FE Build: v5.2.98 / BE Build: v5.3.10
The July 2024 update for G.J. Software introduces major improvements and new features designed to streamline the scheduling process and Gantt chart functionality.
New Features and Changes
Schedules and Gantt Charts
Combined the Schedule Summary and Gantt Chart screens
We’ve made it twice as fast to access schedules and combined the best of the summary and Gantt chart screens. Critical Paths are now expanded by default, the Gantt chart can be snapped open/closed and save users' preferences. More colour-coding has been added to distinguish on-screen changes. All tasks are now searchable and tasks are sorted.
Dates moved to the header menu
Screen real estate is valuable. We increased the size of the schedule by 33% by moving the key dates into the header menu, giving you more room to work with. You can also click on the job number in the schedule to quickly navigate to job details to view important job information. Then click back to the job schedule to continue making edits.
Search tasks in schedules
Now you can search by task name, task number, cost center, or assigned resource in schedules. As you begin typing the results will begin to appear.
Click “Done” once to 100% complete tasks
No more double-clicking to complete a task. Just click done once to change the task completion to 100%. Double-clicking will change it to 50%. A third click will change it back to 0%.
New Done button colour scheme
Now done buttons have more colours so you can easily denote if they are completed or not. White buttons with an outline are 0%, light coloured are in progress, and dark coloured buttons are 100% complete.
Base date shading on Gantt Chart
More contrast has been added to the Done button and tasks on the Gantt chart to make it more obvious which tasks are in progress and which ones have been completed. When you switch on the Show Base Dates toggle the variance from the original schedule is denoted in a shaded box so you can see how far ahead or behind you are.
Automatically save Base Dates
When a schedule is created and saved for the first time the user is prompted to save base dates for the new schedule. Also, if no tasks are completed and the user makes changes to the schedule, then a task is made 100% complete, the system asks to save new Base Start/End dates. This enhancement improves reporting accuracy for offices by ensuring base dates are accurately reported.
Add notes for tasks
The 'Notes' column on Schedule and Schedule Template Gantt Charts now shows the most recently created note. Users can edit the latest note inline, similar to the Task Name column. An icon next to each note allows users to add new notes, opening the standard 'Add Note' dialog. When a new note is added, it appears immediately in the 'Notes' column as the most recent note.
Delete predecessors from the Gantt Chart
Users can now double-click on a predecessor line in the Gantt Charts to delete task relationships. A confirmation dialog with YES/NO options will appear, allowing users to confirm their choice.
Access purchase orders from schedules
Now printed job orders are available directly from the corresponding schedule task if they have been printed by the Estimator.
Edit resources directly from the schedule
The 'Resource' column is now an autocomplete field on Schedule Gantt Charts, including the Combined Gantt Chart. Users can inline edit resources for specified task types, with active Resources and Employees shown and sorted alphanumerically. Preferred suppliers for the cost centre are displayed at the top of the list and bolded for quick access. Deleting a resource will also remove the Creditor/Supplier for the associated Job Order.
Assign employee contacts to tasks
Users can now assign an employee to any schedule task. The employee selection list prioritises preferred CC resources in bold, followed by other active creditor/supplier contacts relevant to the current office. The "Users Resources" table is relabelled to "Employees Resources" and displays only active employees for specific task types.
Sequential task numbers
Task numbers and predecessors automatically update when a task is moved in schedules. This ensures all schedule task numbers in existing schedules and templates remain in ascending order. The $TaskNumber placeholder will be removed from the ToDo templates to eliminate any confusion.
Construction worksheet columns integrated with job schedule
Now Supervisors can update their worksheets directly from their job schedule. New columns have been added for Confirmed with, On Date and For Date.
Insert tasks after selected task
New tasks are added immediately after the selected task in the list. Task numbers and relationships are automatically updated to reflect the change.
Other Gantt chart changes
The 'Description' field is now editable from the Gantt chart table.
Hours 08:00-16:00 are no longer displayed in schedules.
New schedules are now added to the Supervisor's schedule report by default.
The 'Role' in To-Do tasks under the schedule task details is now optional (EM).
Construction Schedule List
Filter schedules by Supervisor
Now when looking at construction schedules you can select which Supervisors’ schedules you’d like to view. By default you will see All schedules. If a user is made inactive the schedule will appear in the Unassigned list until it is reassigned to another Supervisor.
My Jobs toggle
Now you can view just the jobs you’ve been assigned to in Construction, Preconstruction, and Maintenance and Warranty Schedules. Users are assigned to jobs from Job the Job Details screen.
Handover Date is now a dropdown
Date checkboxes now use a dropdown menu to manage the date status (set or unset) for improved clarity.
Preconstruction Schedule List
Preconstruction Worksheet filters
Preconstruction Schedule filters are now applied to the Worksheet view giving you more control over what you see on the worksheet view. When you select various filters and then click the Worksheet button, only the jobs from the schedules list will appear on the worksheet.
Authority to Commence Date is now a dropdown
Date checkboxes now use a dropdown menu to manage the date status (set or unset) for improved clarity.
Maintenance/Warranty Schedule List
Completed and Handover Dates are now dropdowns
Date checkboxes now use a dropdown menu to manage the date status (set or unset) for improved clarity.
System Administrator Features
The following features are only available to Corporate and Master users:
New 'Office Users' menu option under 'Setup' to search for any user in any office.
'Users' has been renamed to 'Corporate/Master Users' to avoid confusion.
Switch-To icon in Setup > Offices has been removed. Now you just click on the office row to switch to that office.
The following fields have been added to the Contracts Manager: Claim/Draw Rule, Schedule Template, and Floor Area.
Minor Updates
The Communications Report has been updated to display the Sender's name instead of the Salesperson's name.
Added validation for WIP to produce an error if it has already been produced for the selected period.
Web leads now require a first name and last name. This was done to improve data quality and mitigate issues caused when the contacts did not sync with Xero, which requires a first and last name.
Now when you change a Creditor/Supplier for an order in the job estimate, the contact's preferred order 'Send By' method is updated to be used for that order.
We improved the way cost centers are added to critical paths in Setup > Schedules to prevent users from accidentally changing the cost center the contract start date is based on.
Minor Fixes and Improvements
Our team has resolved various issues to enhance functionality and user experience across our platform. Below is a summary of the recent updates:
Financial Management and Reporting:
Corrected GST inclusive amount calculation on the Job Details report.
Fixed data inaccuracies in the Over Budget Invoices Report.
Resolved issues with Job Financials picking up voided transactions.
Fixed invoice duplication issues in Xero.
Addressed problems with invoices not being created in Xero.
Prevented WIP Journal from generating twice.
User Interface and Usability:
Removed deleted users from appearing on G.J. Hub - Employees.
Fixed issues when opening contacts.
Corrected errors when deleting any type of schedule.
Addressed server errors on Supervisor’s Schedule Report delivery.
Fixed freezing issues when users without edit permissions tried to save changes on the schedule.
Job Management and Scheduling:
Made specific AEL records clickable.
Resolved schedule dates and durations changing on the Gantt chart.
Ensured jobs are sent to the Intranet with Contracts Manager updates.
Fixed issues preventing the opening of construction schedules for specific offices.
Addressed issues with job orders not attaching the required system letters.
Email and Communication:
Resolved issues with emails not being received from the system.
Corrected US translation of the Color Consultant job position sent to middleware.
Prevented issues with editing site details after cloning previously published HLPs.
Lead and User Management:
Corrected routing of leads from HLP to the correct sales reps.
Fixed task names not updating on the calendar after changes in the task list.
Corrected sorting in the 'To' column on the Milestone Events page.
Miscellaneous Fixes:
Adjusted font size for text fields.
Addressed rows changing positions when editing start and end dates.
Resolved SQL errors in the Supervisor's Graphic Timeline report.
These updates aim to streamline operations, improve data accuracy, and enhance the overall user experience on our platform. Our commitment to continuous improvement ensures that we address system issues promptly and effectively, supporting your business's growth and efficiency.
Technical Updates
Moved configuration properties from static files to .env file.
Added first_name and last_name to API gateway for Leads and Career Inquiries.
Added first_name and last_name on BP for web leads from middleware.