MLS 2026 includes a Labor Item Timeclock system that allows the shop to track the actual time spent on individual labor operations within a workorder
This feature is especially valuable for:
•Technician productivity tracking
•Flat-rate efficiency analysis
•Accurate job costing
•Comparing estimated versus actual labor time
The accumulated time is stored in the Actual field for the labor entry and may later be used in technician reports and profitability analysis.
Starting A Labor Timer
To begin timing a specific labor operation:
1.From the main Workorder Browse screen, click the:
oClocks button
2.Select:
oLabor
3.The system will ask:
o“Are you starting the time for a new labor task?”
4.Select:
oYes
The system will then display the Labor Timing Setup window.
Completing The Timing Setup
The following information must be selected:
Technician
Choose the technician name from the dropdown list.
Workorder
Select the appropriate active workorder from the upper display list.
Labor Item
Highlight the specific labor entry on the lower list that is to be timed.
Once all selections are correct:
5.Click the:
oStart button
The timer is now active and the system will begin accumulating actual labor time for that task.
Stopping A Labor Timer
When the technician finishes the labor operation:
1.Click the:
oClocks button
2.Select:
oLabor
3.When asked:
o“Are you starting the time for a new labor task?”
4.Select:
oNo
The system will display all currently active labor timers.
5.Highlight the labor item that is complete.
6.Click the:
oStop button
The elapsed time will automatically be added to the Actual field for that labor entry.
Important Notes
•Multiple labor items may be timed independently.
•Actual time accumulates each time the timer is started and stopped.
•Timers should always be stopped immediately when work pauses or completes.
•Accurate timing greatly improves technician efficiency reporting and job costing analysis.
Best Practices
For the most accurate reporting:
•Start timing immediately when work begins
•Stop timing whenever the technician leaves the task
•Time each labor operation separately
•Avoid leaving timers running accidentally
Consistent use of the Labor Item Timeclock provides highly valuable data for:
•Shop management
•Productivity analysis
•Technician compensation
•Service profitability evaluation