The Timer Toolbox is the central feature of AboutTime. Each user creates a list of timers by client, case, and activity. To capture time worked, the user just starts the appropriate timer then launches any application such as spreadsheet or word processing. The Timer Toolbox can “float” on top of the application, or be minimized to the system tray. Attorneys report significantly less editing of bills at month-end when they capture their own time as the work is done.
AboutTime provides for the customization of displays, setting of default values, and the modification of functionality. Each preference is initially set on a firm-wide basis, or by group, or by individual. Individual preference settings can be locked, and accordingly, cannot be changed by users. Over 50 preference settings are available, including which window will display when the application is opened, a default fee activity code, and a minimum time increment.
A master glossary of abbreviations for commonly used words and phrases is set up by the firm and is made available to all AboutTime users. Individual users can also add their own abbreviations. The AboutTime application keeps track of which clients and matters each user works on, and presents those for quick access. The application allows each user to easily modify these automatically created lists.