What is the Efficiency Report?
The Efficiency Report measures the quality and timeliness of time entry logging. It helps you understand how quickly employees are logging their work and whether time entries are being added on the same day work is performed. This report is essential for maintaining accurate time records and identifying time tracking habits that may affect data reliability.
Why Efficiency Matters
Accurate time tracking depends on employees logging their hours promptly. The Efficiency Report helps you:
- Improve data accuracy — Time logged on the same day is more reliable than entries added weeks later
- Identify bottlenecks — See which employees or teams struggle with timely time entry
- Spot trends — Monitor if your firm's time logging practices are improving or declining
- Ensure compliance — Some projects or clients may require same-day time tracking
- Increase efficiency — Catch and correct logging delays before they become problems
Accessing the Efficiency Report
To access the Efficiency Report:
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Navigate to Reports from the main menu.
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Click Efficiency to open the report.
Key Metrics
The Efficiency Report displays key metrics at the top:
Time Logged Within Day
Percentage of time entries that were added on the same day as the work was performed. This is the single most important metric for data reliability. Higher percentages indicate better logging practices.
Average Time Entry Age
The average number of hours between when work was performed and when it was logged. Measured in hours. A lower number indicates more timely entry logging. Aim for under 24 hours.
Projects With Labels
The percentage of your projects that have been assigned a label or category. This metric helps ensure projects are properly organized and categorized for reporting purposes. Aim for 100% if your firm uses labels.
Understanding the Tables and Charts
Time Logged Within Day by Employee
Shows each employee's same-day logging percentage. Compare employees to identify who maintains the best practices and who may need coaching on timely entry.
Time Entries by Age
Breaks down all logged time by how old the entry is when logged:
- Same day — Logged the day work was performed (most reliable)
- The day after — Logged one day after work was completed
- 2-5 days later — Older entries within a week
- Later — Entries logged more than 5 days after work was performed (least reliable)
Average Time Entry Age by Period
A bar chart showing how the average age of time entries has changed over the year. This helps you see if logging practices are improving or declining. You can change the time resolution using the Days, Weeks, Months, or Years links.
Project Count Breakdown by Label Selection
Shows how many of your projects have labels assigned versus total projects. Aim for 100% if you use labels for project categorization and reporting.
How to Use This Report
Identify Problem Areas
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Look at the Time Entries by Age table. If a large percentage falls into "Later" (80%+ or higher), employees are not logging hours promptly.
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Check Time Logged Within Day by Employee to see which team members are falling behind.
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Review the Average Time Entry Age by Period chart to spot trends. If the bars are rising, logging practices are getting worse.
Improve Logging Practices
- Set expectations that employees should log time daily
- Remind employees that accurate time tracking is essential for billing and project profitability
- Schedule weekly time entry review sessions
- Use the timer feature to automatically record time as work is performed
- Implement presets to speed up data entry for repetitive work
Set Targets
- Aim for 80%+ same-day logging rate
- Target an average time entry age of less than 24 hours
- Ensure 100% of projects have appropriate labels
Common Scenarios
High "Later" Percentage (80%+)
This indicates most time entries are being logged days or weeks after work was completed. This is a red flag for data reliability.
Action: Implement a daily time entry check-in. Have employees log hours at the end of each workday or use the timer feature to capture time in real-time.
Declining Trend in Average Time Entry Age
If the chart shows the bars rising over time, logging practices are deteriorating.
Action: Schedule a team meeting to discuss the importance of timely time entry. Identify barriers (forgotten passwords, complex entry process) and address them.
Low Same-Day Logging by One Employee
If one employee shows significantly lower same-day logging while others show 50%+, that employee may need individual coaching.
Action: Meet with the employee to understand why entries are delayed. Offer training on the time entry process or the timer feature.
All Projects Have Labels
If the label coverage is 100%, your projects are well organized. This supports better reporting and analysis across your firm.
Action: Continue to enforce labeling for all new projects. Use labels to segment reports by project type or client.
Best Practices
Log Time Daily
Encourage employees to log time at the end of each workday. This improves accuracy and ensures nothing is forgotten.
Use the Timer
For work that spans multiple hours, use the timer feature to track time automatically. This eliminates the need to estimate hours later.
Set Up Presets
Create time entry presets for repetitive work. This speeds up logging and reduces errors.
Review Reports Regularly
Check this report weekly or monthly to catch logging problems early. Address issues before they accumulate.
Communicate Standards
Make it clear that same-day time entry is expected. Explain why accurate time tracking matters for client billing and project profitability.
Train New Employees
Include time entry best practices in onboarding. Show new team members how to use the timer and presets.
Tips for Success
- Real-time is best — Time logged while work is fresh in memory is most accurate
- Be consistent — Establish a daily routine for time entry (e.g., last 15 minutes of the workday)
- Use descriptions — Include details about what work was performed for better project understanding
- Check your work — Review your time entries before submitting to catch errors
- Ask for help — If the entry process is confusing, reach out to your manager or training team