The document describes the key features and functionality of a communication tracking software. It allows users to view and manage projects, tasks, and discussions within projects. Users can create tasks and discussions, add messages to discussions, and log work against tasks. The software also allows searching across projects and has administrative features for managing users, projects, and settings.
2. Project List View
This is the first page that a user lands on. It shows the
projects that are assigned to the user. A project is nothing
but a communication room where all assigned users can
communicate with one another, and all assigned users
have access to all communication within the room.
The count of open tasks
(high, medium and low
priority) is also visible. The
project progress is
calculated from the effort
requirement of open and
closed tasks in the project.
The count of green, yellow and red
discussions in a project denotes the
health of the communication in each
project. Red indicates someone being
upset, Green indicates normal tone and
Yellow would be something inbetween.
3. Project View
Up to 5 recent tasks and up to 5 recent
discussions in the project are shown on the
project page. More can be seen by clicking the
'More' link (not seen).
The presence of a
Clock icon indicates
an effort driven
task. If you are
assigned to the
task, then you can
log effort by clicking
on it.
Based on the due date, the progress and possibly
the effort in case of the effort driven task, whether a
task is ahead of schedule or behind schedule is
estimated.
4. Starting a Discussion
Create a discussion with the title of the topic and the
subject of the first message under the topic.
Set the status (message mood): Green if normal, Red if
you are upset and Yellow to indicate a potential problem.
Add your message (formatting is possible with rich text
editor) and optionally add an attachment.
Once you click Save, a new
discussion page will be created,
and the message can be edited
by the author for the 15 minutes
from there.
5. Replying to a Discussion
One can go to the Discussion page and
add the reply (a message).
The status (mood) of the last message in a
Discussion defines the status of the entire
discussion.
The message is editable by the author for
15 minutes.
A message can be linked from outside.
The url can be obtained.
A message may be moved to another
discussion by the Project Manager as
considered appropriate.
6. Creating a Task
If a task is effort driven, then
the assignees will be able to log
their effort against the task as it
progresses.
A task is a to-do item. Set the due
date, priority, and assign it to the
right people.
7. Task View
Task view shows all fields of a task.
Use the Edit icons in front of
individual fields to edit their values.
Log shows task updates (in black)
and work logged (in blue).
If the task is an effort-driven task, then a clock
icon is shown. If you are an assignee, then you
will be able to click on it and log work against it.
8. Adding Work Log to a Task
A user assigned to a task adds work log to it. It involves
entering the description, actual time taken and % progress.
9. Search Results
The search is made across all the messages and tasks
under the projects to which the user has access.
11. Adding a Project (Admin only)
A Project may be considered as a
Communication room, where Users
assigned to it can inter-communicate.
12. Adding a User (Admin only)
Admin can add a user to the
Communication Tracker, and set
the user's profile and preference
information.
13. User Assignment (Admin only)
Assigning a user to project gives the user access to all the communication
that happens in the project.
The role that the user will play in the project is identified.
There is no differentiation between internal or external user. All roles
are functionally equal – except the Project Manager role, which has
special permission within the context of the project.
14. Settings (Admin only)
These settings have effect across the instance (site).
The logo and the header text
may be changed for branding.
Control over whether email alerts get only
the hyperlink to the message or also the
message contents.
15. Email Alerts
Alert Types
User alerts (go to the user)
New user
User updation
Discussion alerts (go to everyone in the project)
New discussion
New message
Message updation
Task alerts (go to assigner and the assignee)
New task
Task updation
Task completion
Task getting past its due date
Email alerts are automatically sent out from Communication Tracker. Each alert contains the link
to the corresponding item, and optionally the full item description (depending on admin settings).