Tracking your workflow

[DTB]

I used to have 10-12 files open at most times.
I used file folders for each upon receipt of the order.
The files got moved through a system of file bins mounted on wall next to my desk.
They went from scheduled to prepped to inspected to write up, to review and send.

After they were sent, they disappeared from view into a vertical filing cabinet to await payment. After payment, they went into a bankers box with a DESTROY date on it. When banker's box was full, it went into the basement until expiration date.

The outside of each file had the inspection date/time written with a Sharpie, nice and big. With a 3-5 second scan I could ascertain where each file was in the production line.

10-12 files open usually meant 5-8 scheduled and 4 or 5 waiting completions. The scheduled dates and times were easy for me to keep in my mind.

Simple, low cost, efficient system that the Mrs. could take a peek at and let me know if I called from the road if I was hazy on anything.

 

[Dale Floyd]

I use ANOW. It is ultra simple to use, keeps up with the progression of each assignment, has a mobile app, and tracks income, delinquencies, payroll, and clients. It does much more, and keeps my entire process paperless. It’s not free but very reasonable for basic use.

If you want free, notebooks and spreadsheets are about as good as it gets. If you want something a few steps above, I would strongly suggest giving ANOW a shot. I had hoped Titan would be a solution but it’s not user friendly at all.

 

[CANative]

I use an excel log that I created in combination with a 12-month "At A Glance" calendar.

Order in - entry into the log, create a digital workfile, call to schedule and write that in the calendar. Update the log and the workfile. Color coded for not not scheduled, scheduled, inspected, complete, and payment status.

 

[Overimprovement]

I useD an excel log that I created in combination with a 12-month "At A Glance" calendar.

Fixed it for you.

 

[CANative]

Fixed it for you.

You rat. I should have kept my virtual mouth shut.

 

[Brian Cooper]

I use ANOW. It is ultra simple to use, keeps up with the progression of each assignment, has a mobile app, and tracks income, delinquencies, payroll, and clients. It does much more, and keeps my entire process paperless. It’s not free but very reasonable for basic use.

If you want free, notebooks and spreadsheets are about as good as it gets. If you want something a few steps above, I would strongly suggest giving ANOW a shot. I had hoped Titan would be a solution but it’s not user friendly at all.

I think ANOW is the closest to what I'm looking for, but it's $30 per month minimum.

A spreadsheet is not much better than a notebook because it doesn't give me the calendar function I'm looking for.

Carrying more paper is out, as I don't generate any paper for my work now. This notebook is literally the only paper that I use for my business.

Any other suggestions? Is ANOW the only game in town?

 

[CANative]

How to make automatic calendar in Excel

How to create an automatic calendar in Excel to avoid and refresh manually your weekends or public holidays

www.excel-exercise.com

 

[Joe Flacco]

Google calendar is free. Accessible from all devices. Can put in people's email to share event. One touch navigate from your phone calendar. One touch to call if you put contact info in the event.

What I do is I have five calenders

1) Need to schedule (red)
2) due date (blue)
3) appointments (green)
4) completed (yellow)

I put in orders on due date in red (all day). After scheduled change to blue (all day). Clone event and change to appointment date (time slot). After completed change the due date event to yellow. I have two events for each assignment. Due dates and appointments. Then I use Wave for accounting which is free.

The while google business suite is good. Google voice for phone number and you can block and report numbers as spam, record conversations, set times for do not disturb. A lot of phone options with Google voice.

 

[Rlong]

I use anow, I don't like the fee but it is more automated than excel, it has many features I use and quite a few I don't. It also has a free app on my phone and stays synced.

Bob

 

[Chandler]

I use an excel log that I created in combination with a 12-month "At A Glance" calendar.

Order in - entry into the log, create a digital workfile, call to schedule and write that in the calendar. Update the log and the workfile. Color coded for not not scheduled, scheduled, inspected, complete, and payment status.

Mine is similar to this, Excel spreadsheet. Only difference is I also have a line item for estimated total driving distance and portal fees, if any (all for the CPA). I use this spreadsheet to keep track of what's in the pipeline, what has been completed and when payments are received.