“Everything in a scrum is already time-boxed, then why is it still important for a product or software development team, using scrum framework, to fill in and submit timesheets?” A valid argument, isn’t it?
All the scrum events, right from a Sprint which contains and consists of the Sprint Planning, Daily Scrums, the development work, the Sprint Review, and the Sprint Retrospective, everything is time-boxed. By time-boxed, we mean there is a maximum stipulated time to complete the specific activity.
So, the obvious question arises “If all the activities are already time-boxed, why do they need to report the time again, using a separate timesheet tool?”
“Why duplicate the work?” “Won’t it result in loss of productivity?”
Though all these arguments seem to be valid, the scrum project teams will still need to use the old and time-tested method of filling out detailed daily timesheets!
Let’s see what makes timesheets irreplaceable!
3 is a powerful number, and I will try and synthesise the reasons for using the simple but effective tool of timesheet using this number.
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Download Ebook NowTop 3 reasons why timesheet is important even for scrum teams
1 – Time tracking by Resource
The time-boxed scrum events specify the maximum time allowed to complete the particular event. But we still need to track the actual time taken to achieve the scrum goal.
Hence, the time-box does not give the exact time spent on a particular goal. The time-box also does not provide any indication as to how much time is spent by different project team members on various activities. The project manager needs a detailed time log to accurately estimate how much time is spent by whom on what activity.
Timesheet is the best-suited method of tracking individual time spent on various tasks and activities.
And with the latest AI and NLP technologies, companies like Whizible have created a chatbot that will further facilitate the process of filling timesheets using the bot App.
2 – Billing for Projects
In an agile project environment, project teams are formed based on skills required and one employee may work on multiple projects at a time.
Measuring time and effort spent by the scrum team using timesheet helps track their contribution to different projects.
This helps improve the accuracy and timeliness of billing or invoicing for the project.
3 – Performance Review & Payroll
Timesheets also help HR (human resources) managers during performance reviews of project team members, especially in ascertaining the speed, quality, and accuracy of the work done by the employees and identifying training needs. It also helps the accounting department in payroll management.
Scrum or Waterfall, these benefits are for all kinds of projects!
To reap the maximum benefits from the timesheet software, you need to select one which is integrated with your project management software.
For example, software such as Whizible is an integrated platform software, which links all project management processes together seamlessly.
All functions from initiation, planning, resource management, helpdesk management, timesheet management, and dashboard reporting are linked with each other. The integration helps avoid data silos in the organisation and gives a single version of the truth!
