Process Automation

Automated Time Tracking Software to Cut Costs | TotalTime

April 07, 20257 min read

Automated Time Tracking Software to Cut Costs | TotalTime 

Tracking employee hours sounds simple, right? But for many businesses, it's a daily headache. Managers spend too much time chasing timesheets, fixing mistakes, or rushing to finish payroll. It's frustrating and takes you away from work that really matters. 

What if there was a better way? That's where automation comes in. 

Automated timekeeping—especially with tools like TotalTime by PathfinderLink—makes tracking time quick, easy, and accurate. Instead of doing everything by hand, your system does the work for you.  

By cutting down on manual tasks and improving accuracy, automated time tracking helps your business save time, lower costs, and run smoother every day. Let's explore how automated timekeeping works, why it beats the old way, and how TotalTime helps your team work smarter—not harder. 

What Is Automated Timekeeping? 

Automated timekeeping is the modern way to track work hours using technology. Instead of paper timesheets or spreadsheets, businesses use apps and software to do the job faster and better. These smart systems handle everything for you and make the whole process simple. 

Here's what automated timekeeping tools like TotalTime can do: 

Collect Timesheets Without the Hassle 

As workers clock in and out, their time is saved and added to digital timesheets automatically. 

Know Where Work Happens 

You can see where your team clocked in and out and make sure hours are tracked from the right location. 

Get Hours to Payroll Fast 

Once time is recorded, it can be easily shared with payroll tools so everyone gets paid correctly and on time. 

Automated timekeeping takes away the guesswork of managing time by hand. Instead of hunting down missing timesheets or fixing mistakes, you get clean, reliable records from the start. Managers save time, payroll has fewer errors, and employees are happier because everything's easier. 

Why Manual Time Tracking Costs You Money 

Manual time tracking might seem "simple," but it often causes more problems than it solves. When your team uses paper, spreadsheets, or outdated software, mistakes are almost guaranteed. 

Here are the common problems businesses face with manual time tracking: 

Forgotten Hours 

Workers forget to clock in or out and end up guessing their hours later. 

Wrong Information 

Mistakes like typing the wrong numbers or mixing up job codes create confusion. 

Time Theft 

Without proper checks, some workers might add extra time or clock in for each other. 

Rushed Deadlines 

Your admin team scrambles to gather and check timesheets before payroll is due. 

Client Billing Errors 

If time isn't tracked right, clients may be billed incorrectly, which hurts trust. 

All this creates extra work for your HR and payroll teams. They have to fix problems, track down missing info, and double-check everything. That means more time on paperwork and less time on growing your business. 

Even a small error—like one wrong hour per worker each week—adds up fast. For a team of 20, that's 80 extra paid hours every month! That's why switching to automated time tracking is so smart. It helps you stop wasting time and money—and start focusing on what truly matters. 

How Automation Cuts Down Admin Work 

Timesheets That Build Themselves 

Instead of filling out forms or typing hours into a spreadsheet, workers simply clock in and out using their phones, tablets, or computers. Their hours are automatically added to a digital timesheet. At the end of the week, all the information is already there—no one has to create the timesheet from scratch. 

Approvals Made Simple 

Managers can review and approve time entries with just a few clicks. If there's a mistake—like a missing clock-out time—the system flags it. Everything is clear and easy to fix before payroll runs. No more paper piles or chasing people for approvals. 

Smooth Connection to Payroll 

One of the biggest time-savers is how it connects with payroll and billing software. TotalTime works with systems like QuickBooks and Acumatica, so it moves straight to the ERP. If you don’t use an ERP simply export the payroll report and send it to your payroll provider. You avoid errors from retyping data, and you get payroll done faster. 

How Automation Makes Everything More Accurate 

GPS Tracking That Proves Location 

Automated systems with GPS make sure workers are actually where they say they are when they clock in or out. This stops "buddy punching" (when one worker clocks in for another) and ensures that work hours are real. It also helps managers confirm that workers are at the right job site, especially for construction or field work. 

Rules That Apply to Everyone 

With automation, you can set rules once and apply them to everyone. This includes break times, overtime rules, or job codes. Everyone follows the same system, which means fair treatment and fewer disputes. It also helps ensure your company follows labor laws and avoids legal issues. 

TotalTime vs. Other Timekeeping Tools 

There are many time tracking apps out there, like ExakTime, BusyBusy, ClockShark, and Connecteam. They all offer good features—but TotalTime goes further by offering more built-in automation and flexibility. 

Here's Why TotalTime Stands Out: 

Quick to Start 

After company setup, your team can be up and running in under 5 minutes with no complicated setup or long training needed. 

Works With Your Other Tools 

Connects easily with QuickBooks or Acumatica, billing, and other project tools to keep your entire system running smoothly. 

Fits Your Budget and Growth 

Whether you're a small team or a growing business, you only pay for what you need. TotalTime grows with you. 

While other tools may do parts of the job, TotalTime brings everything together in one simple platform that saves time, reduces errors, and helps your business succeed. 

Why This Matters for Your Business 

Free Up Hours Every Week 

Automated timekeeping means your HR or admin team doesn't need to chase down timesheets or check entries over and over. Everything is logged, tracked, and ready to go. That means more time for tasks that really matter—like supporting your team and growing your business. 

Pay Your Team Right Every Time 

When you pay your workers correctly and on time, it builds trust. Automation helps you avoid overpayments, underpayments, and the stress of fixing payroll mistakes. Everyone gets paid for actual hours worked, with clear records to back it up. 

Make Projects More Profitable 

If your business runs on project work, tracking time is critical. With TotalTime, you can see how much time goes into each project or client. This helps you price jobs better, manage budgets, and improve profits. You'll know exactly where your labor costs are going. 

Follow the Rules Without the Stress 

Labor laws are strict, and mistakes can be costly. Automated time tracking ensures you have clear records of when employees worked, took breaks, and earned overtime. If there's ever an audit or a dispute, you'll be ready with solid proof. 

Make Smarter Business Decisions 

Good data leads to smart choices. With TotalTime, you can spot trends, catch problems early, and make improvements. Whether it's scheduling, staffing, or budget planning, you'll have the tools to guide your team with confidence. 

Let Automation Work For You 

Manual time tracking is slow, full of errors, and outdated. Automated tools like TotalTime make it easier to manage work hours, reduce stress, and run your business more smoothly. 

With GPS location tracking at clock in/out, easy payroll exports, and automatic tracking of overtime, premium time, per diem, and extra pay, TotalTime helps you get it right the first time—no more checking spreadsheets or hunting down timesheets. 

Start saving time and money today. Let TotalTime handle the clock so you can focus on what matters most. 

Ready to Save Time and Grow Smarter? 

Automate your time tracking today with TotalTime—built for teams that want to work less on paperwork and more on success. 

If you want the best time tracking software for growing businesses, TotalTime by PathfinderLink has everything you need in one easy-to-use platform. Get started now and see how automation can transform your workday! 

Heidi is a former educator and administrator who enjoys reading, writing, the outdoors, movies, shopping, and spending time with friends and family.

Heidi Groneman

Heidi is a former educator and administrator who enjoys reading, writing, the outdoors, movies, shopping, and spending time with friends and family.

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