# Client Portal Time Transparency

> Feature allowing clients to view time entries, project progress, and budget consumption in real-time through a dedicated portal, building trust through transparency and reducing billing disputes through ongoing visibility.

- **URL:** https://www.kimai.org/documentation/plugin-customer-portal.html
- **Category:** Client Relations
- **Tags:** Transparency, Client Portal, Trust
- **Updated:** 2026-03-21 01:09
- **Canonical page:** https://timetrack.works/tr/items/client-portal-time-transparency

## Details

## Overview

Client portals provide clients with real-time visibility into time tracking, project progress, and budget consumption, replacing surprise invoices with ongoing transparency that builds trust and prevents disputes.

## Portal Features

### Time Entry Visibility
- View logged time entries
- See task descriptions and notes
- Filter by date range, person, task
- Export time reports

### Budget Tracking
- Real-time budget consumption
- Hours used vs remaining
- Projected final cost
- Burn rate visualization

### Project Status
- Milestone progress
- Deliverable status
- Team allocation
- Timeline updates

## Benefits

### For Clients
- Ongoing visibility (no invoice surprises)
- Confidence in value received
- Ability to course-correct early
- Informed budget decisions

### For Service Providers
- Reduced billing disputes
- Faster payment (no surprises)
- Stronger client relationships
- Differentiation from competitors

## Implementation Considerations

### Privacy
- Control what clients see (aggregate vs detailed)
- Hide internal notes and costs
- Show time but not rates (optionally)
- Team member privacy

### Customization
- Branded portal experience
- Client-specific views
- Configurable permissions
- Custom reporting

## Tools Offering Client Portals

- Kimai (Customer Portal plugin)
- Scoro, Productive.io
- Harvest (client access)
- Teamwork.com

## Best Practices

- Set expectations upfront about portal access
- Provide portal training to clients
- Regular reminders to check portal
- Proactive communication about budget status
- Use as tool for partnership, not just reporting

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