We are excited to announce our new software feature that enables advanced time logging of operators in the system. This feature has been developed to provide our users with a more efficient and accurate way to track the time spent on various tasks within the system. With this new feature, users will be able to easily log and monitor the time spent on specific tasks, allowing for better resource allocation and precise time logging. In this article, we will explore the benefits of this new feature and provide instructions on how to use it effectively.

Our time logging feature has two main functionalities: logging time using a timer and reporting it retroactively. This means that users can either start a timer to log time in real-time or add new retroactive records to log the time they already spent on a specific task.

In addition to these features, we have also included a popup that requires each employee to approve their time logging records. This popup serves as a persistent reminder to ensure that each employee is aware of their time logs and that they are accurate. It displays all not approved time loggings from the last approval, allowing users to review and modify their records if needed. However, there are no indications if the user has already approved their records or not.

Next Plus automatically logs time for all activities but any extra time logging, whether using the timer or reporting it retroactively, must be linked to a Work order.

The time logging interface can be easily accessed from the timer icon in the top right corner or through Time Logging Report -> My records. This is the same screen where all user recorded records appear, whether they were recorded automatically or added manually.

The screen is divided into two sections. The top section allows users to log time in real-time using the timer, while the bottom section is a table that lists all previous time records. From this interface, users can modify existing records, add new retroactive records, or start a timer to log time in real-time. This feature provides users with a centralized location to manage their time logs, ensuring they have an accurate record of their activities within the system.

The top section of the time logging interface allows to log time in real-time using a timer. To start logging time, select the applicable timer type, work order, serial number, and chapter. Each of these parameters has a dedicated drop-down menu. Click the "Start" button to begin the timer.

In addition to logging time using the timer, you can also report time retroactively. To do so, click on the “+” icon, fill in all necessary data as described above, and input the amount of time spent on the task.

This feature allows users to log time they have already spent on a specific task within the system, providing them with a more accurate record of their activities.

In the bottom section of the time logging interface, there is a table that lists all previous time records. Each record is editable, allowing users to modify the parameters they entered during time logging. This feature provides users with the ability to make corrections to their time logs, ensuring that their records are accurate and up-to-date.

A pop-up window appears at a specific time or on the next day, listing all time logs that have not been approved yet. To make it go away, users have to approve their time logs. Before approval, users can edit their time logs if needed.

<aside> ℹ️ The time logging feature is embedded in the system by default. However, the popup window that displays time logging records for approval can be disabled. To do so, go to Settings → System → Time Logging Settings and toggle off the "Display time log records approval pop up" button.

Managers can access the time logs of their direct employees under Time Logging Report -> My Employee Records. This feature only works if a manager has been configured for a user.

The time logging feature can be configured under Settings -> System -> Time Logging Settings. This section allows users to customize various aspects of the time logging feature, including the time record type options and behavior.

The time record type options list all possible time recording options. The default setting includes three built-in options: "Normal process", "Break", and "Technical Production Stop". However, each organization can customize these options according to their needs.

Additionally, a default type must be selected. This type will be used for all automatic time loggings.

Most of the settings are straight forward, here are some that worth mentioning:

We’ve enabled a mechanism that will allow editors and managers to set which users receive the Record Approval pop-up and which will not.

The configuration is on a per-user basis. Which means: