Manual time tracking depends on people remembering to start and stop a timer, select a client and project, and write a description. If any of those steps is missed, the timesheet is incomplete.
Timeglass prepares the first draft automatically. Its desktop app reads the work on screen throughout the day, identifies the client, project, and task, and prepares entries for the person to review.
A pedometer records the walk without interrupting it
A pedometer works because it counts your steps without asking you to record each walk. You go about your day, then check the total when you want it.
Passive time tracking uses the same basic idea. The work happens first, and the software prepares the record in the background. You do not have to interrupt each task to document that it started.
Work needs more context than a step count. A useful timesheet still needs the client, project, task, and duration, so Timeglass reads those details from the work on screen and leaves the finished draft with the person who did it.
How Timeglass creates the draft
Timeglass uses the work visible on screen to understand what someone is doing. It can use the client name, project information, and task details that are present while the work is in progress.
It turns that information into draft timesheet entries with a duration and description. The worker can correct the client or project, rewrite the description, change the duration, or remove an entry.
Timeglass does not submit the draft automatically. The person who did the work reviews and approves it before it becomes part of the firm's time record.
What the worker controls
Captured activity remains private until the worker reviews and releases it. Managers receive the approved time record, not a live feed of screens, applications, or activity.
Workers can pause capture at any time. They can also exclude specific applications, websites, or displays before using Timeglass for work.
Workspace retention settings determine how long captured data is kept. Once that period ends, Timeglass deletes it automatically.
The security page explains how capture, access, review, and retention work.
A complete draft is easier to review
A timer makes the worker create the record during the day or reconstruct it later. Timeglass gives the worker entries drafted from the work on screen.
This makes it less likely that work will be left out because a timer was not running. It also gives the reviewer a description tied to the work that was visible at the time.
See how Timeglass captures work and prepares a timesheet for review.
Common questions
FAQ
What is passive time tracking?
Passive time tracking records work in the background without requiring someone to start and stop a timer. Timeglass reads the work on screen and prepares draft entries for the worker to review.
Is passive time tracking the same as employee monitoring?
No. Timeglass keeps captured activity private until the worker reviews and releases it. Managers receive approved time records and do not receive a live activity feed.
Can I stop passive tracking from recording certain things?
Yes. Workers can pause capture and exclude specific applications, websites, or displays. Workspace settings also control how long captured data is retained.
Why is passive tracking more accurate than a timer?
Timers depend on someone starting, stopping, and assigning them correctly. Passive tracking prepares entries from work as it happens, then asks the worker to check and approve the draft.
