Labor Tracking System for Concurrent Multi-Project Time Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing labor tracking systems are not suited for scenarios where a person concurrently works on multiple projects or accounts, as they fail to accurately allocate and track labor hours across multiple projects or accounts, leading to inefficiencies in billing and resource allocation.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that generates a display of multiple projects or accounts with fields for allocating labor, allowing equal or unequal time allocation based on user input, enabling accurate tracking and billing for concurrent work across multiple projects or accounts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single timer tracks time for one project at a time, then the system is simple to operate, but it cannot accurately track labor hours across multiple concurrent projects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the time tracking system into multiple independent timer components, each associated with a specific project. Instead of using one timer that switches between projects, the system creates separate timer instances for each project, allowing simultaneous tracking of multiple projects without interference. This segmentation enables accurate measurement of labor hours across multiple concurrent projects while maintaining relative system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a multi-functional time tracking system where a single interface can manage multiple timers simultaneously. The system allows users to start, pause, and stop multiple project timers through a unified interface, and automatically allocate time to multiple projects based on selected allocation methods (equal allocation, custom allocation, or project-based allocation). This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by enabling accurate multi-project tracking without requiring separate tracking systems for each project.
2Ease of operation
If labor time is allocated equally across multiple projects, then allocation is simple and fast, but it does not reflect the actual varying importance or effort required for different projects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic time allocation that can adapt to different scenarios. The system provides multiple allocation modes: equal allocation for simplicity, custom allocation for precision, and project-based allocation that dynamically adjusts based on project characteristics. Users can switch between these modes depending on the situation, allowing the system to be both simple when needed and precise when required. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by making allocation flexibility available without complicating the basic operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the allocation parameter from fixed equal division to variable allocation based on user input. The system allows users to specify custom time percentages for each project (e.g., 60% to Project A, 40% to Project B) or select project-based allocation that automatically determines proportions. This parameter change enables the system to reflect actual labor distribution accuracy while maintaining ease of operation through user-friendly input interfaces and automatic calculation.
3Measurement precision
If manual time sheet filling is used for each project, then detailed tracking is possible, but it is time-consuming and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service time tracking where the system automatically performs time capture and allocation without requiring manual intervention for each entry. The timers run automatically, capturing start and stop times, and the system automatically calculates elapsed time and allocates it to the appropriate projects based on the selected allocation method. This eliminates the need for manual time sheet filling while maintaining detailed tracking accuracy, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that provide real-time information about time spent on each project. The system displays current timer status, elapsed time, and allocated hours for each project, allowing users to monitor their time distribution continuously. This feedback enables users to make informed decisions about time allocation without needing to manually review and calculate totals, improving both accuracy and efficiency compared to manual time sheets.
Data Source
AI summary
System, method and program for tracking labor expended concurrently by a person for a plurality of different projects or accounts. First program instructions generate a display of a list of the plurality of projects or accounts and a respective plurality of fields for the plurality of projects or accounts indicating whether labor expended by the person will be allocated to the respective plurality of projects or accounts. Second program instructions are responsive at least in part to the plurality of fields with indications that labor expended by the person will be allocated to the respective plurality of projects or accounts, by allocating a portion of elapsed time to each of the plurality of projects or accounts. The time can be allocated equally or unequally to the different projects or accounts as indicated by the person.