BigTime administrators can edit timesheet columns and detail fields in a number of ways. This is a tour of the various column and field customization options from the timesheet setup area.
Adding/Removing Detail Fields and Columns
Adding Detail Fields
For each time entry, a user can enter specific details to be applied to each individual day within a timesheet. Keep in mind that you cannot add detail fields that you have already added as columns. An example of detail fields is notes. Timesheet notes are typically details for any entry of logged time and are unique to each day.
One thing to consider about whether to add a value as a column versus a detail field is that columns have the unique ability to be memorized from week to week in the weekly view timesheet. Learn more about this memorization function from Using The Weekly View.
To add a detail field click +ADD DETAIL FIELD, and then select the field you would like to add. If you would like to remove a detail field, simply click the trash can icon next to it.
Removing and Adding Columns
Administrators can add and/or remove columns in the timesheet by clicking on any existing column and selecting the "+" icon. This will create a new column and open up that field’s detail view. Note that you can also remove an existing column by selecting the column and clicking the "-" icon.
Editing the Project Column
The project column is the only column that cannot be removed from your view, since every time entry in the system must be linked to a client/project. In addition, the project column has some special fields that other timesheet columns do not support. It's important to note, that as you edit these settings, any changes made will affect your entire system, not just the timesheet page. Click on the project column to view these additional settings.
Project Picklist Format
The picklist format setting allows you to choose the way in which a project name will be displayed when staffers are either adding time or opening the picklist to view the clients available to them. A colon symbol within a display name is usually the best format for users utilizing a hierarchical project list. The formats available are as follows:
- Client:DName
- Client:Project
- Display Name Only
- ID-Name
- Name Only
- QuickBooks Full Name
- Standard
Project Display Name Style
The display name is the format in which a project appears within a timesheet cell. The display name format also applies this style to all views within the system so that your preferences are applied systemwide. You will also notice that the display name style can be used to derive the picklist format above. For a more in-depth look at display names, please review this article: Selecting a Display Name.
Renaming and Reordering Columns/Fields
Once you have added the columns that you would like your users to log time against, you can reorder them according to your preference. Once again, click on the column you would like to move to view its detail pane. Then, use the gray arrows on the left-hand side to move that column left or right.
For both columns and detail fields, you have the option to edit the label. The label value is the value that is displayed to your users when they are entering time. If you would like to change the name of the field, simply click into the box to alter the label.
Note that these changes will be used on every point of time entry in your system: weekly, daily, mobile, manager review, invoicing, et cetera. If you would also like to change the language used to describe these items throughout your system, take a look at your company's lexicon.
Making Columns/Fields Required
In addition to renaming fields, you can also choose to select which fields are marked as required. To mark a column's value as required, click into the column’s details and check the box next to “This value should be required.” For detail fields, just check the box that says “Required.”
Once required fields are set, users who attempt to enter time without these fields filled in will receive an error alerting them that the value must be entered in order to save their time. Again, those rules are applied systemwide; even time entries imported via BigTime's API will be required to conform to the rules you set up here.