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How to Extract Data from Timesheets Automatically

April 3, 2026

To extract data from timesheets, upload the PDF, photo, or scan to an AI extraction tool like Lido. It reads employee names, dates, hours worked, project codes, overtime, and supervisor approvals from any format, including handwritten paper timesheets, with 99.9% accuracy.

Timesheets still arrive on paper in construction, staffing, healthcare, and field services. Workers fill them out by hand. Supervisors sign them. Someone in the office types the data into a payroll or billing system. AI extraction replaces that typing step.

For staffing-specific workflows, see document processing for staffing agencies. For the broader extraction landscape, see best data entry automation software.

What data can be extracted

Key fields: Employee name and ID, date, start time, end time, total hours, break time, overtime hours, project/job code, cost center, supervisor name, supervisor signature/approval, and weekly or period totals.

{"headline": "Extract data from any timesheet. Even handwritten.", "subtext": "50 free pages. No credit card required. 99.9% accuracy on handwriting."}

See also document processing for staffing agencies, best payroll data extraction, and best handwriting OCR.

Try Lido for timesheet extraction →

Frequently asked questions

Can AI read handwritten timesheets?

Yes. Lido reads handwritten timesheets with 99.9% accuracy using AI vision models. This handles the real-world condition of paper timesheets filled out on job sites, in hospitals, and at construction projects.

What data can be extracted from a timesheet?

Employee name, date, start/end times, total hours, overtime, break time, project/job code, cost center, and supervisor approval. The AI handles both digital timesheet PDFs and photographed paper timesheets.

How does timesheet extraction connect to payroll?

Extract timesheet data with Lido, export to CSV or Excel, then import into your payroll system (ADP, Paychex, QuickBooks Payroll). The extracted data includes the hours, dates, and employee identifiers your payroll system needs.

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