how to manage the time entry creation

  • Updated

The Time Entry feature allows users to register work performed directly within Neostella in a fast and structured way.

Users can create time entries from the Time Entries panel by manually entering time or by using a timer to track work in real time. This flexibility ensures that time can be captured both after completing work or while work is in progress.

All time entries are recorded consistently and are immediately available for reporting, project tracking, and billing (when marked as billable).

NOTE: For more information about your created time entries, please visit: ADDLINKTOZD

Key Benefits

Through the Time feature, users can:

  • Register time within the platform: Add time entries without leaving your current interface.
  • Flexible time tracking methods: Choose between manual time entry or timer-based tracking.
  • Real-time or post-work logging: Track time as you work or log it after completion.
  • Improved accuracy: Reduce missed or delayed time entries.
  • Consistent data capture: Ensure all time entries follow the same structure for billing and reporting.

how to create a time entry 

Creating a Time Entry allows users to seamlessly capture their work, without interrupting the use of Neostella. Time entries can be created in two ways:

  • By manually entering the time spent.
  • By using the timer to track time and then saving it as a time entry.

how to create a manual time entry

To create a new time entry by manually entering time, follow these steps:

  1. After accessing Neostella, in the upper panel click on the Time Entries icon. The ADD TIME tab is selected by default.
  2. Select the Project where the time will be recorded. 
  3. Select the Task Type associated with the work performed.
  4. Enter the Time in 0.0 or 0h 00m format. The platform automatically calculates rounded time based on the configuration.
  5. Select the Date when the work was completed.
  6. Enable or disable the Billable toggle depending on whether the time should be billed.
  7. (Optional) Enter an Internal Note to describe the work performed and an External Note if needed.
  8. Click SAVE. A confirmation message is displayed.
The time entry is immediately created and becomes visible to the user in their Time menu  for users to see their own time entries, view as well as within the Time section of the corresponding Project for users with project permission.
Users with full project permissions can view all users’ time entries within that project.

how to track your time using the timer 

To track your work in real time using the timer and create a time entry, follow these steps:

  1. After accessing Neostella, click on the Time Entries iconin the upper panel  The ADD TIME tab is selected by default.
  2. Navigate to the TIMER tab. All your timer cards are displayed. If there are no active timers, the message No active timer yet is displayed.
  3. Click the +TIMER button. The Add Project card with the timer is displayed.
  4. Click the chevron iconto expand the card details.
  5. Select the time entry Project, and the Task Type associated with the work performed. The selected Project is displayed as the timer card title, with the Task Type shown below it.
  6. Enable or disable the Billable toggle depending on whether the time should be billed.
  7. (Optional) Enter an Internal Note to describe the work performed and an External Note if needed.
  8. Once you start working in the activity, click the Start button . The timer begins tracking time for the chosen activity.
While the timer is running, the time entry fields cannot be edited.
While the timer is running, a visual indicator appears in the Time Entries icon.
If another timer is already running, a confirmation modal window with the following warning is displayed: There is already an active timer running. Starting another timer will automatically pause the current one. Click YES, START TIMER to start the timer.
  1. Click the Pause button when you stop working on the activity.
When the timer is paused, you can edit the time entry details.
  1. Once you finish your activity, click the SAVE button. Timer saved message is displayed. 

The time entry is saved with the tracked time and current date, and is immediately available in the Time menu and in the Time section of the corresponding Project.

how to delete a timer entry

To delete a timer entry, follow these steps:

  1. Navigate to the TIMER tab from the Time Entries panel.
  2. Locate the entry you want to delete. Ensure the timer is not running (paused or not started).
  3. Click DELETE on the timer card. The timer entry is removed.
Timer entries can only be deleted when they are paused or not started.
Running timers must be paused before they can be deleted.

how to edit a timer entry

To edit a timer entry, follow these steps:

  1. Navigate to the TIMER tab from the Time Entries panel.
  2. Locate the timer entry you want to edit. If the timer is running, click the Pause button.
Timer entries can only be edited when they are paused or not started.
  1. Click the chevron icon to expand the card details if needed. 
  2. Update any of the following fields: Project, Task Type, Billable toggle, Internal Note, External Note. Changes to the timer entry are saved automatically while editing. You do not need to click SAVE to keep your updates.

WARNING: Do not click SAVE until you are ready to register the time entry and have finished your activity.