How to Use the Project Management Dashboard in the CRM

1. Accessing the Project Management Dashboard

1. Log in to your CRM account.
2. Navigate to Project Management in the main menu.
3. Click on Dashboard to enter the central project hub, where you’ll find a summary of ongoing projects, tasks, deadlines, and team activity.

2. Navigating the Dashboard

The dashboard typically includes several key sections:

• Project Overview: Shows all active projects with quick-access stats, like deadlines, status, and project managers.
• Task Board: Displays tasks across different projects, often organized by status (e.g., To Do, In Progress, Completed).
• Calendar View: A calendar with project milestones, task due dates, and important events.
• Team Activity Feed: Updates on recent activities, such as completed tasks, comments, or changes made by team members.
• Performance Metrics: Graphs and charts showing project timelines, task completion rates, and team productivity.

3. Creating and Managing Projects

Creating a New Project

1. Click Add New Project on the dashboard.
2. Fill in the project details:
   • Project Name: The title of your project.
   • Project Manager: Assign a project lead.
   • Start and End Dates: Specify the project duration.
   • Priority Level: Choose the project priority (e.g., High, Medium, Low).
3. Assign Team Members: Select the team members who will be working on this project.
4. Click Save to create the project, which will now appear on the dashboard.

Managing Existing Projects

1. Select a project from the Project Overview list.
2. Use the Edit Project option to update details like deadlines, team members, or priority.
3. Update Status: Mark project stages as Pending, In Progress, On Hold, or Completed to keep everyone updated on progress.
4. Track each project’s performance through the Project Summary to monitor hours logged, tasks completed, and remaining work.

4. Task Management

Adding Tasks

1. Within a selected project, click Add Task.
2. Enter task details:
   • Task Name and Description for clarity.
   • Assignees to delegate work.
   • Deadline and Priority Level to keep schedules on track.
3. Click Save to add the task to the project.

Updating and Tracking Tasks

1. Track tasks in the Task Board or Kanban View.
2. Change task status by dragging and dropping it into the appropriate column (e.g., To Do, In Progress, Completed).
3. Use Comments to communicate updates or ask questions within each task, keeping relevant conversations organized.

5. Using the Calendar View

The Calendar View helps you visualize deadlines, milestones, and tasks across projects:

1. Access the Calendar from the Project Dashboard.
2. View task deadlines and milestones in a daily, weekly, or monthly format.
3. Click on individual calendar entries to view or edit details, reassign tasks, or change due dates.

6. Tracking Project Performance

Performance Metrics and Reporting

1. In the Performance Metrics section, view data on project progress, task completion rates, and team workload.
2. Use Reports to generate detailed summaries of time spent, resources used, and overall project status.
3. Export reports as PDF or Excel files for offline viewing, client presentations, or record-keeping.

Timesheets

For projects involving time tracking, go to Timesheets to log hours worked on specific tasks. This feature helps in billing, payroll, and project cost analysis.

7. Communicating with the Team

Team Activity Feed

1. The Team Activity Feed shows real-time updates on changes, task completions, and comments.
2. Click @mention in comments to notify specific team members, or tag a task as Urgent to prioritize it on the feed.

Notifications and Alerts

Set up alerts for task deadlines, milestone reminders, or project updates in the Notifications Settings. Email or in-app notifications keep you updated on project progress and important dates.

8. Tips for Optimizing the Project Management Dashboard

• Organize by Priority: Sort projects and tasks by priority level to ensure critical tasks are completed first.
• Set Realistic Deadlines: Schedule tasks and milestones realistically to avoid project delays.
• Regularly Update Status: Keep the dashboard up-to-date by marking tasks and projects as completed or updating statuses.
• Encourage Team Collaboration: Use the comments and activity feed to foster a transparent and communicative environment.
• Review Performance Metrics Weekly: Regularly check your project’s performance metrics to identify potential delays or resource constraints.

When to Contact Support

If your CRM or Project Management Dashboard includes support options, contact support if you encounter issues with task creation, project updates, or data synchronization. Most CRMs also provide guides for advanced features, which can help you make the most of the dashboard.

This dashboard empowers you to stay organized, meet deadlines, and work effectively as a team—key aspects for successful project management.