Feature set
TimO relies on a modular structure made up of separate modules. ZEP Operations already includes the relevant features for project hours, project management and billing, and add-ons such as Resource Planning, Ticketing System and Terminal can be added. This generally gives ZEP Operations a broader standard feature set.
Time tracking, project time tracking
Both systems let you book project hours at different levels, from projects to subprojects. Real-time analyses are also available. ZEP Operations also lets you book hours on internal projects such as training or meetings, which makes analysis even more detailed.
Project administration
ZEP Operations and TimO support detailed project management, including subtasks and cross-project team assignments. Both solutions offer analysis options, but ZEP Operations goes one step further in mapping specific company structures.
Revenue & Costs
While both systems support hourly and daily rates and expense reporting, ZEP Operations stands out with additional features: the software lets you bill fixed-price projects, calculate internal transfer rates and manage surcharges such as night work surcharges.
Travel Expense Management
Both solutions simplify the settlement of travel expenses and take country-specific requirements into account. ZEP Operations offers versatile receipt processing that lets users photograph receipts and save them directly in the system to projects and cost centers, a feature that TimO does not offer in this form.
Absences & Overtime
Both solutions offer leave management with approval processes and integrated calendars. ZEP Operations, however, also offers public holiday calendars by federal state or for other countries, as well as a monthly closing that locks further bookings. TimO lacks these features.
Tickets, tasks & to-dos
Project tickets and subtasks can be created and managed in both systems. With the Ticketing System add-on, ZEP Operations extends this feature with status transitions, prioritization and optional customer access.
Resource Planning
Both solutions support graphical and tabular resource planning with a planned vs. actual comparison. With the Resource Planning add-on, ZEP Operations offers extended options, such as scheduling employees across projects.
Freelancers
ZEP lets you easily add freelancers and store project-specific hourly rates, which makes project delivery much easier. TimO does not offer this feature.
Locations & Departments
Both TimO and ZEP Operations can map complex company structures with locations and departments. ZEP offers additional features such as location-specific or cross-location analyses for internal cost allocation.
Target group
ZEP Operations is aimed at project-based companies, for example in management consulting, IT consulting and engineering, from small teams to large enterprises. TimO is designed specifically for small and medium-sized businesses.
Attendance
Both solutions let you track attendance with clock-in and clock-out functions. ZEP Operations also lets you compare working and project hours and provides a real-time overview.
Summary
The choice between TimO and ZEP Operations depends on your company's requirements. TimO is a solid solution for time tracking in projects, while ZEP Operations stands out with fixed-price billing, comprehensive travel expense management and add-ons such as Resource Planning. ZEP Operations is the right choice for companies looking for comprehensive software for their project business in addition to booked hours.
