Saturday, 1 June 2013

Unique Content Article on software, applications, business, finance, sales, marketing

Features Managers Need In A DCAA Timekeeping Application


by Ladonna Chambers


A DCAA timekeeping application gives government contractors the tools they need to enter their time. Government contracts require workers to accurately input their work times in a timely fashion. This data is used for more than issuing paychecks. The data is useful for managers in making important decisions. Time data must be entered according to a highly structured format. The interface to the application must enable the entry of this complex data structure with a user friendly interface.

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 application gives consulting firms the ability to be completely compliant with Federal requirements. This includes creating the necessary audit trail, obtaining approvals, a process for making corrections, and proper charging and allocation of labor. While the data structures are quite complex, the user interface used to enter data must be a web enabled easy-to-use internet application.

The data derived from the input of time is integrated with the entire accounting system. Work is allocated to the appropriate accounts. Payroll data is formatted to work with the most commonly used payroll software. There must be an approval system that is prompt and flexible. The application provides a means for workers and managers to communicate.

The system will issue tax forms such as W-2, 1099 and other forms that employees, consultants and sub-contractors will need at tax time Everything is done through a user-friendly web page. Proprietary software, which can be expensive, is not required. This is a cost efficient application that is easy to use and at the same time process complicated data structures.

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 the entry of workers' time data. Emails are automatically sent to workers if they have not entered their information. Approvals of payroll input are also communicated via email. Decision makers are informed of potential problems and the status of the payroll process via automatic emails. The ability to automatically notify the appropriate parties of potential problems greatly increases the efficiency of the entire payroll process.

DCAA timekeeping is an crucial part of managing government projects. Applications must includes this functionality. This process is automated as much as possible. Workers will not get sidetracked with an overly complex system of entering time. Instead, a user friendly application also becomes an important management tool.




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