TimeControl 3.0 now shipping!

HMS software begins shipping TimeControl® 3.0, an all-new client-server version of the already popular TimeControl®

MONTREAL - December 15, 1997 - HMS Software announced today the launch of TimeControl version 3.0. This is a major rewrite of the popular timesheet system designed for the project management marketplace. TimeControl is now fully 32bit supporting Windows95 and Windows/NT. It has been reengineered into a true client/server architecture supporting a variety of databases including Oracle, Sybase and SQLServer as well as commercial databases such as Microsoft's FoxPro and Access.

TimeControl is a project-oriented timesheet system designed for the project management marketplace, a niche which is growing dramatically. TimeControl differs from time and attendance systems found in most financial systems in that it provides information not only for finance, but also, task-by-task for the project management group. This allows tracking of actual vs. budgeted costs, (ABC) Activity-Based-Costing.

A stand-alone system, TimeControl is pre-configured to integrate with popular project control systems such as Microsoft's MS Project®, Primavera's Project Planner P3® and Welcom Software's Open Plan®, or Cobra®.

"TimeControl is designed to serve two areas of the organization simultaneously." says Chris Vandersluis, President of HMS Software. "On one side we need to roll up timesheet data for the Payroll Department so staff can be properly paid. On the other, we have the Project Control Group who need to look at timesheet data project-by-project to determine how much labour has been used to status particular tasks. The creation of a system which could serve both of these demands simultaneously has eluded the market until now."

TimeControl 3.0 includes a wide variety of new functionality designed to make the system ideal for deployment into a organization.

New architecture

TimeControl 3.0 represents a major advance in the architecture of the system. The system is now a 32-bit environment with complete support for Windows 95/NT. It is also a true client-server system using Borland's SQL Links to provide direct support for Oracle, Sybase, SQL Server. For those organizations not using client/server technology, support is also provided for storing TimeControl in FoxPro and Access. This new structure allows TimeControl to now be deployed in organizations where users are geographically separated or in organizations of any size.

New interface follows Microsoft guidelines

The interface in TimeControl has been completely re-engineered. Microsoft's guidelines for interfaces have been followed resulting in a tabbed page interface, 3d fields, right-mouse button enabled menus, standard Windows color support and, full field-level context-sensitive help. OLE-client support allows Timecontrol to interact with external systems such as Microsoft Project.

Improved links to project management tools

TimeControl now interacts with external project management systems directly. Support for different control systems follows rules available to each system. In some cases direct interaction with the system's database is supported; in others direct access through OLE Automation. A Link Definition dialog allows the user to customize how TimeControl will interact with the other system and which fields will be transferred.

User Profiles provides field-level customization

In earlier versions of TimeControl, HMS Software pioneered the concept of a hierarchical interface, providing different functionality to different types of TimeControl users. Now, TimeControl 3.0 takes that to the next level by opening up the profile functionality to the TimeControl Administrator. The User Profile creates a set of rules which can be applied to any group, or even any individual TimeControl user. Profiles includes which menu items and reports are visible or enabled. Even individual fields can be defined as read-only, value-hidden or completely invisible.

Integration with Primavera's P3

TimeControl 3 now includes direct support for Primavera's Project Planner P3. This allows the thousands of Primavera users world-wide to integrate TimeControl directly into their project control environment. TimeControl uses Primavera's RA automation engine to access Primavera data through OLE Automation.

Enhanced reporting in Excel-like format

TimeControl reports now appear in an Excel-like format. This format is the one most recognized by financial personnel. TimeControl 3.0 reports can even be saved in Excel or HTML format. TimeControl includes Report Wizards to generate reports on the fly. Data can be selected from any field in any table, summarized, filtered and sorted to the user's specification at any time. Once defined, reports can be saved for later re-use.

Upgrading from version 2.0

TimeControl 2.0 users with a current maintenance contract will receive an upgrade to TimeControl 3.0 at no additional cost.

Pricing for TimeControl 3.0 for Windows starts at $595 for a four-user license.

TimeControl 3.0 is available for immediate shipment.


About TimeControl

TimeControl was originally released in 1994. It was immediately successful in the project management sector and today is recognized not only as a project management solution, but also as an enterprise timesheet solution in use by companies worldwide. TimeControl is designed as a multipurpose timesheet able to serve the needs of both Finance and Project Management simultaneously. It includes features such as a multi-browser, multi-device interface, a PC and mobile interface, vacation approvals, executive dashboards, extensive approval functionality, flexible reporting and links to project management and corporate systems which makes the timesheet product ideally suited for integration with existing systems in any organization. TimeControl's flexibility allows it to be deployed for use as a time and attendance, time and billing, project tracking and flex-time system. TimeControl is available both for purchase for an on-premises installation or as an on-line subscription in the Cloud.

To access the free Hosted TimeControl Trial site, visit our free trial page.

For more information about TimeControl, monitor the TimeControl blog at http://blog.timecontrol.org/ or the TimeControl website at www.timecontrol.com.

For information about TimeControlOnline, our hosted timesheet subscription service in the cloud, go to www.timecontrol.com/features/timecontrol-online.

For any other questions, please contact HMS Software at info@hms.ca.

TimeControl is represented around the world by our distributors in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Finland, Ireland, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Russia, Singapore, Sweden, Thailand, the UK, and the U.S.

About HMS Software

Based in Montreal, Canada with offices in Toronto, HMS Software has been a leading provider of project management and enterprise timesheet systems and services since 1984. HMS Software's first customized timesheet application was written in 1984. With the launch of TimeControl as a commercial application in 1994, HMS Software began servicing clients worldwide.

HMS Software's client list reads like a who's who of business. It includes Acergy, Aecon, Rio Tinto, the Atlanta Airport, the City of Montreal, the County of San Mateo, Electromotive Diesel, EXFO, FT Services, Kelly Services, Koch, Merck Frosst, the Government of Quebec, Georgia Pacific, Parker Hannifin, Rolls Royce, Sobeys, Volvo Novabus, Zimmer Inc. and hundreds of others.

For further information about HMS Software, please visit the HMS website at: www.hms.ca or contact us at info@hms.ca.