Monday, 3 June 2013

Functionality Managers Need In A DCAA Timekeeping Application

By Ladonna Chambers


DCAA timekeeping software allows government contractors to monitor and report their time. Contractors are required to record employee time accurately and promptly. Business managers base their decisions on the analyses of this data. Regulations mandate a highly structured method of time reporting. A software package ought to have an interface that is user friendly and intuitive. A necessary feature is the ability to enter data from the internet using a web browser.

The application must permit a consulting firm to customize their data to fit their data model. The company's pay periods, job descriptions, pay scales, and other data elements will have to be established and this requires a degree of customization. Managers must have access to the data via a web based user interface. Inputting of time data is but one piece of a whole application whose parts must work together in a coordinated manner.

The package enables the consulting company to be in line with government requirements. In accomplishing this, audit trails are created. A method of making corrections is required. The allocation of labor to the appropriate accounts is very important. All data entry must be done via a user friendly web based interface that hides the complexity of the business rules and data structures.

Time input data ought to seamlessly integrate with accounting applications. Charts of accounts are automatically updated with labor allocated to the appropriate accounting codes. Payroll data will be in a format that is compatible with the major payroll processing applications. The approval process is easy to use.

Tax forms like W-2s and 1099s can easily be produced during tax season to make it easy for workers to file income taxes. The fact that everything runs on the world wide web eliminates the need for expensive software and costly cumbersome upgrades and updates. Behind the scenes the system is complex, but this is hidden by the simplicity of a web browser interface.

Each worker has their unique ID and they can invent their own password. Security and confidentially is important. The worker should be able to enter comments. Business rules ensure that workers can only enter time on tasks that they are assigned. The collected time entry data is a useful collection of information that decision makers will use. This information is available on a comprehensive menu of reports.

The application monitors data input. Automatic emails notifies workers that time reporting input is needed, that their time input has been approved or disapproved. Managers are also notified through automatic emails of situations that require their attention. Emails are an effective means of communication that ensure that data entry is done in a timely fashion.

DCAA timekeeping is an important part of overseeing a government project. Software packages ought to possess the functions discussed here. The data ought to be collected via a web interface. The information derived from the system is am important management tool that helps complete projects on time and within the budget.




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