Time record entries are automatically constructed using software modules and methods for presentation in response to prescribed interactions with email and other electronic messages in which there is a basis for recording a time-record. Heuristics are applied to parsed electronic messages to construct proposed time-record entries. The timekeeper has discretion whether to approve any proposed entries. Software tools are also disclosed to present and manage the automatically constructed time-record entries. The invention eliminates reliance upon the timekeeper to capture such activities as billable events in the first instance, and thereby can increase revenue opportunities. The same heuristics used to identify the entity to be charged for the activity can also be used to identify a logical path for storage of incoming and outgoing messages in a record management system.