New @ Laurel
Release Update

⭐ Release Notes: Updated Header, Status & Actions

Nick avatar
Shared by Nick • June 13, 2025

content

We're excited to introduce you to the updated Laurel interface, designed based on your feedback to make time tracking more intuitive and efficient.

New Global Header & Timesheet Actions

What's changing? You'll notice a new Global Header that keeps your time totals accessible at all times, along with redesigned Timesheet Entries that are easier to manage and perform better.

Why it matters

  • Your goals at a glance: Easily track progress toward daily and weekly targets and hover for detailed breakdowns
  • Take care of your time in bulk: Time Control access and Export to CSV allow you to manage time entries at a high level.
  • More robust timesheet sorting options: Increased personalization for timesheet sorting.
  • More efficient entry actions: Increased visibility of key actions such as delete, re-assign and merge.
  • Powerful on any screen: Better experience on laptops and standard monitors
  • Faster with more entries: Improved performance for days with many time entries

New Entry Status Colors for Clarity

EntryStatus.png
  • Yellow now indicates any entry that requires an action (Release or Missing Details)
  • Green shows entry content (Released, Release Pending) that is completed
  • This consistent color scheme helps you quickly identify outstanding actions across both days and entries

Two Ways to Show/Hide Work Activity

Expand / collapse Laurel’s Work Activity panel in two ways:

  • Dropdown in the global header menu
  • The expand/collapse control sitting in the right margin

We've designed this update to be intuitive, but if you have any questions, our support team is ready to help.

Release Update

⭐ Release Notes: Enhanced Compliance Rules: Block, Acknowledge, Warn

Nick avatar
Shared by Nick • June 05, 2025

We're excited to announce a significant upgrade to our compliance capabilities with the release of Compliance Rules: Block, Acknowledge, Warn!

This enhancement provides administrators with more granular control over time entry compliance, helping your firm reduce write-downs and improve time entry quality at the source.

This new feature replaces the previous binary "On/Off" toggle for compliance rules with a flexible four-tier enforcement model (Block, Acknowledge, Warn, Off) for each compliance rule.

Key Features & Enhancements

Four-Tier Enforcement Model: Each compliance rule can now be configured with one of four distinct enforcement levels:

  • Block: Prevents timekeepers from releasing a time entry until all critical compliance issues are resolved. Clear, specific error messages guide timekeepers on what needs to be fixed.
  • Acknowledge: Allows timekeepers to release entries with compliance issues after explicitly acknowledging the violation through a confirmation dialog. This applies to individual and batch releases on the Timesheet.
  • Warn: Maintains current functionality, displaying visual indicators of compliance issues directly in the narrative box without preventing release.
  • Off: Disables the specific rule, meaning it will not be checked during entry creation and no notifications or barriers will appear.

Granular Administrative Configuration: Administrators can now select the desired enforcement level for each compliance rule via a new dropdown menu in the compliance settings interface. Configuration options are available at the Customer, Client, or Matter level.

Hierarchical Control: Rules can be configured at Customer, Client, or Matter level, with more specific settings (e.g., Matter) overriding higher-level settings (e.g., Customer).

Seamless Rule Migration: All your existing compliance rules that were previously set to "On" will be automatically migrated to the "Warn" mode upon release, ensuring no disruption to your current workflows. Rules that were "Off" will remain "Off".

Why this matters to you

  • Reduce Write-Downs: Proactively stop non-compliant time entries from affecting your firm's revenue by preventing their release from Laurel. This follows the same entry validation as missing codes.
  • Enhance Time Entry Quality: Improve the accuracy and completeness of time entries directly at the point of creation, reducing downstream rework.
  • Flexible Compliance: Tailor your compliance enforcement strategy to your firm's unique business needs, ensuring rules are applied with the appropriate level of strictness.
  • Increased Administrator Control: Gain the precise control you need to manage your firm's billing policies effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is changing with compliance rules? A: We are replacing the simple "on/off" toggle for compliance rules with a new four-tier enforcement model: Block, Acknowledge, Warn, and Off. This gives you much more control over how strictly each rule is enforced.

Q: What do the new enforcement levels mean? A:

  • Block: Prevents timekeepers from releasing an entry until the compliance issue is fixed.
  • Acknowledge: Allows release after the timekeeper explicitly acknowledges the violation through a confirmation dialog.
  • Warn: Displays a visual indicator of the violation but allows the timekeeper to release the entry without additional steps (current behavior).
  • Off: The rule is not checked, and no notifications or barriers appear.

Q: How will my existing rules be affected? A: All your existing "On" rules will automatically be migrated to "Warn" mode, ensuring no disruption to your current workflow. Rules that were "Off" will remain "Off".

Q: Can I set different enforcement levels for different clients or matters? A: Yes, you can configure enforcement levels at the Customer, Client, or Matter level, with more specific settings overriding higher-level settings.

Q: Will this make time entry more difficult for my timekeepers? A: While stricter enforcement (Block, Acknowledge) might introduce new steps for non-compliant entries, it also ensures timekeepers receive clear guidance at the point of creation, helping them create accurate, billable entries that will have a higher likelihood of being paid. It helps reduce downstream issues and rework.

Release Update

⭐ Release Notes: Time Control Enhancement

Nick avatar
Shared by Nick • June 04, 2025

We're excited to announce the following enhancements to Time Control designed to improve efficiency and flexibility in managing time entries:

Bulk Release All ‘Ready to Release’ Entries

Super Customer Admins only can now release all time entries in the 'Ready to Release' state within a selected date range (up to 5 weeks).

This feature significantly reduces the time required for billing administrators to process large volumes of time entries.

  • A "Bulk Release" button initiates the process.
  • A date range must be selected before the action can be taken.
  • The date range is capped at 5 weeks.
  • Entries will be processed, and their status will be updated accordingly. Note: The status won’t immediately change to "release pending" but will do so shortly after processing begins.
  • Laurel restricts the running of multiple bulk release jobs simultaneously; users will be required to wait until the current process is finished (bulk release button will be inactive until it’s complete).

Export/Print Time Entries

Provides the option to export time entries within a specified date range, matching the applied filters, to a .csv file, which can then be printed if needed. This is available to all users.

  • A date range is required to limit the number of entries in the export.
  • The date range is capped at 5 weeks
  • The export will include all entries that match the filters applied at the time of export.
  • Once the export is ready, the system will send an email to the user containing the .csv file which they can then download.
  • Multiple exports cannot be run concurrently, and users will be notified of this restriction.
  • The .csv output will be formatted as: Date | User ID | Client Name | Initiative Name | Initiative ID | Duration Hours | Summary | Work Codes | Entry Status

Available to all users, but permissions will be different depending on role:

  • Timekeepers can only be able to see and export their own entries
  • Super Customer Admin will be able to create exports for all users
  • Customer Admin: They will only be able to see and export their own entries that they can see on Time Control
  • Delegate: They will be able to create exports for all timekeepers they have delegate access to
  • Super Delegate: They will be able to create exports for all users

Client Filtering

  • Enables users to filter time entries by client.
  • Displays all entries associated with a particular client, regardless of the matter.

Time Control: Delegate <> Delegator Access

  • Grants delegates access to their delegators' time entries via Time Control, including all available bulk actions such as re-assign, export, and multi-day release.
  • Allows users with access to others' timesheets to view their entries in Time Control.
  • Users can filter Time Control by user ID.

FAQs

Bulk Release

Q: Who can use the Bulk Release feature?
A: The Bulk Release feature is available to Super Customer/Laurel Admins only.

Q: What is the maximum date range for Bulk Release and exporting time entries?
A: The maximum date range for both Bulk Release and exporting time entries is 5 weeks. This is due to the amount of data potentially being released, so we needed to cap this.

Q: What happens to the status of entries after they are bulk released?
A: After bulk release, the entries' status will be updated accordingly. They won’t immediately be placed into "release pending" state, but they will be very soon after.

Q: Can I run multiple Bulk Release jobs or exports at the same time?
A: No, Laurel restricts running multiple Bulk Release jobs or exports simultaneously to prevent performance issues. Users will be notified and required to wait until the current process is finished.

Export
Q: How do I receive my exported time entry data?

A: Laurel will send an email containing the exported .csv file once it's ready. Which they can then download.

Q: Does the time entry export respect filters?
A: Yes, the export will include all entries that match the filters applied at the time of export

Q: What is the maximum date range for Bulk Release and exporting time entries?
A: The maximum date range for both Bulk Release and exporting time entries is 5 weeks. This is due to the amount of data potentially being released, so we needed to cap this.

Q: What does the Client Filtering feature show?
A: The Client Filtering feature displays all time entries associated with a particular client, regardless of the matter

Delegate Access to Entries via TC

Q: Who can see delegators' time entries?
A: Delegates can access their delegators' time entries via Time Control. This also includes anyone with the Super Delegate role.

Q: What actions can delegates take on delegators' time entries in Time Control?
A: Delegates have access to all the bulk actions available in Time Control, such as re-assign, export, and multi-day release, for their delegators' time entries

Release Update

🔄 Release Notes: Bi-Directional Sync

Nick avatar
Shared by Nick • June 04, 2025

We are excited to announce the release of Bi-Directional Sync (Aderant), a powerful new feature designed to ensure seamless data consistency between your Laurel timesheets and Aderant Practice Management System.

What's New?

Automated Multi-Daily Sync: Laurel now automatically synchronizes with Aderant multiple times per day. This ensures that any changes, additions, or deletions made to entries in Aderant are promptly reflected in Laurel.

Comprehensive Entry Field Synchronization:

  • Updates to Existing Entries: Changes to client information, initiative (matter), duration (with recalculation of all associated totals), description, and code fields (activity, task, etc.) made in Aderant will now update corresponding released entries in Laurel.
  • New Entry Creation: Entries created directly in Aderant for a timekeeper will now appear in Laurel, marked as "created via sync" and set to a "released" status.
  • Entry Deletion: When an entry is deleted in Aderant, it will also be removed from Laurel (soft deletion), ensuring your records are always in sync.

Clear User Visibility: Timekeepers will see distinct visual indicators in both the Timesheet and Time Control when entries have been modified or created via the sync. Days containing any sync-modified or created entries will also be flagged for easy identification.

Enhanced AI Model Training: The changes and new entries flowing from Aderant provide valuable training data for Laurel's AI models. This continuous feedback loop will further improve the accuracy of our AI-powered narrative generation and code/initiative predictions, leading to even smarter suggestions for your future entries.

Key Benefits

  • Reduced Manual Effort: Eliminate the need for duplicate data entry and manual reconciliation between Laurel and Aderant.
  • Improved Data Accuracy: Ensure your Laurel timesheets always reflect the most current and accurate billing information from Aderant.
  • Increased User Confidence: Trust that Laurel provides a complete and reliable view of your time, regardless of where entries originated or were modified.
  • Smarter AI Suggestions: Benefit from Laurel's continuously improving AI, learning directly from your firm's actual billing adjustments.

Important Notes:

  • This initial release focuses on integration with Aderant PMS. Support for other PMS systems will be considered in the future.
  • Real-time synchronization is not part of this release; multiple scheduled syncs per day are implemented to minimize complexity while meeting core user needs.
  • Bi-directional deletion (deleting in Laurel deletes in Aderant) is not included in this phase.

❓FAQs

How often does the sync run?
The system will run multiple times per day. The specific cadence is configurable by Laurel.

What fields are synchronized?
Initiative (matter), duration (with recalculation of totals), description field, and code fields (activity, task, etc.) are synchronized.

What happens if an entry is changed in both Laurel and Aderant?
If an entry has been modified in both systems since the last sync, the Aderant version takes precedence.

Will I be notified when my entries are changed?
Yes, entries modified or created via PMS sync will be marked with a distinct visual indicator in Timesheet and Time Control. Days containing any sync-modified or created entries will also be flagged in the calendar.

Does deleting an entry in Laurel delete it in Aderant?
No, bi-directional deletion is not supported in this phase. Deleting an entry in Aderant will delete it in Laurel, but not vice-versa.

Our firm setup has automated processes that entries after they’re released from Laurel (e.g., adding codes or trimming narratives). How does the sync handle these?
The bi-directional sync is designed to reflect all changes made within Aderant back into Laurel. This includes modifications applied by automated logic or integrations (like those set up in Boomi) that occur post-release. So, if your firm's processes modify an entry in Aderant, Laurel will receive and display that updated version, and the entry will be marked with a visual indicator to show it has been synced and updated.

Release Update

↩️ Release Notes: Edit Entries Post Release (Aderant and 3E only)

Nick avatar
Shared by Nick • June 04, 2025

Overview

The Edit Entries Post Release feature enables timekeepers to make corrections to time entries after they have been released to the Practice Management System.

Key Capabilities

  • Unrelease entry capability via Timesheet and Time Control
  • Entry modification workflow with intelligent re-release to ensure (1) Updates are applied to existing time cards in the Billing System and (2) Only entries that can be edited will be allowed to be updated.

Supported Workflows:

Timekeeper-Initiated Edit (Timesheet)

  1. Select released entries
  2. Amend with one click
  3. Edit as needed
  4. Re-release with automatic PMS update

Timekeeper-Initiated Edit (Time Control)

  1. Navigate to Time Control
  2. Select entries
  3. Unrelease
  4. Edit and re-release

Admin-Initiated Edit (Time Control)

  1. Select entries on behalf of timekeeper
  2. Unrelease for editing
  3. Entry becomes available for timekeeper or admin editing
  4. Re-release with intelligent PMS updating vs. having to delete the entry

If you want this turned on for your firm, please get in touch with Laurel and we can make this happen.

FAQs

Will this feature create duplicate entries in our PMS?
No, the feature includes built-in logic to identify and update existing entries rather than creating duplicates.

Will this feature delete entries in our customers billing system?
No, we will not delete entries in the billing system. Only provide the ability to amend them

What happens if an entry is no longer editable in the PMS?
Users will receive an error message, and the Laurel entry will be updated with the PMS entry details to maintain data alignment.

Which PMSs are supported?
Initially 3E and Aderant.

Will this feature be available in Timesheet and Time Control?
Yes, users can do it in either view

Release Update

0️⃣ Release Notes: Zero / Negative Duration Entries

Nick avatar
Shared by Nick • April 29, 2025

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).
Release Update

Release Notes: December 2024 Update 🎉

Nick avatar
Shared by Nick • November 28, 2024

Overview

This release introduces significant enhancements to your timekeeping workflow, focusing on intelligent assistance, streamlined entry management, flexible timer controls, and efficient multi-day operations.

✨ Enhanced GenAI Narratives

Our AI assistant is now more intelligent and responsive, providing contextual narrative suggestions throughout your workflow.

Key Features

  • Real-time narrative suggestions as you edit entries
  • Automatic updates when changing initiatives or modifying activities
  • Initiative-specific compliance rule integration
  • Full user control over AI suggestions

FAQs

Q: When will GenAI suggest new narratives?

A: Suggestions appear automatically when you:

  • Initially create an entry
  • Edit the narrative (after a brief pause)
  • Update the initiative
  • Remove or add activities
  • You can also manually request suggestions

Q: Will the AI suggestions follow my firm's compliance rules?

A: Yes! The system considers:

  • Your firm's compliance rules
  • Initiative-specific requirements
  • Your past approved entries
  • Current activity context

🎯 Entry Management

A new focused interface streamlines entry creation and editing, putting all essential information at your fingertips.

Key Features

  • New modal design with side-by-side activity visibility
  • Quick activity management
  • Keyboard shortcuts for rapid navigation
  • Centralized entry information

FAQs

Q: How do I access the new entry creation modal?

A: You can create entries through:

  • Selecting activities/work groups and clicking "Create Entry"
  • Using the "+" button on your timesheet
  • Through search results selection

Q: What can I do via the new modal?

A: You can do everything you used to be able to do:

  • Search and select an initiative
  • Edit the duration, but you can now see the raw duration of underlying activities alongside any adjustments you made
  • Create/update the description using all of our description support (GenAI, type-ahead, shortcuts)
  • Add/edit codes
  • Change date of an unreleased, manual entry
  • Duplicate an entry
  • View and remove an activity

⏱️ Timer Hub

A dedicated space for managing your timers with seamless timesheet integration.

Key Features

  • Centralized timer management
  • Flexible timer control with start/stop functionality
  • Customizable views (card and list layouts)
  • Color-coding options
  • Quick timer duplication
  • Timer removal
  • Seamless integration with Timesheet
  • Start/stop a timer from Timesheet and see it reflected in the timer Hub

FAQs

Q: Can I have multiple timers running simultaneously?

A: No, starting a new timer automatically pauses any currently running timer to ensure accurate time tracking.

Q: Can I start a Timer from the Timesheet?

A: Yep, just create an entry and start the timer from the modal - there is a two way sync between the two views to ensure everything talks to each other.

📅 Multi-day Controls

A powerful new way to manage time entries across multiple days with efficient bulk operations.

Key Features

  • Weekly time entry release in one workflow
  • Bulk reassignment between initiatives
  • Quick transition from temporary to permanent initiatives
  • Entry filtering and search capabilities
  • Direct access from release button and initiative menus

FAQs

Q: Does this change how I create time entries?

A: No, you should continue using Timesheet as your primary entry creation tool with all its features for high-quality entries.

Q: Is this available on mobile?

A: No, this feature is currently desktop-only.

Q: Do all validation rules still apply?

A: Yes, all existing release validation rules and quality controls are maintained to ensure entry quality.

Compliance Rule Awareness ⚖️

Compliance Rule Awareness enhances Laurel's compliance offering by providing visibility into billing guidelines during time entry, ensuring timekeepers have the right information at the right time.

⭐ Features

  • Real-time rule visibility during time entry
  • Dynamic rule updates based on client/initiative selection
  • Hierarchical rule application (Customer > Client > Initiative)
  • Comprehensive rule information including: Rule title, Description and Reference links (when available)

🔍 Rule Management

Time Managers can:

  • Set rules at multiple levels
  • Manage rule inheritance
  • Update rule details
  • Set expiration dates
  • Enable/disable rules as needed

💡 Benefits

  • Reduced billing errors
  • Improved compliance awareness
  • Enhanced billing efficiency
  • Better realization rates

📋 Entry Notes

Entry Notes enables timekeepers to provide specific billing instructions directly within time entries, streamlining communication between timekeepers and billing teams.

Features

  • Add billing instructions to individual time entries
  • Communicate special billing requirements (e.g., "bill at half rate")
  • Direct integration with PMS for billing workflow

🔧 Setup

Please contact Laurel to:

  1. Configure Entry Notes for your organization
  2. Establish necessary PMS integration
  3. Enable the feature for appropriate user groups

❓ FAQ

Q: Will this be available immediately for my company?

A: Not quite, please contact your Laurel representative to see if we can set this up for your firm depending on your PMS.

Windows Assistant Upgrade

Windows Assistant: Version 1.2.0.0 Release Notes

Nick avatar
Shared by Nick • November 08, 2024

Release Date: 6th November 2024

Download the latest: Click Here

  • Outlook <> FileSite Integration: Enhanced performance when working with FileSite in Outlook
  • Security: Now using latest dependencies and integrations with the latest security fixes
  • Local Caching: Improved capture stability by improving local database performance
  • Network Performance: Increased stability when working in slow network environments
  • Authentication: More reliable session duration with optimized token validation
  • Auto Re-start: Automatic assistant restart after errors or application updates
  • Window Capture: More performant and reliable tracking of rapid window transitions

Bug Fixes

  • Various general bug fixes implemented
New feature

New in Laurel: Enhanced Timer Functionality Now Available

Nick avatar
Shared by Nick • November 07, 2024

Release Date: 6th November, 2024

We're excited to introduce our new Timer Experience, designed to enhance flexibility and efficiency in time tracking. Here's an overview of the new features and improvements:

Timer Management

  • New dedicated Timer Hub for centralized timer control
  • Easy-to-use interface for starting and stopping timers on the current calendar day
  • Ability to edit timer details including duration, matter, and description
  • Seamless integration with Laurel’s Narrative Type-Ahead and Shortcut features directly from the timer modal
  • One-click timer duplication for quick setup of similar tasks
  • Option to remove timers when no longer needed
  • Compliance alerts to ensure your descriptions pass compliance rules

Timesheet Integration

  • Seamless pass-through of timer information to the Timesheet
  • The ability to start a timer within the timesheet view
  • All activities created from Timers appear in the Work Activity panel

Customizable Views & Color-Coding

  • Toggle between Timer Board (card view) and List View layouts
  • Assign custom colors to your timers projects for quick visual identification
  • Color synchronization across Laurel for consistency

Enhanced Sorting Options

  • Flexible sorting to organize timers based on your preferences
  • Sort by timer name, duration, or most recently updated

📘 Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q: If I change the color of a timer, will that be reflected throughout the application?
    A: Yes, the color change will be updated for all projects where you have assigned the color across the application, though it may take a brief moment to propagate.
  • Q: What information is duplicated when I clone a timer?
    A: The client initiative and narrative are duplicated. The duration is reset, allowing you to start fresh with the new timer.
  • Q: What happens if I delete a timer that has time logged against it?
    A: You'll receive a warning that any entries created from this timer will also be deleted, as timers are directly linked to the entries they create.
  • Q: Can I start a timer for a past or future date?
    A: No, timers are exclusively tied to the current calendar day to ensure real-time capture of work.
  • Q: Will the current in-line timer functionality still be available after the release of the new timer feature?
    A: Yes, we will support this functionality, but in our new modal design, so slightly different but our users will still be able to start and stop a timer from the timesheet view.
  • Q: Can I edit a timer card / list item after I've stopped it?
    A: Yes, you can edit the initiative and narrative of the timer, but any updates to the duration will need to be made on the Timesheet view prior to release.
  • Q: Is there a limit to how many timers I can have?
    A: While there's no strict limit, we recommend managing a reasonable number of timers to maintain accuracy and efficiency in your timekeeping.
  • Q: Can I have multiple timers running simultaneously?
    A: No, starting a new timer automatically pauses any currently running timer to ensure accurate time tracking.
  • Q: How does the new timer feature integrate with Laurel's automatic time capture?
    A: Timer activities appear on your Timeline alongside automatically captured activities, helping you identify any gaps in your time tracking.
  • Q: Will my timer data sync across devices?
    A: Yes, your timer data will sync across all devices where you're logged into Laurel, allowing you to manage your time seamlessly whether you're on your computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Thank you for your continued support and feedback.

For any questions or support, please contact our help desk at help@laurel.ai

New feature

AI-Powered Narratives & Streamlined Activity-to-Entry Workflow🚀📝

Nick avatar
Shared by Nick • September 12, 2024

Version: 2024.3.1 Release Date: September 12, 2024

We're thrilled to introduce a major update that revolutionizes the timekeeping process in Laurel. This release introduces AI-powered narratives and significantly enhances the activity-to-entry workflow, making your timekeeping faster and more intuitive than ever before.

🌟 New Features

GenAI Narratives

  • Automatic Generation: AI instantly drafts narratives when creating new entries.
  • Smart Contextual Analysis: Considers activity details, past entries, and compliance rules.
  • Instant Application: AI-crafted narratives are automatically applied to new entries.
  • Flexible Editing: Users can easily modify AI-generated narratives if needed.

Revamped Work Activities Panel

  • New Work Groups Tab: Dedicated view for easier work group management.
  • Enhanced Visual Hierarchy: Cleaner, more intuitive activity view.
  • Improved Organization: Reduce overwhelm with a more approachable layout.

Lightning-Fast Entry Creation

  • Multi-Select Functionality: Choose multiple work groups and activities at once.
  • Bulk Entry Management: Create new entries or add to existing ones in bulk.
  • Shift + Click Selection: Quickly select a range of items.

Advanced Search and Sort

  • Quick Search: Easily find specific activities or work groups.
  • Create from Search: Select search results to create or add to entries.
  • Customizable Sorting: Options for work groups include AI rank, duration, start time, and initiative prediction.

Focused Timesheet Mode

  • Collapsible Left-Hand Navigation: Maximize screen space for your timesheet.
  • Distraction-Free Environment: Focus solely on your time entries.

📘 Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I select multiple activities or work groups?

A: Use Shift + click to select a range, or simply click the checkboxes to select multiple individual items. The new selection action bar will appear for further actions.

Q: What does the GenAI narrative consider when predicting the narrative?

A: Three main things:

  1. The metadata of all activities either from work groups or selected activities
  2. The user's past released entries
  3. Any compliance rules set by the customer

Q: What happens if I try to assign to an entry in a restricted state?

A: Entries in states such as validation-pending, release-pending, etc., cannot have any more activities or work groups assigned to them.

Q: How do I use the new search to create an entry?

A: You can search both work groups and activities. In the new paradigm, select activities to create/update entries by checking the 'select all' checkbox or individual activities. Then, either add to existing entries or create a new entry. You can perform multiple searches to find and select more activities.

Q: What sorting options are available for work groups?

A: You have the following options:

  • AI Rank (default): Confidence in work group correctness, driven by AI team WG confidence
  • Predicted Project: Any WG with an initiative prediction will be at the top
  • Start Time: Sorted by the start time of the first activity within the work group (options: first to last or last to first)
  • Duration: Sorted by duration (options: ascending or descending)

Q: What actions can I take on work groups?

A: You have several options:

  • Remove WG: Removes the work group from the list
  • Remove activity from a WG: Removes an activity from a work group, but it persists on the timeline
  • Delete activity from a WG: Deletes the activity entirely

Q: What happens if I shift-select activities that include open time?

A: We will select the open time and add it as an activity in the entry.

Q: Is the 'All' tab defaulting to show only unaccounted time?

A: Yes, we're defaulting to showing unassigned time to speed up the workflow of assigning activities. This approach aims to streamline the process and provide a sense of accomplishment. Users can always change the view to see all activities if needed.

Thank you for your continued support and feedback. We're excited for you to experience the power of AI-driven narratives and our new streamlined workflow!

Thank you for your continued support and feedback.

We're excited for you to experience the power of AI-driven narratives and our new streamlined workflow!

For any questions or support, please contact our help desk at help@laurel.ai