Using Google Sheets for a daily timesheet template offers many advantages, especially in terms of collaboration and accessibility. However, there are also some drawbacks to consider:

1. Not mobile/tablet friendly:
   • Google Sheets can be a nightmare to enter data on mobile on site. Digital timesheets should be mobile-first as they are often filled out on phone as soon as a shift has ended. See an example of a Dashpivot mobile daily timesheet:
2. Error-prone:
   • Like any manual data entry process, inputting timesheet data into Google Sheets can lead to human errors. This includes mistyped hours, incorrect formula application, or overwriting existing data.
3. Lack of Advanced Features:
   • Dedicated timesheet software often comes with features like automatic overtime calculations, advanced reporting, and more integrated approval workflows. Google Sheets does not inherently offer these without complex scripting.
4. Security Concerns:
   • While Google Sheets provides sharing and permission options, there's always a risk of oversharing, potentially allowing unauthorised access to sensitive data.
5. Limited Audit Trail:
   • Although Google Sheets has a version history that shows changes over time, it doesn't provide a detailed audit trail to track who made specific edits and when.
6. Scalability Issues:
   • As the number of employees or complexity of timesheet requirements grows, managing the data in Google Sheets can become cumbersome.
7. Potential for Performance Issues:
   • For very large sheets with lots of data or complex formulas, performance can become an issue, leading to slower load times.
8. Integration Challenges:
   • Google Sheets might not integrate seamlessly with other systems like payroll or HRM software, necessitating manual data transfers or third-party integrations.
9. Limited Customisation & Automation:
   • While Google Sheets is flexible and supports scripting via Google Apps Script, creating custom automations or advanced features might require specialized knowledge and can be time-consuming.
10. No Built-in Reminders or Notifications:
    • Unlike dedicated timesheet apps, Google Sheets doesn't send reminders to employees to fill in their timesheets or notify managers to approve them.
11. Dependency on Internet Connection:
    • Although there's an offline mode, Google Sheets primarily works online. If there's an internet outage or if employees are in an area without internet, updating timesheets in real-time becomes a challenge.
12. Risk of Data Loss:
    • Although rare, there's always a risk of data loss or corruption. While Google Sheets does have version history, recovering large amounts of data can be tedious.

Despite these drawbacks, Google Sheets remains a valuable tool for small businesses or teams with straightforward timesheet needs, especially when the benefits of real-time collaboration and easy accessibility are highly valued.

However, as a company scales or requires more intricate timesheet functionalities, dedicated software for daily timesheets might be a more suitable solution.

See how you can use a fully digital solution instead of a Google Sheets daily timesheet template below.