Time tracking app vs. desktop

Time tracking – better in the app or on the desktop? Or would you prefer both solutions?

In this article, we compare the options and also talk about stationary terminals.

Advantages of an app for time tracking

• The employees are flexible. They can start and end their working hours from anywhere.
• The app is suitable for industries whose employees do not use a computer and do not have a fixed place of work. For example, the construction industry.
• Time tracking apps are usually very easy to use. Because they are only used on mobile devices, the options are limited. This keeps time tracking from becoming too confusing.
• Apps are often cheaper than comprehensive systems. They are even available free of charge. But a free solution is never as reliable as a system backed by a company with support and quality assurance.

Time tracking apps are therefore most suitable for companies whose employees are on the road a lot and where a simple app with limited functions is sufficient.

Advantages of desktop applications

For employees in the office, time tracking works directly on the work device. There are two options here. Either software is installed directly on the computer or laptop or the application works via the browser.

Desktop solutions also work in the home office – the software is simply set up on the laptop.

The solutions are comprehensive and enable not only simple time tracking, but often also project-based time allocation and many other functions. This makes desktop applications an important tool for HR managers: The more comprehensive the tool, the better the personnel planning and evaluations. And, of course, there is usually a rights management system to ensure that only authorized employees have access to sensitive data.

App vs. desktop: Who needs what?

The app and desktop each have advantages and disadvantages. But what happens when a company needs both? Even in the construction industry, there are people who work in the office and it is impractical if employees in the office use a different tool than employees on the construction site.

Our tip: A time recording system that enables both desktop and mobile applications.

Example of a comprehensive solution with different end devices

ZMI – Time is our solution for time tracking. This is basically a desktop application. This is also necessary because the system gives HR staff a good overview and so much data cannot be evaluated and processed on a mobile device. For example, it includes a shift planner, vacation planner and staff scheduling. And there are direct interfaces to DATEV, payroll systems and ERP systems. The system is quite comprehensive and HR staff can use the tool extensively.

There is then a different user interface for the employees who are to use the tool. The view is more streamlined and completely self-explanatory. The start and end of breaks and working hours are usually recorded. Additional functions such as the booking of business trips or an electronic driver’s license check are also available.

And what about the people who are not in the office? For them there is a ZMI – App. This is connected to the overall system and offers the simplest possible user interface. Each company can decide for itself which employees record their times on a computer or laptop and who needs a mobile application. Of course, both are also possible.

Stationary terminals

If a company only uses stationary terminals, it is of course no longer possible to work from home. However, a terminal often makes the most sense for production companies, for example. Employees do not have a computer and it is best to start and end their working time at a permanently installed terminal.

All three variants can be used with ZMI – Time. The software is optimized for many end devices. And all data comes together in one central system.