Best Upgrades Time-Tracking Application

Available immediately, version 9.0 of Best's TimeSheet Professional features an improved user interface and delivers new capabilities related to workflow, reporting, security and connectivity to other applications.

Now laid out like a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, the new version enables project administrators to create detailed steps and procedures, including approval-related e-mail alerts, for every team member. The application's enhanced workflow also allows managers to select and approve reports of multiple employees with a single click.

TimeSheet Professional also features better navigation via the ability to view color-coded holidays and weekends as well as pop-up notes for each team member's timesheet.

Best has also worked to provide better reporting capabilities for its project-related software. "I wanted to raise the bar on reporting," said Krista Endsley, general manager of the St. Petersburg, Fla., company's Time Tracking and Analytics Division. "I wanted to provide not just detailed reports on rates and projects, but also the ability to distribute that information."

New features include the ability to export detailed reports as .pdf files, and a new custom data dictionary that enables users to build reports using a nearly unlimited variety of database fields. Users can view charts and graphs showing time and expenses by client, project and activity.

Version 9.0 of the $150 standard edition now ships with a Microsoft SQL Server Database engine, providing an easy migration from Microsoft Access. The standard edition already includes Microsoft's lower-end database. New to the $250 enterprise version is the ability for system administrators to set up a single sign-on by using authentication information from Windows NT. In addition, the enterprise edition now integrates with Microsoft Project 2002. Both versions integrate with Best Abra Payroll and Best Timeslips billing applications.

Endsley said Best will release a version of TimeSheet Professional for the MAS 500 ERP system by the end of February.