If you are reading this blog, you must be looking for desktop Monitoring Software to track your employee activities. However, investing in software that will monitor all the desktop activities of your employee is a big thing. You need to factor in various things like security, price, etc., before you go ahead and opt for one.
In order to ease your decision-making process, we have curated a complete guide that will help you in choosing the right employee desktop tracking tool. Make sure to stick to the end of this blog to make the right decision.
Factors to Consider While Choosing Desktop Monitoring Software
We are listing out ten important factors that you need to think about before you opt for any desktop monitoring software.
Compatibility with Operating Systems
While most businesses use Windows, there are so many that opt for MacOS or Linux. It is important to have your hands on software that is compatible with multiple operating systems. This compatibility will ensure that your software is reliable and works seamlessly without any disruptions.
Real-Time Activity Tracking
Employee desktop monitoring software like Time Champ will provide you with real-time activity tracking of the employees. This means that you will have access to all the activities that your employees have done right from the time they have logged in.
Time Champ divides the time spent on the computer into three categories- Productive, Unproductive and neutral. You will know how much time your employee spends productively, the unproductive apps and websites they have accessed, along with their neutral time.
Screenshots and Video Recording
Screenshots and video recordings capture visual records of an employee’s desktop activities. While useful for auditing and troubleshooting, this feature must be used judiciously to balance productivity monitoring and employee privacy.
Keystroke Logging
Keystroke logging records the keystrokes made by employees, allowing you to view the content of their typed messages. This feature can be sensitive due to privacy concerns, so its use should be carefully considered and communicated to employees.
Apart from keystroke logging, Time Champ also provides you with mouse click tracking. You can use this feature.
Remote Access and Control
Remote access and control enable administrators to remotely view and control an employee’s desktop. It aids in providing technical support and resolving issues efficiently, especially in remote work scenarios.
Data Security and Privacy Features
Robust data security and privacy features are essential. Encryption ensures that the collected data remains confidential. Secure data storage prevents unauthorised access. Role-based access controls limit who can view and manage monitoring data.
Scalability for Growing Organisations
Scalability is crucial for organisations expecting growth. The software should handle an increasing number of monitored devices and users without compromising performance. Ensure that the software’s architecture and capabilities can accommodate your organisation’s expansion.
Time Champ flexibilities grow along with your organisation.
User-friendliness and Ease of Deployment
The software should have an intuitive user interface that simplifies configuration and monitoring. Easy deployment reduces the learning curve for administrators and ensures swift implementation across the organisation.
Integration with Other Tools and Software
Integration with existing tools and software streamlines workflows and enhances the monitoring’s effectiveness. Consider whether the software can connect with project management, time tracking, or employee management systems to provide a comprehensive overview of productivity and performance.
Time Champ is capable of integrating with most of the software and tools that are being used in an organisation. Right from project management tools like Trello to HR software like Keka, the tool can be integrated with various other tools.
If you are not using any of the business tools that are available in the market, you can leverage in-built features like the HR tool and project management tool in Time Champ itself. Our cutting-edge features have helped so many organisations already.
Different Types of Employee Monitoring Software
There are various types of employee monitoring software available in the market. Let us explore all of these types, and you can opt for the one that aligns with your requirement.
1. Agent-Based Monitoring Software:
Agent-based monitoring software requires the installation of a small software component, known as an agent, on each monitored device. This agent collects data about the user’s activities and sends it back to a central server for analysis. Agent-based solutions offer in-depth monitoring capabilities and can provide detailed insights into application usage, website visits, keystrokes, and more. They are often considered more comprehensive due to their direct access to local system data. However, they might involve higher setup complexity and require regular updates to the agent software.
Advantages :
a. Provides detailed and real-time insights into user activities.
b. Offers a comprehensive view of desktop interactions.
c. It can capture data even when the device is offline.
Disadvantages :
a. Requires installation and maintenance of agents on each device.
b. Potential impact on system resources and performance.
c. Higher initial setup and management efforts.
2. Agentless Monitoring Software:
Agentless monitoring software operates without installing any software components on the monitored devices. Instead, it relies on network-level monitoring and data collection. This type of solution often uses network traffic analysis to determine which applications are being used and websites visited. While agentless solutions are easier to deploy and have a lower impact on device performance, they might not offer as granular insights as agent-based solutions.
Advantages :
a. Simple deployment without requiring software installation on devices.
b. Minimal impact on device performance.
c. Well-suited for organisations with security and privacy concerns.
Disadvantages :
a. It may have limitations in terms of data granularity.
b. It cannot capture data from offline devices.
c. Network-based monitoring might not provide detailed insights into application usage.
This post first appeared on Employee Monitoring In A Remote Environment: Tips For Success, please read the originial post: here
