Setting Up Your First Project

This tutorial will guide you through the process of creating and managing your first project in Custojo.

Creating a New Project

1. Navigate to Projects From your dashboard, click on the "Projects" module in the side menu.

2. Click "New Project" Look for the "New Project" button, typically located in the top-right corner of the Projects page.

3. Fill in Project Details Complete the project creation form with the following information:

   • Project Name: Give your project a descriptive name
   • Client: Select an existing client or create a new one
   • Start Date: Set the project start date
   • Due Date: Set the project deadline
   • Description: Provide a brief overview of the project

4. Set Project Settings Configure additional project settings such as:

   • Project Type: Select the appropriate project type
   • Priority: Set the project priority level
   • Budget: Define the project budget if applicable
   • Team Members: Assign team members to the project

5. Save the Project Click the "Create Project" button to save your new project.

Managing Project Tasks

Once your project is created, you can start adding and managing tasks:

1. Add Tasks

   • Navigate to your project and click on the "Tasks" tab
   • Click "Add Task" to create a new task
   • Fill in the task details including name, description, assignee, and due date

2. Organize Tasks

   • Group tasks into categories or milestones
   • Set dependencies between tasks if needed
   • Prioritize tasks based on importance

3. Track Progress

   • Update task status as work progresses
   • Add comments and attachments to tasks
   • Log time spent on tasks

Monitoring Project Progress

Custojo provides several tools to help you monitor project progress:

1. Project Dashboard

   • View key project metrics at a glance
   • Check progress against timeline and budget
   • Identify potential bottlenecks

2. Gantt Chart

   • Visualize project timeline and task dependencies
   • Track actual progress against planned schedule
   • Adjust timelines as needed

3. Reports

   • Generate project status reports
   • Analyze team performance
   • Track billable hours and expenses

Collaborating with Team Members

Effective collaboration is key to project success:

1. Team Communication

   • Use project comments for discussions
   • Mention team members using @ notation
   • Share updates and announcements

2. File Sharing

   • Upload and share project documents
   • Collaborate on files in real-time
   • Maintain version control

3. Notifications

   • Set up notifications for important project events
   • Ensure team members are informed of changes
   • Send reminders for upcoming deadlines

Best Practices for Project Management

Follow these best practices to ensure project success:

• Regular Updates: Keep project information current
• Clear Communication: Ensure all team members understand their responsibilities
• Realistic Planning: Set achievable deadlines and milestones
• Risk Management: Identify potential issues early and develop mitigation strategies
• Client Involvement: Keep clients informed and involved as appropriate

Next Steps

After setting up your first project, consider exploring these related features:

• Managing Your Team
• Time Tracking and Billing
• Creating Project Templates