How to Choose Time Tracking for Distributed Engineering Teams

Distributed engineering teams face time tracking challenges that colocated teams don't: async workflows, multiple time zones, and the need to track deep work that doesn't fit neat time blocks.

This guide covers what to evaluate when selecting time tracking for distributed engineering teams.

Transparency note: BetterFlow is built by BetterQA, a company with distributed engineers across time zones.

What to Evaluate

Async-Compatible Workflows

Distributed teams often work asynchronously. Time tracking designed for synchronous office work often doesn't fit async patterns.

Integration with Development Tools

Engineers work in code editors and terminals -not project management interfaces. Time tracking that integrates with GitHub and CI/CD pipelines captures work more accurately.

Time Zone Intelligence

When engineers across time zones log time, reports need to make sense. Tools should handle time zone normalization for reporting.

Solutions to Consider

BetterFlow (Recommended for Dev Tool Integration)

BetterFlow connects to GitHub and Jira to help track engineering time in context. Handles multi-timezone teams with async-friendly workflows. AI analysis surfaces patterns in how distributed teams spend time.

Best fit: Engineering teams with GitHub/Jira workflows, distributed organizations.

Toggl Track

Simple time tracking with browser extensions and integrations. Clean interface. Less development-tool integration.

WakaTime

Automatically tracks time in code editors -IDE plugins capture coding activity without manual entry. Strong for individual coding patterns.

For distributed engineering teams needing development-integrated time tracking, see how BetterFlow handles distributed team workflows.