Overview #

The Tasks Module in ConMan (Construction Manager) allows you to manage tasks related to construction projects. You can view, add, edit, copy, and delete tasks, tracking details such as status, description, unit costs, speed rates, and team assignments. The module is split into two views: a List View for browsing tasks and an Edit View for detailed task management. It’s accessible from the ConMan Main Form and opens maximized for easy use.

This documentation guides you through the key features of the Tasks Module and how to use them effectively.

Getting Started #

1. Accessing the Tasks Module:
   • Launch ConMan and log in via the Main Form’s Login Screen.
   • From the Menu Screen, click the Tasks tile, or use the toolbar (Modules > Tasks).
   • The Tasks window opens maximized with the title “Tasks,” starting in the List View.
2. Interface Layout:
   • List View: A table showing all tasks (labeled “Tasks” at the top).
   • Edit View: A detailed screen for editing a selected task (labeled “Edit Tasks”).
   • Navigation between views is handled with buttons like Back or double-clicking a task.

Key Features and How to Use Them #

1. List View #

The List View displays all tasks in a table format, allowing you to browse, search, and manage them.

Features: #

• Tasks Table: Columns include:
  • Status: Pending, Active, or Cancelled (with icons).
  • Name: Task name.
  • Description: Brief task description.
  • Username: Assigned user.
  • Unit: Measurement unit (e.g., “m²”).
  • Unit Cost: Cost per unit.
  • Qty Type: Fixed or Comp (composite).
  • Speed (Qty/hr): Units completed per hour.
  • Team: Assigned team name.
  • Hidden columns: Id, Date Created, Date Modified, Hourly Rate, Speed (Hr/Qty), speed_update_id.
• Buttons:
  • Open: Refreshes the table.
  • New: Adds a new task.
  • Menu: Dropdown with Save Grid Layout and Restore Grid Layout.
• Popup Menu: Right-click a task for Edit or Delete options.
• Find Panel: A search bar (always visible) to filter tasks by keyword.
• Footer: Shows the total number of tasks under the Status column.

How to Use: #

1. View Tasks:
   • The table loads automatically, showing all tasks.
   • Use the scrollbars or arrow keys to browse.
   • Type in the Find Panel (top of the table) to filter tasks (e.g., “roof” to find roof-related tasks).
2. Add a New Task:
   • Click New.
   • A new task is created and opens in the Edit View for you to fill in details (see Edit View below).
3. Edit a Task:
   • Double-click a task row, or right-click and select Edit, to switch to the Edit View.
4. Delete a Task:
   • Right-click a task row and select Delete.
   • Confirm with Yes in the dialog box. The task is removed, and if in Edit View, you’ll return to List View.
5. Refresh the Table:
   • Click Open to reload the latest task data.
6. Customize the Table:
   • Right-click column headers and select Customize Columns to show/hide columns (e.g., Date Created).
   • Drag columns to reorder or resize them.
   • Save your layout with Menu > Save Grid Layout (persists across sessions).
   • Reset to default with Menu > Restore Grid Layout.
7. Count Tasks:
   • Check the footer under Status for the total task count (e.g., “10”).

2. Edit View #

The Edit View lets you add or modify task details, including costs, speed rates, and notes.

Features: #

• Fields:
  • Status: Dropdown (Pending, Active, Cancelled) with icons.
  • Description: Task name (short text).
  • Team: Dropdown to assign a team (from Contacts module).
  • Unit: Measurement unit (e.g., “m³”).
  • Unit Cost: Cost per unit (currency format, e.g., “12.50”).
  • Qty Type: Fixed or Comp (dropdown).
  • Hourly Rate: Hourly labor cost (e.g., “25.00”).
  • Speed Hr/Unit: Hours per unit (e.g., “0.5”).
  • Speed Unit/Hr: Units per hour (e.g., “2.0000”).
  • Note: Detailed task description (multi-line text).
• Buttons:
  • Back: Returns to List View (saves if changes were made).
  • Save: Saves changes manually.
  • New: Creates a new task.
  • Copy: Duplicates the current task.
  • Scroll Up/Down: Navigates to the previous/next task.
  • Menu: Dropdown (currently empty, reserved for future options).

How to Use: #

1. Edit a Task:
   • Open a task from the List View (double-click or Edit).
   • Update fields as needed:
     • Select a Status from the dropdown.
     • Enter a Description (e.g., “Install roofing”).
     • Choose a Team from the dropdown.
     • Set a Unit (e.g., “sqft”).
     • Enter a Unit Cost (e.g., “15.00”).
     • Pick Qty Type (Fixed or Comp).
     • Add cost and speed details (Hourly Rate, Speed Hr/Unit, Speed Unit/Hr).
     • Write details in the Note field (e.g., “Requires 2 workers”).
   • Click Save to confirm changes, or Back to save and return to List View.
2. Add a New Task:
   • Click New (from List or Edit View).
   • Fill in the fields (defaults to “Pending” status).
   • Click Save or Back to save the new task.
3. Copy a Task:
   • Click Copy to duplicate the current task.
   • A new task is created with the same details; edit as needed and save.
4. Navigate Tasks:
   • Use Scroll Up (up arrow) or Scroll Down (down arrow) to move between tasks without returning to List View.
   • Buttons disable when at the first or last task.
5. Save Changes:
   • Click Save to manually save edits (button disables after saving).
   • If you click Back with unsaved changes, they’re saved automatically.

Tips and Best Practices #

• Use Descriptive Names: Make task names clear (e.g., “Pour concrete foundation”).
• Track Speed: Enter Speed Unit/Hr or Speed Hr/Unit for efficiency tracking (only one updates at a time).
• Assign Teams: Use the Team field to clarify who’s responsible.
• Save Layouts: Customize the List View table and save it for consistent use.
• Double-Check Deletions: Confirm deletions to avoid accidental loss.
• Refresh Regularly: Click Open in List View to ensure you see the latest data.

Troubleshooting #

• Table is Empty: Click Open to refresh, or check your database connection with an administrator.
• Can’t Save Changes: Ensure required fields (like Description) are filled, then click Save.
• Scroll Buttons Disabled: You’re at the first (Scroll Up) or last (Scroll Down) task.
• Copy Fails: If the new task doesn’t appear, refresh with Open or contact your administrator.
• Search Not Working: Clear the Find Panel and try a simpler keyword.

Glossary #

• Status: Task state (Pending = new, Active = ongoing, Cancelled = stopped).
• Qty Type: Fixed = set quantity, Comp = composite/variable quantity.
• Speed Unit/Hr: How many units are completed per hour.
• Speed Hr/Unit: How many hours per unit.
• Unit Cost: Cost per unit of work (e.g., per square meter).
• Team: Group or individual assigned to the task (from Contacts).