Time Study Buddy

Newsletter - August 2011




New Features:  Added to the August update of the Buddy:


  • Custom Time Study Codes: Counties are now able to customize for their own needs:  1) the Fiscal “green-yellow-red” Indicator, 2) the Comment, 3) removing a code from supervisor calculations, and 4) completely removing a code if its no longer needed.
  • Reports:  Reports now also include non-allocable hours, and for continuous time studies, show both the total hours and the conversion to a mid-month equivalent.
  • Employee ID: This field has been added to each worker’s personal information.
  • Verify Payroll: Has been improved and is now ready to integrate with the upcoming payroll data uploads.
  • Comments: Administrators now have the option to carry-forward “worker comments.”
  • Other:  A number of other improvements were made.


Future Features:  These features will be available soon:


  • MAA/TCM: A version of the Time Study Buddy for MAA (Medical Administrative Activities) and TCM (Targeted Case Management) time studies is under development, with the first pilot scheduled for November 2011.
  • Training Videos: The Buddy uses videos instead of printed desk guides to help workers answer their own questions. The existing videos were becoming outdated and have been re-done. For easier access, we plan to provide links on each webpage to the relevant videos.
  • Payroll data upload: This will allow counties to upload their payroll data directly into the Buddy. The Buddy then compares the payroll information to the time studies and if there are differences, automatically begins a reconciliation process.
  • Electronic signatures: No more paper going back and forth. Both the worker and their supervisor will be able to electronically sign their time studies. This process will comply with generally accepted practices and regulations, including a complete audit trail. 


2-Minute Overview: As part of updating our training videos, we have created a 2-minute overview of the Buddy’s time study process. This video may be viewed at http://www.timestudybuddy.com/overview