TrackingTime Review: Pros & Cons

If you or your team often forget to track time for reasons like 'I forgot to start the timer,' then TrackingTime could be your ideal solution. Two unique features designed to address such issues distinguish it in the time tracking and project management software market. The first is an automatic reminder system that complements a feature that cross-checks each team member's scheduled work hours against the actual logged-in hours. With these two features working in tandem, you'll receive more than just frequent reminders, which can often be ignored due to their repetitive nature. Instead, you'll get truly useful reminders that pop up precisely when needed, ensuring they are both timely and relevant.

Another aspect that truly sets them apart is their exemplary support team. I wouldn't highlight this as a standout feature if the support were merely good or even great. However, after analyzing over 50 project management and time-tracking tools and reviewing customer feedback, I can confidently say their support ranks among the best. It's comparable to, if not better, those known as industry leaders for their exemplary customer support, like Beebole, Paymo, Harvest, Clickup, and Replicon. This is in stark contrast to competitors like TimeDoctor, Wrike, or BQE Core, where the level of support doesn't quite measure up.

People who often forget -> might find this tool particularly beneficial, which applies on a personal and team level. If 'I keep forgetting to start the timer' is a common excuse, this tool could be highly advantageous, at least until you or your team members develop robust time-tracking habits. Additionally, it might be especially useful for individuals with ADHD. The reason is that ADHD can make it challenging to stay organized and maintain focus on time-sensitive tasks. The automatic reminders and the ability to cross-check scheduled versus actual work hours can significantly aid in managing these difficulties, providing structure and timely prompts that help keep track of time and tasks more effectively.

TrackingTime would also be highly useful for individuals who already utilize another tool for project management, especially if that tool has limited or unsatisfactory time-tracking features. A good example of this is Asana. Additionally, it's beneficial for those who frequently use Gmail. For instance, TrackingTime integrates seamlessly with Gmail by placing a 'play' button near the title of an email. You can start the timer from there every time you work on a specific email. This integration means that at the end of the day, you will have a detailed timesheet showing the time spent on each email, enhancing your productivity and time management.

As previously noted, the integration with other apps, the effective reminder system, and the support team are highly valued by users. Additionally, the desktop application is well-received for its efficient automatic time tracking, particularly its ability to handle transitions between tasks smoothly.

Given the seamless integration of the 'play' button in applications like Asana or Gmail, it's clear that users are keen to see similar functionalities extended to other platforms. Many express a desire for integration with accounting software or additional Microsoft Office products, such as Outlook and specific calendars. There's also interest in compatibility with other project management tools, like Smartsheets. Therefore, while the current integrations are well-executed, there's certainly room for expansion to cater to a broader range of user needs and preferences.

Some users have indicated room for improvement in reporting and invoicing. However, it's significant to acknowledge that these features already offer a commendable level of customization. Moreover, from a stylistic standpoint, the reports and invoices are well-crafted and maintain a clean aesthetic, which I view as a definite positive.

One common criticism is the pricing structure of TrackingTime. The free version offers limited features, especially when compared to alternatives like Paymo, TimeCamp, or Toggl. For context, Paymo includes unlimited invoicing and unlimited users even in its free package. In contrast, TrackingTime's free package doesn't offer invoicing and limits usage to just three users. Additionally, it's peculiar that freelancers face higher costs. The freelancer package is priced at $8, which is more expensive than the per-user cost for team members, an aspect that seems counterintuitive and has drawn some negative feedback.

Even though TrackingTime includes some project management features, it doesn't quite reach the level of complexity and customization offered by platforms like Clickup, Teamwork, or Wrike. These tools are known for their extensive customizability and feature-rich environments. TrackingTime, in contrast, is better suited for simpler project management scenarios where needs are straightforward and the primary focus is on time tracking. It works well as a time-tracking extension for tools like Asana or Clickup. Additionally, it could be a valuable addition for Basecamp users looking for time-tracking capabilities to complement their existing project management setup.

TrackingTime aligns more closely with tools like Paymo, Harvest, Replicon, Timely, or Beebole, where the emphasis is heavily on time tracking, invoicing features, and strong customer support. It includes an automated time-tracking feature, which significantly aids in streamlining the process of tracking work hours. However, unlike RescueTime or Replicon, TrackingTime doesn't employ AI technologies to enhance the timesheet generation process.

TrackingTime isn't the most budget-friendly option out there. If you're just starting and seeking the most cost-effective way to explore project management and time tracking without being restricted by the limitations of free packages, then Freedcamp is an excellent alternative. Freedcamp offers the cheapest Pro package at just $1.49 per user per month and includes time tracking. While it may not match the sophistication of TrackingTime, it's a great starting point for testing the waters. An upgrade is always possible if your team finds it meets their needs but eventually requires more complex features. However, switching to a more advanced project management tool presents its own set of challenges. It's essential to be aware that transferring existing projects seamlessly to another platform may not be straightforward. As such, it's advisable to meticulously evaluate the tool's capabilities before committing long-term.

For those seeking a balance between affordability and advanced functionality, Paymo is a smart choice. It comes with a lower entry price and is equipped with comprehensive time tracking and invoicing features, making it a suitable intermediary step. It might not have the same level of nicely done integrations, but why pay extra if you don't need them?

TrackingTime ensures compliance with both US and European data privacy laws. It uses Amazon Web Services (AWS), a leading cloud service provider trusted by major online platforms like Netflix, Airbnb, and Slack. The data for each TrackingTime subscriber is stored on servers in Amazon's data centers across the United States. Amazon is responsible for providing the physical infrastructure, including power, hardware, high-standard network, and on-site security. Furthermore, TrackingTime partners with Nubity to provision, monitor, and manage these Amazon servers. Access to the cloud application's infrastructure is secured through encrypted SSL connections. State-of-the-art firewall technology safeguards the servers, and customer data is backed up daily. Communication between TrackingTime's client applications (such as web, desktop, and mobile apps) and backend servers is encrypted with SSL and protected by a robust firewall. Lastly, all payment transactions are securely processed by Stripe, adhering to the PCI Data Security Standards, ensuring a high level of security and privacy for users.

In terms of privacy, TrackingTime's policy is fairly standard, without any unusual clauses. It's important to read through their privacy policy, especially if you have concerns about the type of information they collect about you, the reasons for collecting it, how this information is utilized, how it might be shared, and how they manage the content you input into their software.

TrackingTime does not provide a publicly accessible, detailed roadmap outlining its future development plans, making it challenging to gauge its level of investment in improving the tool. However, they do maintain a page dedicated to product updates. In 2023, there were 12 product updates posted, compared to 8 in 2022 and 14 in 2021. While these updates vary in scope, it's evident that they are consistently working on the product. This regularity of updates indicates that the product is actively being developed and not neglected.

Among the recent product updates, some notable enhancements include the ability to recover deleted tasks, significant improvements to the reporting system, and the much-needed integrations with Outlook and Google Calendar. Additionally, there have been improvements to tasks, boards, and the timeline feature.

TrackingTime is a solid choice for individuals and teams looking for a reliable, user-friendly time-tracking tool with excellent customer support. While it may not be the most advanced option for project management, its strengths in time tracking, reminders, and ease of integration make it a valuable asset for many users.

Written by Remus Zoica