Start, Pause, and Stop the Timer
The live timer records your time as you work. Start it when you begin a task, pause it for breaks, and stop it when you are done — BusinessHRM calculates the total automatically.
How to start a timer
- Click the timer widget in the header to open the Start Timer form.
- Optionally choose a Project.
- Choose the Task you are working on. (Or tick Create New Task to make a new task as you start — if you have permission to add tasks. The memo becomes the new task's name.)
- Enter a Memo describing what you are doing.
- Click Start Timer.
| Field | What it does | Required |
|---|---|---|
| Project | The project you are working on. | No |
| Task | The task you are timing. | Required unless Create New Task is ticked |
| Create New Task | Creates a new task as you start the timer (needs add-task permission). | No |
| Memo | A short note about what you are doing. | Required unless an existing task is chosen |
In practice: either pick an existing Task, or tick Create New Task and type a Memo (which names the new task).
One timer at a time
You can only run one timer at a time. If you try to start a second timer while one is already running (and not paused), you will see "Timer already running." Stop or pause the current timer first.
How to pause and resume
- Pause Timer stops the clock and opens a break. The widget then shows Paused.
- Resume Timer ends the break and the clock continues.
How to stop a timer
- Click Stop Timer. The Stop Timer confirmation appears.
- Review the read-only Start Time, End Time (now), and Total Time (your logged time minus any breaks).
- Enter a Memo (required).
- Click Save.
The entry is finalised with the total hours calculated for you and any open break closed.
Active Timers
The Active Timers popup (from the header timer widget) lists currently running timers. The header also shows a count badge. With the right permission you can see and stop other people's active timers; otherwise you only see your own.
Permissions
| Permission | Controls |
|---|---|
| Add time logs | Starting timers and logging time. |
| Add tasks | Showing the Create New Task option in the timer. |
| Manage active timelogs | Seeing and stopping other people's active timers. |
Tips
- Always write a clear Memo — it appears on the time log and helps with billing and reports.
- Pause for breaks rather than stopping and restarting, so a single task keeps one clean entry.
- If your timer stops unexpectedly, a time-based project may have reached its time limit — check with your project admin.