Time Study Buddy

Newsletter - November 2010




New Features:  The following features were added to the November update of the Buddy:


  • Supervisor permissions:  For all workers in their units, supervisors may view, print, and make entries to their worker’s time studies.
  • Auto holidays:  Holidays can now be setup and pre-filled-in on the time studies.
  • Backup data:  A fourth level of database backup was added using an offsite service.
  • Error checking:  The Buddy now checks and prevents errors in time study entries within each cell, as the error occurs.  Common errors are with math or not using quarter-hour increments.
  • Training presentation:  A PowerPoint presentation including imbedded videos has been developed and is available to train your workers on how to use the Buddy.
  • Screens and reports:  Many improvements were made in the look and feel of web-screens and to printed reports.



Future Features:  These features will be available for the next (February) time study month:


  • Continuous time studies:  The capability to continuously time study will be added, including an option for caseworkers to do so as well.
  • Support staff:  This cost pool and related time study codes will be available for use.
  • Staff development:  This cost pool and related time study codes will be available for use.
  • EDP staff:  This cost pool and related time study codes will be available for use.
  • Cost pool shift reports:  Admin may allow workers to use the time study codes of other cost pools.  When this is done (although not common), reports will be available to show the shift in FTEs and cost pool dollars.  This also applies when “Extraneous” codes are used (i.e. custom county codes that are extraneous to the claim).



Case Study:  Attached is a case study about how Marin County maximized revenue in children's services by using the Buddy during May 2010.



Sample Reports:  Several sample administrative reports have been added to the standard fiscal presentation. The full presentation, including the sample reports, may be downloaded at: www.timestudybuddy.com/presents.pdf