Getting Started

Time and Billing uses a Microsoft Access database to store your data. Because this is a relational database, some extra rigor is required when entering data. For example, you can't start creating time entries for work on a project unless the project has already been entered. This keeps the data stored in the database properly related. But it means that you must enter data in a specific order.

Client and Employee data must be entered first, because all other data is subordinate to one or both of these items. Next, Project data must be entered, since all work records are related to the projects for which they are completed. Only after these items have been completed can you begin to add data for Work Records, Payments, Expenses, etc.

In addition, you will need to enter your Company Information before printing out any invoices. Time and Billing will prompt you for your information every time you start the program, until you have entered it.

Interface Conventions

There are two important user interface conventions you should be aware of. Many times, users will find as they enter a record that important data has not yet been entered. For example, you may be entering an expense, when you discover that the proper expense type that relates to the expense has not yet been entered into the database.

Rather than closing the form, opening another form, entering the required data, then going back to the original form, Time and billing allows you to enter the required data from right where you're at in the application. Any time you see a combo box, a button has been placed beside it to allow you to enter required data on the fly.

Combo box with data entry button on the right

Data Entry Button

By clicking on the data entry button, a form containing the information appropriate to that combo box will appear. For example, when you click the button in the example above, an "Expense Type" for appears that allows you to enter new expense types.

Expense Type Form

In addition, fields that accept dates have a calendar button located next to them so that you can select the date from a calendar control, rather than having to type in the date.

Calendar Button

When you click the Calendar button the calendar form appears.

Calendar Form

You can navigate through the calendar by clicking on the Month, the Year, or the Previous and Next Month buttons. Once you click on a date, the date you selected is entered into the field that is associated with the Calendar button on which you clicked.

These interface conventions should make data entry more convenient.