Dynamic Data Entry in Timeslips E Center?

Does Sage Timeslips ECenter allow "dynamic data entry"?  (Type "smi" to get "Rebecca Smith v. Jones" from long list? Or "dep" to get "L330 - Plaintiff's Deposition" from long list of ABA Task Codes?)

Specifically, nearly every other program we use today (Quicken, bank programs, etc.) allows a user entering data to pick an item from a long list simply by entering any few letters found anywhere in the items (e.g. cases, codes) on the list (e.g. "smi"), then it will present a "short list" of entries that may have those letters (e.g. "Rebecca Smith v. Jones," "Hamilton v. Smithfield" etc.), for the user to quickly pick from. 

But, Timeslips ECenter does NOT appear to have this feature, on EITHER the desktop/web OR the mobile (cellphone) versions. (Seems obsolete and frustrating). 

For detail, to enter ONE slip at our law firm through Timeslips E Center, we (attorneys such as myself), need to pick through THREE lists of "case names"  (Client, long list, often in form "XYZ\Pa\Jones,Rob"), "Task" codes (e.g. "A101-Plan and Prepare for"), and "Reference" codes (e.g. "L330 Plaintiff Deposition").

With no "dynamic search" the user needs to tediously scroll through (hundreds) of cases names. Or (quickly) type closest estimate, starting from the beginning ("X Y Z \ P A \ J ..."). (Heaven forbid you hit a "front slash" (/) instead of a "back slash" (\), then start all over. etc.). Repeat same "start from the beginning"  by the "code" (A109, L250, etc.) (who remembers them?), or scroll by mouse, twice, for EVERY separate entry, all BEFORE he or she can enter any of the "good" or "meaningful" stuff (amount of time, description). 

Obviously, with "dynamic search" the user who knows he or she "attended" a "deposition" for the "Jones v. Smith" case, could quickly pick the Client with "smi," A code with "att," and L code with "dep," 

This one outdated "kludginess" of data entry in Timeslips ECenter (I believe) -- no dynamic search -- costs us, and many firms, hundreds of billable hours per month and year. And, it must wreck customer satisfaction for both Timeslips ECenter and Timeslips Sage Mobile (phone) application as well. 

Note - Our firm forces us attorneys and timekeepers to enter our time only through Timeslips ECenter or Timeslips Mobile App. (No individual desktop versions). (But, ECenter "should" it seems allow this very basic function of "dynamic search" like almost every other website does as of this time). 

For identification, as noted, I am a user and attorney who needs to enter my time every day and every month into Timeslips Sage ECenter. Our firm has been a Timeslips Sage user for not only the 15 years I have been here since 2004, but also for a long time before that, going back to the 1990s. (Tha may in part explain the VERY long list of client/case names we need to wade through for every entry). As to the "Task" and "Reference" codes (e.g. A109, L330, etc.), our corporate clients require us to use them for billing, so "dynamic search" could really help for them as well. This is my first post on Timeslips Sage forum. 

Hopefully, you can advise a way that "dynamic data entry" is available for Timeslips Sage ECenter.

Thanks,

The Beez 

Parents
  • Might I suggest using the already offered 'Favorites' items so that you can shorten the list?

    Also your firm might want to consider removing the L-Codes in the task area as they aren't supposed to be there as it is.  That will shorten your list and ease your data entry issues. 

    It appears that you are setup to search by Nickname2 so you would need to know the A-codes or L-codes instead of the more human readable Nickname1 of Appear/Attend or Manage Data.  Those selections are set in your personal preferences and can be easily swapped in the Timekeeper Settings on the left ribbon.

    Working with Timeslips support or a consultant to alter your nickname structures could help you to relieve some of your concerns and improve on those efficiencies you desire.

  • in reply to RogerS

    “Favorites” - Already use often. But, NOT an adequate substitute. New cases added constantly. Old ones resolved. The constant maintenance of the “Favorites” list becomes a time sink. (adding, deleting, etc). Thus, need for dynamic search as in almost all other programs.

    Nickname 2 for Task (A) codes, or Reference (L) codes may help some. But, NOT an adequate substitute. The FIRST letters would give the only search. But, how handle separate codes (imposed by the clients) for things llike “Plaintiff Deposition,” “Expert Deposition,” etc. User must search by “P” or “E” but not by “D” or “dep” like in almost any other program. Why not make Timeslips ECenter consistent with other 2019 programs and allow dynamic search?

    ”Task” and “Reference” Codes in the “Wrong Place”?? Where should they be? Wow did our vendor get it so wrong? Also, even if we’re in different place (below description??), would still face the difficulties above, of picking/finding in list. Plus, as user, cannot make this “put the fields elsewhere” change.

    Bottom Line - Favorites already used, but limited. Nicknames only partial solution, it seems, because can only search by first letters.

    in short, am I correct Timeslips ECEnter does NOT offer “dynamic search” of lists? And, if not, why not?

    Look forward to your fix and constructive thoughts. 

     Thanks. 

  • in reply to thebeez

    Perhaps I am misunderstanding what you mean by dynamic search but, as I mentioned above, by my definition it works on my computer. The one note is you can't pause in typing. 

  • in reply to Caren2

    Agree. 2 related problems impede data entry:

    - 1. Fast-Typing Problem? - Cannot "pause" in typing. (If you are not "quick enough" need to start all over).

    - 2. Kludgy Search Problem? - Also, as in orginal post, the user must ALWAYS type starting from the FIRST letter of items in list. Almost every other program today allows search by typing a few letters even if in the MIDDLE of the names on the list.  (E.g. "smi" pulls up "Jones v. Smith" and "Hamilton v. Smithfield," etc.). Whether we call this "dynamic search" or whatever term, this function "should" be available to users entering time and data in E Center. 

    Examples include:

    - How to Create a Dynamic Search in MS Excel, at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-h2UER3b_0 (note how typing "gar" brings up "Randy Garrett," "Gary Millier," "Joan Gardner" etc.)

     - Quicken, Quickbooks, YNAB, and many bank and budget programs include this feature

    It seems a mature, professional, program such as Timeslips Sage ECenter should have this feature to enable busy attorneys to enter their time effectively and efficiently, and consistent with current state of the art and software standards. 

    [I am spending so much effort on this request because I believe it is fundamental]

    So, 2 key questions to Timeslips Sage:

    - Is search as above (type "smi" to pull up "Jones v. Smith" etc. in a list) available NOW in Timeslips Sage ECenter (or not)? 

    - If not now available (ugh), WILL this feature soon be available in Timeslips Sage ECenter? And, if so, when? 

    Thanks. 

  • in reply to Caren2

    , I believe @thebeez  is interested in a search of the characters ANYWHERE in the Nickname, not just in the beginning of the Nickname.  While there are certainly many ways to minimize the list/speed finding the correct item, Timeslips eCenter does not do a list search currently.

    iTimekeep for example does. Do you know if iSlips Cloud does?

    Nancy Duhon, Esq.
    Duhon Technology Solutions, LLC
    Master Certified Consultant for Sage Timeslips
    Providing individual Consultations and Third Party Remote Desktop Support - including older/unsupported versions.
    404-325-9779
    [email protected]

  • in reply to Nancy Duhon

    Nancy, You've got it. Ability to search for the characters ANYWHERE in the Nickname is needed. Thanks. 

  • in reply to thebeez

    Now I understand. I don't know if iSlips cloud does that, would have to check.

  • in reply to thebeez

    Also, just to clarify what meant about "removing the L Codes." You need the L Codes, but not as an TASK code, they should be a Reference Code.  You likely have them in both lists since you need them in the Reference list, so you could remove them from the Task List. 

    Essentially when you are using the A code list you only have 11 possible answers. So that list could be shortened.

    Nancy Duhon, Esq.
    Duhon Technology Solutions, LLC
    Master Certified Consultant for Sage Timeslips
    Providing individual Consultations and Third Party Remote Desktop Support - including older/unsupported versions.
    404-325-9779
    [email protected]

Reply
  • in reply to thebeez

    Also, just to clarify what meant about "removing the L Codes." You need the L Codes, but not as an TASK code, they should be a Reference Code.  You likely have them in both lists since you need them in the Reference list, so you could remove them from the Task List. 

    Essentially when you are using the A code list you only have 11 possible answers. So that list could be shortened.

    Nancy Duhon, Esq.
    Duhon Technology Solutions, LLC
    Master Certified Consultant for Sage Timeslips
    Providing individual Consultations and Third Party Remote Desktop Support - including older/unsupported versions.
    404-325-9779
    [email protected]

Children
  • in reply to Nancy Duhon

    Actually, our corporate clients require BOTH sets of codes (we have no choice):

    - A Codes ("Activity") - This list is in the "Task" slot. Essentially a "verb" for what we did (plan, attend, communicate, etc.). They impose on us ~20 codes (e.g. "A101 - Plan and Prepare," A106-Communicate (with client)", etc.)

    - L Codes ("Litigation) - This list in the "Reference" slot. Essential a "noun" for what we worked on (motions, depositions, hearing, trial, etc.). They impose on us ~30 codes each (e.g. "L160 Settlement," "L330 Plaintiff Depostion," etc.). 

    And ... 

    - BOTH Codes ("A" and "L") are "REQUIRED" for EVERY individual Time Slip. (i.e User MUST enter them, or cannot "save" and get out the timeslip)

    - AND, the precise list of "Codes" (though similar, based on ABA list), will be slightly DIFFERENT depending on which "Client" you have selected. (Example: One client allows "L250 - Motions" for any type of motion. But, the other requires a breakdown, "L230 - Discovery Motion," "L240 - Other Motion", "L250 Dispositive Motion") (just one example) 

    And remember  ...

    - "CLIENT" list needs this search function too.  It is NOT just the CODES ("Task" and "Reference") that we need to search by a list ANYWHERE in the string, but ALSO the "CLIENT" list (e.g."XYZ\Pa\Jones, Thom," etc.) [I did NOT illustrate the CLIENT list to preserve confidentiality, but believe me, it needs this search ability also)

    Also ...

    I (an attorney) need to enter my time into Timeslips Sage ECenter EVERY DAY for ~12 years running, about 20 plus entries per day (!)

    Bottom Line - A little bit of "user-friendly" data-entry upgrade would be GREATLY appreciated!

    Hope helpful. 

  • in reply to thebeez

    "Client" list also needs the ability to search by characters ANYWHERE in the string.

  • in reply to thebeez

    , I am quite familiar with the coding requirements.  See my book with colleagues on this topic here. http://www.certifiedresourcesnetwork.com/

    Agreed, you need TWO codes per slip, but only the A codes should be in the TASK list.  The L codes should be in the Reference list. This is why Roger and I are saying that the TASK list can be made shorter by eliminating the L Codes there. 

    You would then look to key the L Code in the Reference list below the Task entry.  It is a separate list that should only contain L, P, C or B codes and no A or E codes.

    Granted it is a minor point, but just trying to clarify for others who may read this post.

    And yes, you are correct that your CLIENT list is the one that is likely the most challenging for you as it is usually WAY longer than the Task or Reference lists.

    Since Timeslips does not currently have this feature in eCenter, I would advise you to enter this is a suggestion under the IDEATION tab at the top of this forum, as that is where Sage collects suggestions.

    Nancy Duhon, Esq.
    Duhon Technology Solutions, LLC
    Master Certified Consultant for Sage Timeslips
    Providing individual Consultations and Third Party Remote Desktop Support - including older/unsupported versions.
    404-325-9779
    [email protected]

  • in reply to Nancy Duhon

    Re: “that list could be shotened” ...

    Not possible to us (small firm) as one of (many) local counsel for (two different) large companies, each of which imposes its own (slightly different) set of. “A” codes (11 for one client, 13 for other, some differ for “same” activity), and “L” codes (~20 for one client, ~26 for other, again with “non-overlap” for same activity). 

    Hence, need to give users (timekeepers) ability to search with a string that appears ANYWHERE within the (arbitrary) codes that the Client(s) impose upon us. (I.e. “Dep” for “L330’- PLaintiff’s Deposition”  etc).

    Plus, the list of CLIENTS (first box) is hundreds (perhaps thousands) of cases long. New are added every month. (Good for business). But, one client “requires” (imposes) that time for each new Plaintiff that sues it be billed with a “client” designation in the form “XYZ/Pa/SmithJohnB (aka [Company Initials]/State/[Plaintiff Name]). Other company requires Client be entered in form PQ/DarrowFirm (aka [Company Initials]/[OpposingCounsel]). Again, in a “perfect world” our office manager could spend (week’s?) culling the lists, But,??. And, clients “require” such format to match their e-billing links.

    Again, need to give users (timekeepers) ability to search with a string that appears ANYWHERE within the (arbitrary) codes that the Client(s) impose upon us. (I.e. “smi” for “John Smith” etc.)

    Hope clarifies. I suspect we are not the only users with similar issues.

    When will Timeslips Sage ECenter provide such basic data entry upgrade, as is readily available and expected by users in almost every other Web data entry program (e.g. Wells Fargo, Mint, YNAB, QuickBooks, competing legal and timekeeping programs, etc).

    Look forward to constructive suggestions, fix, and info when Timeslips will make such basic feature available for each data entry field.

    Thanks.