP Model 4500 timecard reader]]
[[Factory]] workers may often have a "time card" (also known as [[punch card]]) and "punch in" by inserting their card into an automatic timestamp machine (called a [[time clock]] or bundy clock) when starting and ending their [[shift work|work shift]], though other card technologies such as [[magnetic stripe card|swipe cards]] have become more prevalent.

==Advantages==
Time tracking can reduce costs in three ways: by making payroll processing more efficient, by making costs visible so they can be reduced, and by automating [[Bill (payment)|bill]]ing and [[invoicing]].

Time tracking can increase [[revenue]] through automating [[Bill (payment)|bill]]ing, which tends to make it easier for a company to get correct invoices out for all hours worked by consulting staff.  This speeds up payment and eliminates the hassles of 'dropping' bills.

By reducing costs in three ways, and increasing [[revenue]] in one way, timesheet management technologies that are web-based can improve the health of companies.

In [[project management]], timesheet can also be used to build a body of knowledge about how much effort tasks take to develop. This data  helps resource managers to [[Human resources#Planning|allocate resource]] accurately. Machine learning is being used to automatically find patterns in timesheet — then using this information to recommend more accurate project plans in the future.{{cn|date=March 2017}} For example, if developing a training plan has historically taken a month, then it can be assumed that creating a new one will take a month. Also, most timesheet software has the ability to track resource costs and project expenses to allow for better future budgeting. {{citation needed|reason=This claim needs a reliable source|date=September 2015}}

For the HR function, the time spent on activities by individuals can be analysed over a period of time and categorised into broad types. Based on the outcome, roles could be realigned.<ref>{{cite web|title=Timesheet – its purpose, use and importance|url=http://itknowledgeexchange.techtarget.com/quality-assurance/timesheet-%E2%80%93-its-purpose-use-and-importance/|website=itknowledgeexchange|access-date=19 December 2014|ref=2}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Wiktionary|time sheet|timesheet}}
* [[Comparison of time tracking software]]
* [[Schedule (workplace)]]
* [[Time clock]]
* [[Logbook]]
* [[Time-tracking software]]
* [[Time and attendance]]
* [[Time management]]
* [[Work breakdown structure]]
{{Portal|Organized labour
}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Working time]]
[[Category:Personnel economics]]
[[Category:Office equipment]]