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| − | == | + | == '''miniManager''' == |
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| + | miniManager is a collaborative task tracking tool produced by In-Synch Software. | ||
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| + | The Graphical User Interface is designed with careful consideration of how much screen estate is being used and features a unique 'project map' display showing all tasks in a confined space on the screen. This makes it possible to see the overall status of a project at a glance. A project is represented on the screen as a single 'node'. Tasks are also represented as nodes and displayed at a distance from the central project node according to the completion date. Connecting lines are displayed between the tasks and the project to represent the task hierarchy. A Task can also be broken down into sub-tasks and these are displayed in the same way, but with their connecting lines going from the parent task to the child tasks. Nodes are colour-coded to denote the current status (not started, in progress and completed). Heads-up display information appears as the user moves their mouse over portions of the project map, and warning icons are displayed next to the task nodes whenever the project participants need to be alerted to something (such as a task not being started or completed according to schedule). | ||
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| + | The system uses a Peer to Peer networking (PeerNet) layer to replicate project data between project members at near real-time. Other instances of the application are automatically detected on the network and become available as participants in the projects being worked on. The advantages of P2P include a much easier installation (with no server installation or configuration required) and no need to backup project data as it is always replicated with other instances of the application. | ||
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| + | The project manager delegates tasks to colleagues and it then becomes their responsibility to adjust the status of their tasks when appropriate. A delegate can create sub-tasks off the delegated task if they require a more granular break-down. Any change made to a task is instantly replicated to the other participants of the project and a built in alert system notifies participants that a change in the project has occurred. This provides a completely transparent way of working on the project and actively encourages staff to enter realistic targets and report problems at the earliest opportunity. | ||
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| + | The project manager sets a target completion date at the start of the project. The target and current completion dates are both shown in the heads-up display when the central project node is hovered over. The project node turns red when the project has slipped, or is displayed in blue if the project will be completed on or before schedule. | ||
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| + | Alerts received by each participant of the project due to changes in task status are retained in an alert history window allowing the team to review key events through the lifetime of the project. | ||
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| + | miniManager also provides an integrated chat system for quick communication with colleagues, a nag facility allowing the project manager to send customised messages to individuals or the project team, and a facility to import a new project from Microsoft Project. | ||
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| − | + | == External Links == | |
| − | + | - [http://www.insynchsoft.co.uk In-Synch Software home page] | |
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Revision as of 17:04, 18 January 2008
miniManager
miniManager is a collaborative task tracking tool produced by In-Synch Software.
The Graphical User Interface is designed with careful consideration of how much screen estate is being used and features a unique 'project map' display showing all tasks in a confined space on the screen. This makes it possible to see the overall status of a project at a glance. A project is represented on the screen as a single 'node'. Tasks are also represented as nodes and displayed at a distance from the central project node according to the completion date. Connecting lines are displayed between the tasks and the project to represent the task hierarchy. A Task can also be broken down into sub-tasks and these are displayed in the same way, but with their connecting lines going from the parent task to the child tasks. Nodes are colour-coded to denote the current status (not started, in progress and completed). Heads-up display information appears as the user moves their mouse over portions of the project map, and warning icons are displayed next to the task nodes whenever the project participants need to be alerted to something (such as a task not being started or completed according to schedule).
The system uses a Peer to Peer networking (PeerNet) layer to replicate project data between project members at near real-time. Other instances of the application are automatically detected on the network and become available as participants in the projects being worked on. The advantages of P2P include a much easier installation (with no server installation or configuration required) and no need to backup project data as it is always replicated with other instances of the application.
The project manager delegates tasks to colleagues and it then becomes their responsibility to adjust the status of their tasks when appropriate. A delegate can create sub-tasks off the delegated task if they require a more granular break-down. Any change made to a task is instantly replicated to the other participants of the project and a built in alert system notifies participants that a change in the project has occurred. This provides a completely transparent way of working on the project and actively encourages staff to enter realistic targets and report problems at the earliest opportunity.
The project manager sets a target completion date at the start of the project. The target and current completion dates are both shown in the heads-up display when the central project node is hovered over. The project node turns red when the project has slipped, or is displayed in blue if the project will be completed on or before schedule.
Alerts received by each participant of the project due to changes in task status are retained in an alert history window allowing the team to review key events through the lifetime of the project.
miniManager also provides an integrated chat system for quick communication with colleagues, a nag facility allowing the project manager to send customised messages to individuals or the project team, and a facility to import a new project from Microsoft Project.
