Time capture

Time capture is the concept of making sense of time-related data based on timestamps generated by system software. Software that run on PCs and other digital devices rely on internal software clocks to generate timestamps. In turn, these timestamps serve as the basis for representing when an event has occurred (i.e. when an outgoing call was made), and for how long that event lasted (i.e. the duration of a phone call).

Time capture software use data mining techniques to index, cleanse and make sense of this data. Applications include automated time tracking, where software can track the time a user spends on various PC-based tasks, such as time in applications, files/documents, web pages (via browser), and emails.

This is a comparison of notable time capture software packages.

Name	Platform	Description	Scope	Licensing
Laurel (formerly Time by Ping)	Microsoft Windows iOS Android Windows Mobile BlackBerry	Laurel is cloud-based timekeeping software that uses AI and integrations with backend systems to track a professional's workflow and automatically capture time spent on billable activities, generate narratives, apply phase and task codes, and assign entries to the appropriate client-matter.	All PC-based activities (e.g., applications, emails, files/documents, web pages), phone calls, mobile email, and idle periods.	Subscription based
TIQ	Microsoft Windows Android Windows Mobile	TIQ helps lawyers with time tracking so that it can be done in one minute a day. It works complementary to current practice management systems without any complicated migrations. TIQ automatically creates an overview of the time you have spent on separate documents, emails, meetings and other activities. Friday afternoons spent guesstimating what you did all week are history.	All PC-based activities (applications, emails, files/documents, web pages) and idle periods (i.e. phone calls, breaks, meetings). Mobile activity on iOS and Android devices is also captured.	Subscription based
Smart Time	Microsoft Windows iPad iPhone Android	Smart Time polls your firm’s systems and the user desktop to find information about every event that occurred throughout the timekeeper’s day. It finds emails, calendared meetings, phone calls, mobile calls, documents, dictation, browsing and more. Next, event data is cross-referenced to assign client matter codes, while supplementary data is added to the event description to better jog the timekeeper’s memory. Users can access their data online or receive a nightly journal report.	Activity tracked for desktop and enterprise applications, phone switches, mobile phones.	Subscription based
Chrometa	Microsoft Windows	Chrometa automatically captures and organizes the time you spend on your PC, facilitating your ability to accurately bill all your time. It logs all computer activity passively — no data entry required.	All PC-based activities (applications, emails, files/documents, web pages) and idle periods (i.e. phone calls, breaks, meetings).	License based
Intapp Time	Microsoft Windows ios Android Windows Mobile BlackBerry	Intapp Time provides an accurate record of user activity by automatically monitoring and cross-referencing desktop and mobile devices. Tracked work includes email, document creation, calendar, and mobile phones.	All PC-based activities (applications, emails, files/documents, web pages) and idle periods (i.e. phone calls, breaks, meetings). Mobile activity on iOS devices is also captured.	Subscription based
AIRTIME-A4P	BlackBerry	AIRTIME-A4P automatically captures time associated with wireless calls and emails and delivers billable hours directly to the accounting system.	Calls and emails on BlackBerry devices.	Subscription based
momentem	BlackBerry	momentem is a mobile expense management service for busy professionals. With momentem on your BlackBerry, you have the ability to tag calls, emails, expenses and your activities in real-time.	Calls and emails on BlackBerry devices.	Subscription based
mCaller	BlackBerry	mCaller records interactions and manages action items that result from BlackBerry communication. Phone calls and meetings can easily be tracked for billing, client development or record keeping.	Calls and meetings on BlackBerry devices.	Subscription based