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Sunday, June 2, 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.

A software package ought to allow each organization to customize their installation to conform to their data structures. They should be able to set up their time periods, pay ranges and other pertinent information. Managers should be able to access the application's data at any time for rapid decision making. The time entry application is a part of a larger application. All the pieces work in a coordinated manner to give decision makers the tools they need.

The software package must make it easy for consulting firms to follow government requirements. A part of this is establishing a detailed audit trail, including approvals, a corrections process, and the allocation and charging of labor to the appropriate account codes. In order to meet these high standards, the application must be consistent with the vicissitudes of government contracting.

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 should be printed and sent to employees in an automated process. These forms would include 1099 forms, W-2 forms, and other forms that workers need to file their income taxes. All this must be done via an easy-to-use web page that can run on any popular browser. The workers do not need to download any software. All that is needed is internet access.

The web application is secure. Each worker has their own ID and they can make up their own password. The worker has control of their input data. Comments may be entered to clarify situations that need further explanation. Business rules control what tasks workers are authorized to allocate time to. The collected data is very helpful to managers. This data is accessible through a 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 managing a government project. Software applications should have the functions described here. This automates the process as much as possible so that workers can focus on the project itself. It is an important tool for getting projects done on budget and on time. Furthermore, the information that is enters is a source of useful data that can be used by decision makers.




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