Time Format
Like date formats, time formats can also be a point of confusion.
If 7:35 is entered, is that am or pm?
If a company spans multiple time zones, is the time entered applicable to a specific time zone?
As you can see, many questions can arise because of time formats. When recording a time, make sure that the format is understandable by the target audience. It’s important that you find out whether a 12 or 24-hour clock format is used and always clarify the 12-hour clock with am or pm.
It’s recommended that everyone at a company use the same time format. This may require the company to establish a documented policy and that personnel are trained.
If a computer-generated print out is used, and it shows a 12-hour clock format, but your organization uses a 24-hour clock, it’s recommended you clarify the correct time format. Likewise, when daylight savings time or other time changes occur, clarify time stamps if necessary.
