The Ultimate Guide To Managing Your Lockheed Timecard: Systems, Access, And Compliance

The Lockheed timecard system is the foundational element of the professional lives of hundreds of thousands of employees and contractors working for Lockheed Martin. As a global security and aerospace company, Lockheed Martin operates under strict federal regulations, making the process of recording labor much more than a simple administrative task. For those working within the Aeronautics, Missiles and Fire Control (MFC), Rotary and Mission Systems (RMS), or Space business areas, the timekeeping portal serves as the primary mechanism for ensuring accurate billing to government contracts and ensuring that payroll is processed without delay.

Navigating the internal systems can occasionally be complex, especially for new hires or subcontractors who must juggle multiple authentication protocols. The "Lockheed timecard" usually refers to the interface within the LMPeople portal or specialized labor accounting software like Deltek Costpoint or SAP-based systems, depending on the specific business unit and contract. Understanding how to access these systems, the importance of charge codes, and the legal implications of labor recording is essential for any professional associated with the firm.

This comprehensive guide delves into the technical and operational nuances of the Lockheed Martin timekeeping environment. We will explore the various platforms used, provide a step-by-step walkthrough for daily entries, and analyze the compliance requirements that make this system unique compared to standard commercial enterprises. By the end of this article, you will have a deep understanding of how to maintain your timecard effectively while adhering to the rigorous standards of the defense industry.

Accessing the Lockheed Timecard Portal: Systems and Authentication

Accessing your Lockheed timecard begins with navigating the LMPeople portal, which acts as the centralized hub for employee resources. However, due to the sensitive nature of the data and the company’s involvement in national security, simple username and password combinations are insufficient. Lockheed Martin utilizes a multi-layered security approach, often requiring an RSA SecurID token or a Smart Card (PIV/CAC) for internal network access. For remote workers or those using personal devices, the Exostar Managed Microsoft Entra ID or similar federated identity providers are the primary gateways.

Once authenticated through the secure gateway, employees typically look for the "Time and Labor" or "Labor Accounting" link. For most corporate employees, this leads to an internal web-based application. It is important to note that different business areas may use slightly different interfaces. For instance, employees integrated into specific legacy programs might still utilize Autotime or specialized Deltek modules. Regardless of the specific interface, the underlying requirement remains the same: a secure, encrypted connection that logs the user's IP address and timestamp for audit purposes.

The technical infrastructure supporting the Lockheed timecard is designed for high availability, yet it undergoes frequent maintenance windows, usually during off-peak hours or weekends. Professionals are encouraged to complete their timecards during standard working hours to avoid these windows. Furthermore, the system is optimized for specific browsers—typically the latest versions of Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome—and using unsupported browsers can lead to "session timeout" errors or failures in the "Submit" function, which can be particularly frustrating during the end-of-week rush.

The Critical Role of Charge Codes and Labor Categories

At the heart of the Lockheed timecard are "Charge Codes." These alphanumeric strings represent specific projects, contracts, or overhead tasks. Unlike a standard corporate environment where you might simply bill "8 hours of work," at Lockheed, every minute must be allocated to a specific Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) element. These codes are tied to federal contracts, and mischarging—intentional or accidental—can lead to severe legal consequences for both the individual and the corporation. This is why supervisors emphasize the "daily entry" rule.

Understanding your specific labor category is also vital. Whether you are an exempt (salaried) professional or a non-exempt (hourly) employee, the way you interact with the timecard differs. Hourly employees must be meticulous about recording exact start and stop times, including unpaid lunch breaks, to comply with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Salaried employees, while generally billing 40 hours a week, must still ensure their hours are distributed correctly across various "active" codes to ensure the customer—often the Department of Defense (DoD)—is billed accurately for the work performed.

If you find yourself without a valid charge code, the standard procedure is to contact your Program Management Office (PMO) or your direct supervisor immediately. Using an "unauthorized" or "expired" code can result in the timecard being rejected by the automated validation system. The system performs real-time checks against a database of active contracts; if a code has been "closed" in the accounting system, the timecard interface will prevent the user from saving their entries, necessitating a quick resolution to avoid payroll delays.

Step-by-Step Guide to Recording and Submitting Your Time

Recording your time on the Lockheed timecard is a process that should be integrated into your daily workflow. The most successful employees log in at the end of each shift to record their hours while the day's activities are fresh. To start, navigate to the Labor Accounting section within LMPeople. You will be presented with a grid representing the current pay period. Each row allows you to search for and add a specific charge code, while the columns represent the days of the week.

Once the codes are added, enter the duration of work for each day. It is highly recommended to use the "Comments" or "Notes" section if your specific business area requires a justification for the hours worked. This is particularly common in Research and Development (R&D) roles where auditors may want to see what specific milestone was being addressed. After entering the data, click "Save." Saving is different from submitting; saving allows you to return later in the week to make adjustments, whereas submitting sends the record to your supervisor for final approval.

The final submission typically happens on the last working day of the week (usually Friday, or Thursday for those on a 4/10 schedule). Before hitting the "Submit" button, perform a self-audit: ensure the total hours match your expected schedule, verify that no hours are logged on "unauthorized" codes, and check that any holiday or vacation time is correctly coded as "PTO" or "Holiday." Once submitted, the timecard is electronically signed, which serves as a legal attestation that the recorded hours are true and accurate.

Comparison of Timekeeping Systems and Methods

Depending on your role within the company—whether you are an internal employee, a contractor, or a specialized consultant—your interaction with the Lockheed timekeeping ecosystem may vary. The following table highlights the primary differences between the most common labor recording methods used within the organization.

Compliance and the DCAA Audit Environment

Because Lockheed Martin is a premier defense contractor, its timekeeping practices are subject to audit by the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA). The DCAA's primary mission is to ensure that the government pays a fair and reasonable price for goods and services. A significant portion of their focus is on labor costs. Inconsistent or "lazy" timekeeping is one of the most common findings in a DCAA audit, and it can lead to "disallowed costs," where the government refuses to pay for certain labor hours.

The "Daily Entry" requirement is perhaps the most scrutinized aspect of the Lockheed timecard. Auditors may conduct floor checks where they interview employees and ask them to show that their timecard is up to date for that specific day. If an employee is found to be recording time in advance (prospectively) or is several days behind, it can trigger a larger investigation. This rigor is why Lockheed Martin invests heavily in employee training modules that specifically cover labor accounting ethics and procedures.

Furthermore, the "Labor Redistribution" process is a critical compliance area. If an error is discovered after a timecard has been processed, a formal redistribution must be filed. This isn't as simple as changing a number; it requires a detailed explanation of why the original entry was incorrect and a signature from both the employee and the supervisor. This audit trail is essential for maintaining the integrity of the company’s financial reporting and its standing as a trusted government partner.

Troubleshooting Common Lockheed Timecard Issues

Even with a robust system, users frequently encounter technical hurdles. The most common issue is a "Locked Account," which usually occurs after multiple failed authentication attempts via Exostar or the internal VPN. When this happens, the first point of contact should be the Lockheed Martin Service Desk. They can reset credentials or help sync RSA tokens. It is important to have your Employee ID (GIN) ready when calling, as this is the primary identifier used by the IT support staff.

Another frequent problem is the "Charge Code Not Found" error. This usually occurs during the transition between fiscal quarters or when a project moves from one phase to another. If a code you used last week is suddenly missing, it likely means the funding for that specific WBS has been exhausted or the code has been deactivated. Do not guess or "park" your hours on a different code; instead, use a temporary "holding" code if authorized by your manager, or wait for the PMO to provide the updated string.

Finally, browser compatibility and Java issues often plague the LMPeople interface. If the "Save" or "Submit" buttons are non-responsive, try clearing your browser's cache or opening the site in a "Private" or "Incognito" window. Many of the legacy elements of the timekeeping software require specific plugin versions; ensuring your system is updated through the "Software Center" (on Lockheed-managed devices) usually resolves these display glitches.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the deadline for submitting my Lockheed timecard? While specific deadlines vary by business area, the general rule is to have your timecard submitted by the end of your shift on the last working day of the week. For most, this is Friday at 5:00 PM local time. However, many departments prefer submission by noon on Friday to allow supervisors time for review and approval before the payroll cutoff.

2. Can I change my timecard after I have submitted it? Once a timecard is submitted and approved, it is locked for payroll processing. If you discover an error, you must contact your supervisor or labor coordinator to "pull back" or reject the timecard. If it has already been processed into the ledger, you will need to perform a formal Labor Redistribution (LR) to correct the records.

3. What should I do if I forget my RSA token or Smart Card? If you are working on-site, your supervisor can often provide a temporary bypass or you can use a "Kiosk" terminal if available. If you are remote, you must contact the Service Desk to receive a temporary "Soft Token" or bypass code, which usually requires a secondary identity verification process.

4. Are "Contractors" and "Employees" using the same timecard system? Not always. Internal employees use the LMPeople/SAP-based systems. Third-party contractors often use their own company's timekeeping system, and then their hours are reported to Lockheed via the Exostar portal or a specialized Subcontractor Labor Entry (SLE) tool.

5. How do I record time for a holiday that falls on a weekend? Lockheed Martin usually follows a standard corporate holiday schedule. If a holiday falls on a Saturday, it is typically observed on Friday; if on Sunday, it is observed on Monday. You should use the specific "Holiday" charge code provided by HR for the observed day, and your normal work codes for the other days.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Mastering the Lockheed timecard system is an essential skill for any professional within the organization. It is the bridge between the technical work performed and the financial health of the company. By maintaining a disciplined approach to daily entries, staying informed about your specific charge codes, and understanding the strict compliance landscape shaped by the DCAA, you ensure your professional standing and the continued success of the programs you support. Always prioritize accuracy over speed, and never hesitate to reach out to your labor coordinator if you encounter discrepancies.