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Meeting Users Where They Are: Embracing Modernization with Laurel

If Marc Andreessen's observation that "software is eating the world" sounded like an exaggeration a decade ago, today it's a statement of fact. Software isn't a 'nice-to-have'; it's become the vital machinery of any competitive business. Here lies the challenge: how do you upgrade the engine mid-flight without crashing the plane?

6
 min read

The urgency to adapt in the digital age isn't just rhetoric for those in managerial or IT positions — it's a daily truth. Understandably, talk of change can cause more unease than excitement. You're grappling with the hard metrics of cost, the realities of team training, and the absolute necessity of business continuity. These concerns aren't obstacles to change; they are the very parameters that guide it.

If Marc Andreessen's observation that "software is eating the world" sounded like an exaggeration a decade ago, today it's a statement of fact. Software isn't a 'nice-to-have'; it's become the vital machinery of any competitive business. Here lies the challenge: how do you upgrade the engine mid-flight without crashing the plane?

It's a question we've taken to heart in building Laurel. 

As Maleesa Pollock, our Product Lead, notes, "We've designed Laurel to ease your transition into the digital world, addressing real-world concerns about efficiency and workflow continuity. Because a smooth journey isn't just about the destination; it's about maintaining operations en route." We’ve learned this lesson through our successes and failures as a company and product builders.

Laurel is built on a modern, cloud-based, mobile-friendly architecture. It shares the same DNA as the consumer software you use every day. The interface, the interaction patterns, the entire user experience is what you'd expect from modern software. It's not just how we're building for the future; it's how we're successfully serving firms today.

Here’s our updated entry creation flow that’s familiar yet powerfully enhanced when a user needs:

Our platform is already built to understand your workflow, not disrupt it. We've incorporated AI to serve immediate, practical needs: like drafting time entry narratives, predicting which client and task codes you're most likely to choose, and selecting them for you. This isn't a "future of work" abstract; this is part of our current feature set that firms are using right now to remove friction from daily tasks. We aim to make the transition not just smooth but practically invisible, all while delivering tangible improvements in efficiency.

Today's workforce—both incoming and existing members—expects modern tools. But it's not just about expectations; it's about what your business fundamentally needs to thrive. For a more in-depth look at how modern tools can directly impact your bottom line, you can check our comprehensive resource Maximizing Profit Through Operational Efficiency. In summary, the article demonstrates that contemporary software platforms like Laurel serve as strategic assets for maximizing profitability, streamlining operations, and creating a more resilient business model.

Navigating change management is a real concern, and it's understandable. The world isn't just changing; it's accelerating. To merely keep pace is to fall behind. Modernizing our operational workflows is not a destination, but a launching point for future innovation. Achieving this requires more than isolated efforts; it calls for a collaborative partnership between us. At Laurel, we're not just building software; we're constructing a future that's both familiar and powerful, designed to elevate your firm's performance. Let's work together to ensure that future doesn't just happen to us, but is one we've intentionally built.

Contact our Time Consultants (sales) to understand how we can make you more money today.

Ryan Alshak

Founder and CEO

Ryan was previously a litigator at Manatt Phelps, where he was ignominiously awarded the country’s worst timekeeper award. While Laurel’s current vision is to automate timekeeping for all professional services, ultimately, Ryan is on a mission to make the world aware of its time.

We transform time into strategic revenue with real AI.

Discover Laurel's strategic advantage in optimizing revenue.

We believe that well-spent days lead to well-lived lives.

Start using Laurel and feel the difference.

We obsess over timekeeping so you can keep your time

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A fresh start to the week! What needs to be accomplished?
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Don’t forget to take moments to stretch, snack, or share funny videos.
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You’re halfway through your week. Have you done the important things yet?
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The weekend is fast approaching! What are you proud of this week?
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It’s Friday! Close your laptop to soak up your surroundings— or keep it open to continue a project you’re passionate about.
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Deep breaths. Deep thinking. Deep conversations. (Or, you know, keep things light!)
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SU
Close your eyes and think about the week ahead. How will you value your time?
SU
A fresh start to the week! What needs to be accomplished?
m
Don’t forget to take moments to stretch, snack, or share funny videos.
T
You’re halfway through your week. Have you done the important things yet?
W
The weekend is fast approaching! What are you proud of this week?
TH
It’s Friday! Close your laptop to soak up your surroundings— or keep it open to continue a project you’re passionate about.
F
Deep breaths. Deep thinking. Deep conversations. (Or, you know, keep things light!)
S
Close your eyes and think about the week ahead. How will you value your time?
SU