Best Time Tracking Software for Consultants

What are the Operational Difficulties in the Consulting Industry?

Gone are the days of having a single working model. Today, organizations and industries use multiple working models. Even the same business may use 2 or 3 working models such as remote, in-office, and on-site to allow work-hour flexibility and improve employee efficiency and work-life balance. This increases the need for software for consultants for tracking time and billing more than ever as tracking work hours gets complex. Concerning that, here are some of the most common operational difficulties faced by the consulting industries:

Here are some of the most common operational difficulties faced by the consulting industries: 

• 50% of consultants do not contain proof of expense and budget of a project.
• Up to 56% of consultants do not track the profitability of their customers.
• 45% of consultants do not have evidence about billable hours.
• Approximately 61% of consultants do not hold insight into a faithful difference in a project.
• Only 10% of consulting firms use time tracking software for consultants.
• Only 45% of managers who are handling the projects have in-depth information about what their team members are up to and their working patterns. Whereas most consulting businesses do not have an explicit picture of the actual billable hours.

Another reason we need tools for tracking time for consultants is that organizations have faced a lot of issues in billing the payable amount and getting paid accurately because it has been challenging to pay the consultants with complete visibility while they are working remotely or in a hybrid culture.

The challenge is to confirm that all billable hours are recorded properly and in a manner that drives it fast and manageable to invoice customers punctually and get paid. So, understanding the productivity and working patterns of the employees is very important for firms to improve it because the consultancies have always been into finding new methods to boost their overall productivity for a better outcome. Regarding this, the best method is using time tracking software for consultants.

Read Also: Top 15 Benefits of Time Management Skills for Everyone

What is Time Tracking for Consultants?

In simple words, to track time is to monitor and keep a record of your hours. In our context, using an app for tracking time for consultants simplifies the process. Moreover, work-hour tracking can include:

• Employees recording the time personally spent on tasks.
• Organizations recording employee work-time with weekly timesheets.
• Freelancers and consultants logging their time for invoicing.

Although you do have the option to manually track time, using time tracking software for consultants is much better and more efficient. Overall, it helps you identify resource utilization, which is required to evaluate the requirements to meet the client’s objectives.

How Time Tracking Software Overcome These Difficulties

Timekeeping software for consultants can not only help them track their time but also help them improve their overall productivity, workforce engagement, employee efficiency, and many more. With that being said, here is how it works.

• It helps consultancies overcome difficulties by making client billing easy, supervising and engaging remote employees, and getting paid on time.
• Studies have shown that consultants enjoy working separately, as they have to travel to the client’s place and work or they work remotely. Appropriately, they need proper tools and software that can help them deliver updates on their work measures whether they are working outside of the office or on-site.
• Time tracking software for consultants helps users in multiple ways with total ease and comfort in a visible and searchable manner to efficiently report time spent on different sorts of assignments.
• Appropriate work-hour software will help track the time with complete accuracy and help businesses bill their clients properly.

Features of Time Tracking Software for Consultants

It’s important to know how much time you spend on your consulting business. The best way to do this is by using consultant employee time management software. These tools have many different features that will help you get the most out of your time while working on different tasks.

1. Comprehensive Viewing

The best time tracking software for consultants allows you to view all aspects of your project in one place. This will allow you to see how much money is being spent including client payments and travel expenses. You can also see exactly what tasks are consuming the most time.

2. Manage Clients & Projects

Time and billing software for consultants helps manage clients and projects by allowing you to assign tasks to employees or clients as well as track their progress throughout the completion of those tasks. You can also see how long it takes employees or clients to complete their work, letting you know whether they’re meeting deadlines and expectations.

3. Accurate Tracking & Reporting

Time tracking software for consultants tracks hours accurately because it includes built-in time clocks for both employees and clients so that no one can claim they worked more hours than they did!

4. Easy Setup

The first step in using any time recording software for consultants is to set it up and get started. This is typically done through an easy-to-use interface that walks you through setting up new projects and tasks, creating reports, and setting up recurring events for recurring tasks.

5. Reporting

Time tracking software for consultants also lets you generate reports on where your time goes each day. This helps you identify areas where you can improve productivity or efficiency.

6. Remote access

With remote access, you can access your software for consultants for tracking time and billing from anywhere in the world by simply logging in to your computer or phone. It means that you will not have to worry about being stuck at work when it comes to accessing information about what you have been doing during the day.

Types of Time Tracking Software for Consultants

Time-tracking software for consultants is never a one-size-fits-all tool package. So, before you can hit the road with our top 10 list, you need to identify the correct type of time tracker for your requirements. So, let’s get right into it.

1. Timekeeping Software

The first category on our list is the simplest to use. Simply put, timekeeping software for consultants helps you record your work hours.

You can either manually enter your work-time, from a timesheet, or from an automated task timer.

2. Timesheet Software

This type of time tracking software for consultants is one of the best alternatives to using pen and paper to record work hours. Timesheet software solutions are pretty much the digital versions of paper timesheets. Simply put, to keep track of your time spent, all you have to do is fill in time entries.

3. Time Recording Software

Time recording software for consultants is another simple-to-use tool. How it works is with synchronization with a timer, which you have to start and stop as you work. The software will do the rest. A very convenient option for hectic people, if you ask us.

4. Time Clock Software

Also known as clock in clock out software, it is the best option for consultants wishing to keep a record of their shift start/end time with work hours and overtime. In short, these are the better alternatives to time cards.

5. Automatic Time Tracker

As the name suggests, this time tracking software for consultants works automatically when it comes to logging work-time. The biggest advantage of using such work-hour software is that there is no need to manage timers or manually enter hours.

How to Choose the Best Consulting Time Tracking Software?

 

Choosing the best software solution for work-hour tracking can be overwhelming because of the so many options available in the market. Thus, it’s essential to have a look at these below-mentioned factors of software for consultants for tracking time and billing before considering any of them for your organization:

1. The Nature of Your Work

Before choosing time tracking software for consultants, it is essential to know the nature of your work. For example, what if your employees travel a lot? This needs tracking time as well as the location tracking feature to record all the data. Also, the software should have the ability to record offline meetings with the client at any location.

2. Technical Needs

Choose a technically progressed software for tracking time for consultants that can provide you the productivity reports and a dashboard and supports Linux, IOS, Android, and Windows. Also, check out whether the said software can easily integrate with the existing apps and can help you with accurate payroll and invoicing.

3. Usability

Search for the time tracking software for consultants that provides you with an uncomplicated UI rather than the features it delivers. As the consultants are going to use the software daily, it should be easy to operate across devices.

4. Budget

It is the most essential aspect one should think about as the budget is the only thing that will consider your purchase. Therefore, your budget must be according to the features you are choosing as per your requirements. Multiple options are available at different prices so that you can choose the app for tracking time for consultants accordingly. Also, you can test the free trials before selecting the paid ones.

5. Integrations

Integrations save time and money as well as streamline the processes between the commonly used tools and apps. Plus, it also adds more functionality to your time tracking software for consultants without compromising the working or making the software lag. Overall, it’s a really useful feature to look for in the time tracker you are selecting.

Top 10 Time Tracking Software for Consultants 

Even after knowing how to choose, it’s still complex to select the best time tracker for your consultancy firm. Plus, you don’t have the time to do it yourself, and hiring others for this task will incur additional costs, which you don’t want. With that being said, here are 10 of the best timekeeping software for consultants:

• DeskTrack
• Time Doctor
• Toggl Track
• RescueTime
• Clockify 
• Harvest
• Hours TimeLord
• TimeCamp
• Hubstaff
• WebWork

1. DeskTrack

DeskTrack is the best time tracking software for consultants loaded with unlimited features that will assist you in organizing your team and projects that help boost the productivity of the overall workforce. It is the best option for all types of industries, including Work From Home, Remote, Freelancers, and In-house Teams. 

Key Features:

• Error-free payroll and invoicing
• Accurate time tracking
• Productive, Unproductive, and idle time calculation
• Detailed reports
• Location tracking
• Analyzing tracked hours

Availability: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS

Initial Pricing	User Rating
$5.99/user/month	5/5

2. Time Doctor

Time Doctor can be known as one of the best consultant time management software for remote teams and hybrid work models as it enhances organizational productivity by tracking employee work patterns. It can be easily installed via desktop, cloud, and mobile apps. 

Key Features:

• Offline tracking for time spent working online
• Mobile usage
• Project and task management
• Payroll
• Productivity reports
• Unlimited projects

Availability: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome

Initial Pricing	User Rating
$7/user/month	4.4/5

3. Toggl Track

The next time tracking software for consultants on our list is a timer-based system in which you can easily set up assignments, set accountabilities, and build estimated timelines and budgets for each project. 

Key Features:

• Interactive dashboards for budgets and timelines 
• tracking task progress
• Timesheet export
• Built-in time tracking
• Project management 

Availability: Web, Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android

Initial Pricing	User Rating
$10/month	4.7/5

4. RescueTime

RescueTime is a time and billing software for consultants that also helps you to know the productive, unproductive, and away time spent during a working day. It provides manual customization to categorize the URLs, programs, and apps as per organizational requirements. 

Key Features:

• Time tracker with automatic tracking
• Offline tracking
• Integrated Google Calendar 
• Third-party task management tools
• Time limit settings

Availability: Web, Mac, Windows, Linux, Android

Initial Pricing	User Rating
Free (basic version)	4.1/5

5. Clockify

Clockify is the time tracking software for consultants that helps manage the time on projects efficiently. It provides a timer for the same with a notification feature that will help you remember to start it. 

It is a user-friendly, easy-to-navigate software that can be operated from anywhere. Below are some of the best features of this time and productivity monitoring software:

Key Features:

• Track hours automatically
• Manual timesheet
• Interactive dashboard
• Third-party integrations
• Invoicing and billable hours

Availability: Chrome, Firefox, Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, iOS

Initial Pricing	User Rating
Free	4.5/5

6. Harvest

The next time recording software for consultants on our list happens to be Harvest. What makes it stand out is that it also helps you track expenses and manage project budgets as well with its comprehensive feature set.

Key Features:  

• Track time from a browser, desktop, or phone
• Generates weekly visual work-time utilization reports
• Automated invoicing and payments with integrations
• Reminders to regularly track time and turn the timer off

Availability: Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Mac, Windows, Linux, Android 

Initial Pricing	User Rating
Free for 1 user and 2 projects	4.3/5

7. Hours TimeLord

We picked this time tracking software for consultants especially because it is designed for individuals requiring task and billable hours logging for client invoicing. It makes invoicing simpler as you can assign custom bill rates. Plus, it generates invoices within seconds from that data.

Key Features: 

• A visualized timeline for tracking time project or task-wise
• Customizable reports
• A color picker for the app to match UI to employee mood

Availability: Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, iOS

Initial Pricing	User Rating
Free (basic features)	N/A

8. TimeCamp

TimeCamp is the software for consultants for tracking time and billing with a feature-rich interface. With functionalities including budgeting, billing, and invoicing, this software aims to improve the profitability of your projects.  

Key Features:

• Detailed time management reports
• Includes productivity tools
• Automated idle time calculation with activity detection

Availability: Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Mac, Windows

Initial Pricing	User Rating
Free (unlimited projects and users with limited features)	4.7/5

9. Hubstaff

Hubstaff is the time tracking software for consultants you need especially if you are more comfortable with using Windows. This work-hour tracking, workforce analytics, and productivity management tool works on the latest Windows 8 and higher Microsoft operating systems.

Key Features:  

• Productivity and time management features
• Project cost and budgeting tools
• More than 30 integrations with business productivity apps.

Availability: Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Mac, Windows, Android, iOS

Initial Pricing	User Rating
Free (1 user with limited features)	4.3/5

10. WebWork

If you are looking for a simple software that does more than just tracking time for consultants, then WebWork is our recommendation. This one includes stand out features such as automated screenshots, productivity monitoring, and reporting.

Key Features:

• Customizable screenshot tracking
• Real-time employee tracking of remote employees and freelancers
• Detailed productivity reports
• Project management tools

Availability: Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Mac, Windows, Android, iOS

Initial Pricing	User Rating
$4.99/user/month + 14-day free trial	4.3/5

Read Also: A Complete Guide to Time Tracking Software for Freelancers

Time Tracking Essentials for Consultants

The question is, do consultancy firms track their time differently with time tracking software for consultants? That’s not the case. However, they still need to keep some things in mind for accuracy and efficiency in tracking time.

• Most of the consultants travel to work, thus the time tracker they choose must provide a multi-device hours tracking feature.
• Ensure that you are tracking billable and non-billable hours separately for accurate invoicing.
• It is crucial to continuously update your time logs.

A tip here is to use AI-powered apps for tracking time for consultants. It will help you get predictive insights on your work habits and view adjustments for more efficiency.

Why Consultants Choose DeskTrack as their Time Tracking Software

DeskTrack is without a doubt the best time tracking software for consultants. Geared with the most customizable and intuitive features, it is used across more than 100 nations.

Beyond tracking work hours, it is also the best employee monitoring, productivity tracking, project management, and app and URL tracking software integration, which provides:

• Real-time tracking and employee activity monitoring to improve efficiency and productivity.
• Seamless integrations.
• The most user-friendly interface. Plus, it’s easy to install, learn, and use.
• Customizable behavior analytics and screenshot monitoring to prevent data breaches and insider threats.
• Automated timers and timesheets for improving work focus and much more in a single platform.

Conclusion

Now you clearly understand time tracking software for consultants and why consultancy firms need it. In a nutshell, tracking time, billing, and invoicing multiple clients is the most essential part of being a professional advisor. So, you need the right tool for this task. Sure, you can track time manually. However, it won’t be without errors and inefficiencies. Instead, we recommend choosing the right work hour tracker software category suiting your needs and then the best time tracker for experts for the most efficient results. Given that you travel a lot, you sure need multi-device hours tracking with separate billable and non-billable hours calculation here along with continually updating your time entries. Moreover, it is also recommended to save time by choosing the right time track tool from expert lists. However, what if you need to track more than your work-time? DeskTrack is your ultimate all things employee monitoring software.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. What are the Benefits of Using Timekeeping Software for Consultants?

Ans. Using timekeeping software is the best way for consultants to track their work hours. However, there are also a few other benefits.

• Precise billing and financial transparency
• Accurate billable hours tracking, which helps you fairly charge your clients for work
• Simplifies:
  • Schedule management
  • Deadline management
  • Multiple project management

Q. What are the Features of Consultant Time Recording Software?

Ans. Consultant time recording software solutions have many features. However, these are the must-have tools and functionalities.

• Billable hours tracking
• Detailed time and profitability reports
• Multi-device work-hour tracking
• Data security

Q. Are there any Free Consultant Time Management Software Solutions Available?

Ans. Most of the time management software solutions on our list have free plans. However, with limitations. On the other hand, paid plans provide you with:

• More features
• More user registrations
• Better help and support
• A guarantee (it’s obvious. Isn’t it?)

Q. Which are the Best Consultant Time Management Software Solutions?

Ans. To help you choose the best option for yourself, we listed below the top 10 time trackers for experts and professional advisors.

• DeskTrack
• Time Doctor
• Toggl Track
• RescueTime
• Clockify 
• Harvest
• Hours TimeLord
• TimeCamp
• Hubstaff
• WebWork