Overview

Introduced two new, independently configurable features at the customer account level to support specific timekeeping workflows: Zero-Hour Time Entry Release and Negative Time Entry Creation/Release. Both features are disabled by default and require explicit enablement by administrators.

Zero-Hour Time Entry Release

Allows users to release time entries with a duration of 0.0 hours to the connected Practice Management System (PMS). Can be enabled/disabled by Super Customer Admins within customer account settings. Disabled by default.

Additional Details:

• Utilizes the standard time entry release workflow and UI. Calendar release status indicators and time totals function as expected for zero-hour entries.

Negative Time Entry Creation & Release

Allows users to create, save, and release manual time entries with a negative duration (e.g., -2.0 inc). Can be enabled/disabled only by Laurel. Disabled by default.

Additional Details:

• Currently limited to manual time entries only (entries associated with activities or timers cannot have negative duration).
• All time totals displayed within the application will correctly calculate and reflect negative values.
• Utilizes the standard time entry release workflow and UI.
• Calendar release status indicators function as expected for negative entries.
• Merging negative time entries is not supported at this time.

Administration & Control

Want to turn these on? Simply:

• Zero-Hour Time Entry Release: This feature can be enabled by a Super Customer Admin. The setting is located in: Customer Settings > Billing > Entry Validation Rules.
• Negative Time Entry Creation & Release: Due to its sensitive nature, this feature can only be enabled by Laurel. If your firm requires negative time entries, please reach out to your Laurel representative, and we will assist with the configuration.

FAQs

Q: How do I turn this on for my company?

• A: As a Super Customer admin, you can allow zero duration entries to be released via your company settings profile (Customer Settings > Billing > Entry Validation Rules). If you would like to allow the release of negative time entries, please make a request into Laurel to turn this on.

Q: Will I automatically see these options for zero-hour or negative time entries?

• A: No, these features are optional and disabled by default. They will only be available if your organization's Laurel administrators have specifically enabled them for your account based on your company's policies.

Q: Why would I need to release a 0.0 hour entry?

• A: Some organizations require timekeepers to submit an entry every day, even if no billable work was done. It can also be used to document specific non-billable tasks that need to appear on records.

Q: When should I use a negative time entry?

• A: Negative time entries are primarily for correcting mistakes where you previously recorded too much time. Creating a corresponding negative entry allows you to adjust the total accurately.

Q: Can I create negative time entries for time logged with timers or activities?

• A: No. Currently, the ability to create and release negative time entries is limited to manual time entries only.

Q: Will my daily or weekly totals include negative time?

• A: Yes. All time totals displayed within Laurel will accurately reflect any negative time entries you have created or released.

Q: Will the calendar colors (release status) work for these entries?

• A: Yes. The logic works the same way as for positive entries. If a zero or negative entry is created on a day, the calendar indicator will show it's unreleased (e.g., yellow), and once released, it will show as released (e.g., green).