HMS releases TimeControl 3.1

MONTREAL - April 5th, 1999 - HMS Software today launched TimeControl 3.1, a major upgrade to version 3.0 of its flagship product. TimeControl 3.1 features a Java interface, as well as numerous enhancements to data management and timesheet functions.

"Applications like TimeControl are most attractive to the marketplace when they are flexible and able to work with a wide range of systems. For that reason, HMS is continually broadening the scope of TimeControl," explains Chris Vandersluis, President of HMS. "For example, this newest version now includes both a Windows and a Web interface."

TimeControl is a project-oriented timesheet system designed for enterprise-wide use. It provides information required by finance as well as task-by-task analysis needed by project management groups. This allows for activity-based costing (ABC), the tracking of actual versus budgeted costs. Although TimeControl is a stand alone system, it integrates seamlessly with many leading project control systems including Microsoft Project, Primavera Project Planner (P3) and Welcom's Open Plan as well as virtually any finance system.

New Java interface

The Java interface for TimeControl 3.1 was written using Java 2, the latest release of the Java environment by Sun Microsystems, and enables greater deployment than previous versions. Designed in a true three-tiered architecture, TimeControl on Java works in multiple hardware environments where Java is supported, and uses Sun's Java plug-ins to ensure consistent Java support across many hardware and operating system platforms. Data controls are located in the middle-tier application, so there is no need to compromise data security by leaving an open port through the firewall.

New features

Expense Reports

The basic TimeControl functionality has been enhanced in a number of areas including new functionality for managing expense reports. Now direct cost data can be attached to the timesheet for a more comprehensive overview of costs. Expense report functionality allows for the tracking of quantities, tax amounts and basic cost amounts which can be directly attributed to project resources. There is no limit to the number of expense report items which can be attached to a timesheet line item.

Split Posting

A new feature called "Split Posting" allows timesheet collection to occur in mid-week when the data is urgently required, for example, when a payroll period ends in mid-week.

Variables in filters

TimeControl's extensive filtering functionality now allows date calculations and date variables into a filter calculation. Filters can also now be created which ask the user to input a value at run-time. Also, for advanced users, the filter's SQL statements can now be edited directly to allow for fine-tuning or augmenting filters.

Batch tracking on exports

Particularly important for transfers to external financial systems, TimeControl allows user-defined exports to be tracked batch-by-batch, so data is not exported twice.

Link to MS Project using MS Access or ODBC sources

TimeControl 3.1 support for linking to Microsoft Project '98 has been enhanced to enable linking to MS Project files when they are stored in ODBC or Microsoft Access sources, in addition to the proprietary MPP files already supported within TimeControl.

Increased performance

Performance features that have been significantly enhanced in version 3.1 include import/export features, transfer of data between TimeControl and project management systems, and the pre-loading of timesheet and loading charge code tables.

TimeControl 3.1 will ship on April 8th, 1999. Cost of the upgrade is free to users who have a current support and maintenance contract.


About TimeControl

TimeControl was originally released in 1994. It was immediately successful in the project management sector and today is recognized not only as a project management solution, but also as an enterprise timesheet solution in use by companies worldwide. TimeControl is designed as a multipurpose timesheet able to serve the needs of both Finance and Project Management simultaneously. It includes features such as a multi-browser, multi-device interface, a PC and mobile interface, vacation approvals, executive dashboards, extensive approval functionality, flexible reporting and links to project management and corporate systems which makes the timesheet product ideally suited for integration with existing systems in any organization. TimeControl's flexibility allows it to be deployed for use as a time and attendance, time and billing, project tracking and flex-time system. TimeControl is available both for purchase for an on-premises installation or as an on-line subscription in the Cloud.

To access the free Hosted TimeControl Trial site, visit our free trial page.

For more information about TimeControl, monitor the TimeControl blog at http://blog.timecontrol.org/ or the TimeControl website at www.timecontrol.com.

For information about TimeControlOnline, our hosted timesheet subscription service in the cloud, go to www.timecontrol.com/features/timecontrol-online.

For any other questions, please contact HMS Software at info@hms.ca.

TimeControl is represented around the world by our distributors in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Finland, Ireland, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Russia, Singapore, Sweden, Thailand, the UK, and the U.S.

About HMS Software

Based in Montreal, Canada with offices in Toronto, HMS Software has been a leading provider of project management and enterprise timesheet systems and services since 1984. HMS Software's first customized timesheet application was written in 1984. With the launch of TimeControl as a commercial application in 1994, HMS Software began servicing clients worldwide.

HMS Software's client list reads like a who's who of business. It includes Acergy, Aecon, Rio Tinto, the Atlanta Airport, the City of Montreal, the County of San Mateo, Electromotive Diesel, EXFO, FT Services, Kelly Services, Koch, Merck Frosst, the Government of Quebec, Georgia Pacific, Parker Hannifin, Rolls Royce, Sobeys, Volvo Novabus, Zimmer Inc. and hundreds of others.

For further information about HMS Software, please visit the HMS website at: www.hms.ca or contact us at info@hms.ca.