How do you manage workload (what do you use?)

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tripp

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#205275 7-Nov-2016 08:58

So long story short, have/had a great system (ticket system) that would help with managing my work load etc however now need to switch to the one the company uses (which is a dog and very user unfriendly).

So the system I currently use I could management my support emails, keep notes, arrange my tasks, update users etc which was great.

New system can't do email, doesn't keep users updated and not really great for tasks and to do list. Only reason I now have to use it is so management can get reports on tickets/workload etc.

So I am after a new to-do list/task app etc.

I'm hoping for something that is web-based but also has an app, something I can forward emails too and it creates a task etc.

What do others user and why?

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#1664782 7-Nov-2016 09:27

Outlook (don't laugh). I'm using it for contract management and lower level project management.

Drag emails to task and vice versa. Drags tasks/emails to calendar and vice versa.

Rules to automatically assign custom categories and flags and move items to custom folders.

Easy and simple and syncs with mobile devices.

Mike

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#1664794 7-Nov-2016 09:28

Todoist is nice. Been using it for a few weeks (as I needed something myself) and have found it useful. Premium paid features aren't really what I need, but might be worth considering if you want calendar integration/colours/notes etc.

tripp

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#1664796 7-Nov-2016 09:30

MikeAqua:

Outlook. Drag emails to task and vice versa. Drags tasks/emails to calendar.

I was looking at tasks in outlook, I will have a little play and see.

Keep them coming people :)

meesham

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#1664797 7-Nov-2016 09:30

I primarily use the Redmine ticketing system but I also use the Tasks plugin for Nextcloud/Owncloud, it uses Caldav so there's heaps of apps that support it and the web app does everything I need it to.

MikeAqua

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#1664810 7-Nov-2016 09:34

tripp:

MikeAqua:

Outlook. Drag emails to task and vice versa. Drags tasks/emails to calendar.

I was looking at tasks in outlook, I will have a little play and see.

Keep them coming people :)

Edited my post to add bit more detail. Outlook is more capable than people realise.

Mike

RUKI

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#1664815 7-Nov-2016 09:52

I have been using

Gantt Chart Builder

add-on to the MS Excell from Bandwood Pty Ltd (AUS made) for almost 4 years in TelstraClear (for Change Management) and for 4 years in the current job to quickly generate the schedule of tasks assigned to different teams/subcontractors.

You can track performance with it (e.g. 75% complete) and embed Jeopardy Management into it (that is my Know-How but also dependant on the output from existing SQL DB)

It is way better than MS Project. It is cheap as dirt - $89AUD for 1 lic (transferrable from PC to PC as long as you use one at a time).

As long as you have start / stop dates in your excell spreadsheet (in my current situation - Excel Export from SQL DB) - you can have tasks generated in a Gantt View with color-coding, progress, completion etc.

For email notifications you may look at the MS Outlook options (Outlook to Access for example).

I've made enhancement to the SQL DB to generate email notifications based on multiple scenarious - e.g. task not reported as completed by the deadline - email notification goes to stakeholders...

TwoSeven

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#1664845 7-Nov-2016 10:38

If you have access to office 365, there are a number of apps that can be added to the workflow such as microsoft planner and sharepoint (which with exchange can be used with site mailboxes)

I suspect there should be some demos on youtube that give an overview.

I would mention though that the original posters needs probably fall into the CRM camp rather than the personal workflow management one.

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MikeB4

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#1664870 7-Nov-2016 10:52

Retired

networkn

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#1664871 7-Nov-2016 10:54

Wrike is good, Trello we use a bit.

tripp

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#1664872 7-Nov-2016 10:55

MikeB4:

Retired

Hate you

lol

Geektastic

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#1664891 7-Nov-2016 11:36

I've tried many but none really worked for me better than a notebook and a pen to be honest.

gehenna

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#1664893 7-Nov-2016 11:43

I've used tons of different GTD and todo apps over the years. Nowadays I just use Apple Notes (I'm on a MBP and iPad/iPhone predominantly) and it's great. It's come a very long way and the latest iteration is perfect for my needs - notes on the go, searchable, annotation and smart enough to import things from various locations.

Aside from that I manage my calendar actively and make sure it's constantly right - that can take a couple of visits to Outlook each day to make sure things are all kosher, or remove any cancellations that occur from time to time. And that gets synced to my Pebble so I always know where/when I need to be somewhere at a glance.

That's enough for my workflow lately. Since I've been working in management most recently I don't need to go to the nth degree with time management like I used to in professional services.

All that being said I still haven't solved the problem of last minute cancellations or being ambushed between meetings. You can plan and plan and plan but you can be sure each day something is going to throw a spanner in the works somewhere.

tripp

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#1664925 7-Nov-2016 12:15

gehenna:

All that being said I still haven't solved the problem of being ambushed between meetings. You can plan and plan and plan but you can be sure each day something is going to throw a spanner in the works somewhere.

Oh I have this part sorted already. What I do is just start running away yelling I can't hear you.

Geektastic

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#1664927 7-Nov-2016 12:20

tripp:

gehenna:

All that being said I still haven't solved the problem of being ambushed between meetings. You can plan and plan and plan but you can be sure each day something is going to throw a spanner in the works somewhere.

Oh I have this part sorted already. What I do is just start running away yelling I can't hear you.

"Let me introduce you to my friends. Mr Smith and Mr Wesson."

Wade

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#1664946 7-Nov-2016 12:45

We use Trello a fair bit, works fairly well

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