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Tracking Actual Time allows the system to compare the real clock time spent on a labor task against the flat-rate or estimated Units assigned to that service. This information is valuable for technician efficiency reporting, job costing, and evaluating the profitability of specific types of work.
The Actual time value is stored in the Actual field on the Labor entry screen.
To begin timing a labor task:
1.Go to the main Workorder Manager screen.
2.Select the Clocks option from the top button bar.
3.Choose Labor from the drop down menu.
The system will ask:
“Are you starting the timer for a new labor task?”
This simply means:
“Do you want to start a new timer?”
Select Yes.
The system will then display a setup screen containing three selections:
Select the technician performing the work.
Select the active workorder associated with the task.
Select the specific labor entry that should be timed.
Once all three selections are complete, press the Start button in the upper right corner of the screen.
The timer is now active.
When the technician completes the task:
1.Select the Clocks button again.
2.Choose Labor from the menu.
3.When asked if you are starting a new task, answer No.
The system will display all currently active labor timers.
Select the timer you wish to stop by highlighting it with the mouse.
Then press the Stop button.
MLS 2026 will automatically calculate the elapsed time and add it to any time already stored in the Actual field for that labor item.
Actual time tracking provides several important benefits:
•Compare technician efficiency against flat-rate estimates
•Improve future estimating accuracy
•Track productivity
•Analyze profitability
•Support technician performance reviews
•Identify labor-intensive repair patterns
Over time, Actual versus Units comparisons can become a valuable management tool for improving scheduling, pricing, and shop efficiency.
Technicians should:
•Start timers immediately when beginning a task
•Stop timers promptly when finished
•Avoid leaving timers running accidentally
Accurate time tracking produces meaningful reports and greatly improves the value of the Job Costing and Labor Analysis systems.