A computer-based automated system has been developed to replace a cumbersome and error-prone paper-based system for recording employees' work times. The automated system minimizes the consumption of paper and eliminates the need for weekly pick-up and delivery of time sheets throughout the Kennedy Space Center. The computer-based system simplifies daily entry of times by employees, who select jobs worked from lists provided by supervisors. Employees "sign" their "time cards" electronically at the end of each week. Supervisors can review employees' electronic time cards daily and can sign the time cards of employees under their supervision at the end of each week, all electronically. The system accommodates reassignment of employees to different departments or supervisors, as well as replacement of supervisors who call in sick. The system software automatically enforces rules that control the processing of time-sheet, payroll, and project data, including rules on who can charge how much time to which account. The electronic-time-card system was compiled using Visual Basic incorporating SQL server.

This work was done by James W. Thorpe, James P. Williams, Larry D. Jewell, Doris L. Bailey, Debra S. Blum, and Shirley R. Curry formerly of EG&G Florida, Inc., for Kennedy Space Center.

Inquiries concerning rights for the commercial use of this invention should be addressed to Lew Parish, Technology Counselor, Kennedy Space Center, (321) 867-6373. Refer to KSC-12051.