When timesheets are used to update task time worked, you need to submit and approve the timesheet for the corresponding time period in order for the time period in order for the Actuals to apply against the Task.  Bear in mind that once a timesheet is submitted, it is effectively locked unless declined or re-opened by an approver or supervisor, so your users should only submit their timesheets at the end of the timesheet period once their time is complete.

However, any time you report via a Task update should appear on the Timesheet for the time period for which the hours were reported.  If you are not seeing time added at the Task Update level reflected on the timesheet, check that the hours worked were reported for the correct date and that the timesheet has not been submitted.

Although not an ideal way to monitor task time actuals, you are also able to export timesheet data via the Timesheets tab, which includes task time whether it's been submitted/approved, so you can monitor this time between timesheet submissions.

You know, if your users prefer to update Task time via their timesheet, you could always turn the timesheets on and disable the approval policy.  This way actual time is updated on a regular basis without the potential bottleneck of a manager neglecting his or her approval duties.  The users will simply need to remember to submit their timesheet at the end of the period.

Hopefully these give you some more options for now.  As with all eProject applications, there will be enhancments to Timesheets and the configuration options in future releases.  Let us know if you have any other questions about these or other areas of the application

Cheers,
Erik

If a Timesheet is not required for the person that added the Actual hours to the task or timesheet, then how are the Actual hours populated?  Are Actual hours still not populated until a timesheet is approved?  Another way to ask this: If an approval poilcy is in place, does it apply to everyone, even to resources with "Timesheets Required: No"? 

Thank you,

Lauren

What we have found is that no matter how you slice it, to get Actual Hours a Timesheet has to be submitted.  Users with Timesheet Required:No can still get a Timesheet (and will need to), the system just does not send notifications to such Users when no Timesheet is submitted.