Common format for time tracking. First steps

Prehistory

Some time ago, we initiated the development of a common open-source format for exchanging time tracking data among different tools. Time tracking has become an essential necessity, especially given the popularity of the remote work approach after the COVID-19 pandemic. This approach requires individuals to substantiate and monitor their activities throughout the workday.

Every month, people spend an unimaginable amount of time organizing performance reports. In some cases, workers are even required to log the same data multiple times using different tools. Subsequently, managers export this data to other tools, construct reports, calculate KPIs, and so on. The existence of an industry-standard format for exchanging such data could greatly streamline this process.

Imagine a scenario where we lack a standardized format like CSV and instead have ten different tools, such as Excel, each accepting only its proprietary format. In this situation, individuals would need to painstakingly copy data cell by cell in order to transfer it to another tool for additional analysis

First implementation

I’m proud to announce that we have the first implementer of the common format from the wonderful tool ASTime where you can now not only connect all its functionality to Jira, export the report to PDF, but now also export it in OTTF

which looks like

{
  "meta": {
    "author": {
      "name": "Roman",
      "company": "Roman"
    },
    "date": "26.08.23",
    "from_date": null,
    "to_date": null
  },
  "timeTracking": [
    {
      "taskId": "841502a5-ed9b-4de9-82bd-0612ee562cff",
      "taskName": "Medium",
      "timeRange": {
        "start": "2023-08-26T08:00:12+00:00",
        "end": "2023-08-26T16:00:12+00:00"
      },
      "description": "Project: OTTF. Spent: 28800 seconds",
      "assigneeName": "Roman",
      "reporterName": "Roman",
      "projectId": "d7085546-5024-44ca-9787-00e3af46c13e",
      "isManual": 1,
      "tags": [
        "Manually Created"
      ]
    }
  ]
}

which is the implementation of OTTF v1.1 https://github.com/yarax/OTTF/tree/v1.1

Such report can be easily automatically imported to any other tool, also supporting OTTF so that the worker doesn’t need to know any technical implementation details.

Distinctive features of AStime

1. The bidirectional synchronization with JIRA is a hallmark of AStime’s functionality. AStime seamlessly imports essential data from JIRA, encompassing project details, assignees, grades, task particulars, task descriptions, and the designated column on the task board. In return, AStime effectively transmits task-specific temporary data back to the corresponding task card in JIRA. It’s noteworthy that this synchronization process is designed to be user-friendly and does not necessitate any specialized technical expertise.

2. AStime introduces a client-centric approach that empowers account holders to effortlessly oversee project time allocations. Clients can promptly access time logs for their projects, with just two clicks, for any designated project and time frame. Additionally, the platform offers an integrated calculator feature, enabling clients to compute invoice payments by multiplying specialist hours and minutes with the applicable hourly rate. This eliminates the need for hiring dedicated accountants or navigating external spreadsheets. These capabilities, along with the convenience of generating comprehensive hourly reports, are accessible within a single consolidated interface.

3. Within the AStime ecosystem, users are equipped to establish managerial projects, allocate personnel, assign tasks, oversee task execution, and ascertain alignment with estimations. This task tracking functionality lends itself to efficient project management.

4. AStime boasts a user-friendly system for streamlined project allocation, simplifying project management processes.

5. The innovative workspace functionality within AStime embodies a unique amalgamation of administrative, employee, and client roles under a singular account. Upon accessing their respective workspaces, users encounter segregated infrastructures, projects, and tasks. For instance, if an administrative user assumes an employee role due to invitations from another administrator, the employee workspace becomes accessible, ensuring seamless task execution and time tracking.

6. AStime extends the capability of linking project timelines to corresponding JIRA projects. This cross-linkage facilitates consolidated insights for clients, fostering transparent interactions during settlements and engagements, both internally and with external stakeholders.

7. An integral notification system within AStime intuitively alerts managers when an employee surpasses task estimations, prompting proactive intervention.

8. Catering to specialists such as business analysts and managers, AStime incorporates a task bar showcasing the four most recent tasks. With a single button press, users can seamlessly transition between projects. This task bar also provides an overview of an employee’s daily work duration, enabling real-time progress assessment.

9. Team leaders and technical heads are empowered to create personalized projects within AStime. This innovative feature enables the creation of tasks spanning various projects, each subsequently linked to designated projects, thus enhancing interproject efficiency and visibility.

10. The platform includes a distinct billable/unbillable task functionality. Notably, project managers retain the discretion to exclude tasks that are deemed excessive or unrelated, ensuring precision in invoice generation.

11. AStime’s hallmark workspace functionality fosters a seamless transition between roles — administrator, employee, and client — all within a singular account. This streamlined approach eliminates the need for repetitive logins, underscoring the system’s dedication to user experience.

In general AStime stands out for its remarkable convenience and intuitive design. The system’s user-centric approach, combined with meticulous testing and refinement, results in an elevated level of intuitive engagement. Within minutes of usage, users gain navigational clarity, while the platform effectively addresses contemporary project management challenges.

Conclusion

I hope this is just the beginning of the way and if the industry and tools developers will work together we can definitely enormously boost our productivity and get rid of unnecessary routine.

You are more than welcome to contribute to the format and leave any feedback!