Skip to main content

Configuring Automated Time Logging in Pia aiDesk

In Pia aiDesk Platform 16, we introduced a new feature for Automated Time Logging, allowing MSPs to log time entries automatically in their PSA once an automation package is completed. This ensures that engineers' time is accurately tracked, providing transparent billing for clients.

Why Use Automated Time Logging?​

Automated Time Logging allows MSPs to:

  • Track time effortlessly: Automatically log the time spent on automation tasks without manual entries.
  • Increase billing accuracy: Ensure all tasks are properly billed to clients based on time spent by engineers.
  • Improve operational efficiency: Minimize the risk of time entry errors and focus on delivering services.
info

Supported PSAs: ConnectWise, Autotask, and HaloPSA.

How to Configure Automated Time Logging​

Step 1: Access the Pia Portal​

  1. In the Pia aiDesk portal, navigate to Configuration from the main menu on the left sidebar.

  2. Under Configuration, click on Tenant Settings.

Step 2: Enable Automated Time Logging​

  1. Scroll down to the Automated Time Logging section.

  2. Toggle the Status switch to “Yes” to enable the feature.

alt text

info

By enabling this feature, Pia will automatically log time for completed automation tasks.

Step 3: Configure Logging Settings​

  1. In the Apply to section, you can choose how you want time logging to be applied:

    • None: Disable time logging for all clients.
    • All Clients: Enable time logging for every client.
    • Based on Pia Tag: Enable time logging for clients based on specific tags.

    alt text

info

Choosing Based on Pia Tag gives you the flexibility to assign time logging rules to specific client categories. For example, you can create a brand new tag in the Pia portal, such as "Time Logging," to track automation tasks for general purposes, or create a tag based on the client's contract, like "Ad-hoc," to monitor tasks tied to non-standard agreements.

  1. Select who the time entries should be logged as under Log Time Entries As:

    • Pia User: Logs time as the user who starts the automation package.
    • The Ticket Assignee: Logs time under the ticket's assigned engineer.
    • A Specified PSA User: Logs time entries against a specific user in your ticketing system.

    alt text

tip

This option is particularly useful if your clients are using SmartForms, or if you want to log automated entries under a generic static user like piatimelogging@yourmsp.com. This ensures consistent and predictable tracking of automated time entries across your PSA.

Step 4: Set Time Logging Per Automation​

  1. Click on Set up time logging per automation to configure specific time logging for each individual automation package.

    You can adjust the time logged for each Pia automation, ensuring that the correct amount of time is reflected in your PSA for different types of tasks.

alt text

Step 5: Save Changes​

  1. After configuring the settings, ensure you click on the Save button to apply your configurations.

Step 6: Verify Time Entries in Your Ticketing System​

  1. Once the automation task is completed, Pia will create a time entry in your ticketing system. The entry will include:

    • Start time: The time the automation began.
    • End time: The time the automation finished.
    • Ticket notes: Any relevant details about the automation task, automatically logged within the ticket.

    You can verify the time entry under the ticket in your PSA to ensure it accurately reflects the time spent on the task.

You can verify the time entry under the ticket in your PSA to ensure it accurately reflects the time spent on the task.

Time Entry Verification for Different PSAs​

alt text

info

In ConnectWise, the Billable field will be automatically stamped based on the customer's agreement, ensuring correct billing.

info

In ConnectWise, time entries must be recorded up to the current time, meaning future time entries are not allowed. As a result, when Pia generates a time entry, it adjusts the start and end times to fit within the current time frame. For example, if a 20-minute time entry is generated at 12:30 PM, the end time cannot be set to 12:50 PM. Instead, the entry will reflect time "in the past" and will show as Start Time 12:10PM - End Time 12:30PM to ensure compliance with ConnectWise’s time tracking rules.