10.7. Configure Time Period Frequency and Duration for MSP Time Tracking

Time entry settings define the reporting periods technicians use when recording work. For MSPs, consistent periods make it easier for managers to review time, request corrections, approve labor, and keep billing cycles predictable.

Navigate to Settings > General in the sidebar to open Admin Settings, then select Time Entry (under Time & Billing). This section allows you to configure time period settings for time entries.

Figure 1: Time Period Settings with a monthly configuration — periods start on day 1, end at end of month, and the guidance box explains how to combine settings for semi-monthly cycles.

1. Open Settings > General, then click Time Entry in the Admin Settings sidebar.
2. Find the Time Period Settings tab. Existing configurations are listed with their frequency, start and end day, and effective dates; use Add New Time Period Setting to create one, or Edit an existing entry.
3. Choose the frequency unit that matches how your MSP reviews time. Available units are “Day,” “Week,” “Month,” or “Year.”
4. Set the duration for those periods. The duration determines how many of the selected units are grouped into one reporting period.
5. Review the choice against your approval process. Weekly periods can support frequent manager review, while monthly periods may align better with monthly billing routines.
6. Save the setting using the page's available save action.

After the setting is applied, the Time Entry screen groups work into periods based on your configuration. Users will see periods with statuses such as "In Progress," "Submitted," "Approved," or "Changes Requested," along with totals like Hours Entered and Days Logged. See Time Entry Periods: Status Tracking from In Progress to Approved for how those periods appear to users.

Changing the period structure affects how staff think about deadlines, so communicate the decision before the next reporting cycle starts. For example, if technicians at Northstar Accounting support move from monthly to weekly submission, managers should know when to expect the first shorter time sheet.

Operational tip: choose the shortest period your managers can realistically review. Shorter periods catch missing notes and incorrect work items earlier, but only help if approvers keep up with the queue.