We need a server based or web-based (preferably Palm-syncable or
Outlook syncable) way to assigning, managing, tracking, estimating
tasks for our hourly staff.

We have an exchange server and use outlook, but it isn’t quite cutting
the musterd.  Here is the process we would like to happen.


Our manager thinks of a new task or R&D projects that he would like
pursued.  He gets on his PC and enters the following info:
•	He defines the task (find me an on-line photo service that can print
onto XXXL t-shirts)
•	He defines the labor budget he is willing to pay (if it going to
take more then an hour on-line to find someone, forget it, we’ll just
go with silk-screening the shirts in Black and White).
•	He posts the task to a database, exchange server, web site, etc. 
•	One of the hourly staff members accepts the task
•	After an hour, he let’s the system know he has failed to find such a
site, and requests an extra hour to work on it.
•	The manager gets a notice and can approve/reject the extra hour
•	The worker gets notified
•	The manager can query the systems for reports.  Like if he wants to
know how many hours worker x has wasted on a project that seems to
have no end.  Or how many hours (of all the people involved) a
projects has used.


It would be great if the system was web-based, and Palm syncable.   

Can such a system be had, at a price that makes sense for a small
business?

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Request for Question Clarification by voyager-ga on 05 Aug 2002 06:40 PDT

Hi sherpaj,

I think I know what you're refering to. We're using a software called
PApp!Mercury ( http://www.nethype.de/documents/Mercury_english_standard_angebot.pdf
) which is a ticketing solution for something similar (internal task
management and customer relationship management). It is done by a
German company called nethype ( http://www.nethype.de ) which
unfortunately doesn't have an English version of its homepage as far
as I can see. But the product sheet above is in English and I know
that the software exists in different language versions. It's also
able to sync data with Outlook, but I don't know about Palm (we're not
using PDAs). I have no clue about the pricing. The program runs web
based in its default version and supports other interfaces.

Can you confirm if this is the type of software you're looking for?

Do you need a program that does what you need out of the box or would
you also consider (or even prefer) a configurable system? What about
Application Service Providing? (Or are you just using the program
internally?) Would you prefer a solution partner which is in the
vicinity of your business (which area are you located in?)?

voyager-ga

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Clarification of Question by sherpaj-ga on 20 Aug 2002 20:13 PDT

We need an out of the box program.  Can't be too expensive (we only
have 4 staffers).   Need to be able to fill out timesheet (or whatever
they call it) via Plam or web or PC.   Mac program would be a plus. 
Need to be able to see, at a glance, who is doing what, and if they
are done, perferably via web.

Regarding voyager-ga's comment on Palm, if the info goes into Outlook,
it will sync with the Palm PDA through the normal installation using
the Chapura ( http://www.chapura.com) Conduit called Pocket Mirror,
which is found in the CD Palm delivers together with the PDA or
separately at http://www.chapura.com/pm_professional.php

Good luck with your query !
Curepi

Actually, Microsoft Project 2002 and Microsoft Project Server 2002
create a system together that would fit your needs. With Microsoft
Project WebAccess (a new feature that requires a license to use as it
allows you to access MS Project features without actually having it
installed on your PC), your employees can receive tasks, submit status
reports as well as track active issues. Click on the link below and
take the tour and you will see it has all the functionality you are
looking for (i.e. task updates that can be input into a timesheet and
sent to a manager for approval, automated email notifications,
document sharing - linking documents to tasks, etc.) Because it is a
Microsoft product, it is fully compatible with Outlook.

http://www.microsoft.com/office/project/evaluation/epmtour/default.asp

Once you have taken the tour, you can get a trial version at
http://www.microsoft.com/office/project/evaluation/trial.asp for oonly
$8.00 and get pricing and service options at
http://www.microsoft.com/office/project/howtobuy/default.asp.