In order to get your time tracker purchase approved, you’ll need to include data in the decision-making process. Be sure to present industry research and relevant case studies, like the one below, when presenting your case. Leaders strive to make data-driven decisions, and in the case of time tracker software, the company’s lack of relevant information should be considered a “red flag”.
Consider tailoring your appeal to address the concerns of each member of the C-suite, so they can see the benefits of time tracker. Below are some talking points to get you started:
CFO
Your chief financial officer is highly invested in understanding the costs of your company’s products and services. Time tracking provides clear data that shows where resources are allocated, and which projects or initiatives aren’t profitable. Time tracking tools can show you more than how much time was put into a project, they can provide transparency so you know when people work on the wrong things.
For example, imagine your developers are backlogged and keep falling behind on tasks. You assume they are overworked, so you plan to hire an additional programmer. However, time tracking solutions would show you that your developers have been getting roped into IT and customer support, and actually have been spending a disproportionate amount of time on those tasks. Time trackers show you that important tasks are being done, but by the wrong person. So rather than hire another developer, you make a decision based on data to hire additional customer or tech support, so that the programmers can spend their time on high level work.
CIO
Your IT department is there to help the company scout and apply useful technologies that improve existing processes. By consulting your CIO early in the process, they can help determine if a time tracker supports the company’s 3-5 year growth plan, and create a short list of viable vendors. Whether you’re replacing a manual or existing system, you’ll need to outline where the current process is failing and needs improvement, and how a replacement time tracking system can be used to help the company gain a competitive edge. It’s important to involve IT early, because in the end they will implement the solution. Discussing the new software’s benefits, security, available integrations, cost, and necessary infrastructure upfront will save time later down the road. Plus, if you suggest a viable technology plan that’s already backed by the CIO, then you will have a stronger case to sell to other executives.
CEO
At a high level, your company leader is concerned about critical workforce factors that affect the organization’s success. Time tracking software provides the transparency, analytics, and dashboards that a CEO needs to instantly see availability, utilization, and overhead. In addition to streamlining processes and achieving greater efficiency, time tracking software can keep the company stay competitive by helping to track and manage remote, global, and contract workers, as well as ensure compliance with labor laws.
Lastly, time tracking software helps the CEO identify critical skill gaps. Work data can be used to pinpoint where an employee needs help or doesn’t have the skills necessary to work at a productive pace, which opens opportunities for skill development and in turn, builds a more talented workforce.