Daily Logs
Daily logs are structured questionnaires for documenting project progress, client communication, and work performed. Each log is tied to a specific project and date, with automatic weather tracking and photo documentation capabilities.
What are Daily Logs?
Daily logs capture essential information about what happens on job sites:
- Client communication - Interactions with homeowners and stakeholders
- Internal communication - Team coordination and notes
- Progress photos - Visual documentation of work
- General information - Schedule updates, trade partners, issues
Unlike simple notes, daily logs use a multi-step questionnaire format with customizable questions organized into categories. This ensures consistent documentation across all projects.
Understanding the Form
Daily logs use a stepper-based form with four categories:
| Step | Category | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Client Communication | Document customer interactions and concerns |
| 2 | Internal Communication | Record team discussions and internal notes |
| 3 | Progress Photos | Upload images with descriptions |
| 4 | General | Capture schedule changes, delays, and other details |
Each step contains questions configured by your administrator. Questions can be:
- Required or optional
- Various input types (text, yes/no, date pickers, team member selection, etc.)
Creating a Daily Log
- Navigate to the project
- Click the Notes tab
- Click New Daily Log
- Select the project (if creating from another location)
- Choose the date (defaults to today)
- Complete each step of the form:
- Answer all required questions
- Navigate using Next / Back buttons
- Click Submit or Save as Draft
Only one daily log can exist per project per day. If a log already exists for the selected date, you'll be prompted to edit the existing log instead.
Draft vs. Submitted Status
Draft Logs
- Work in progress that isn't finalized
- Not visible to customers in the client portal
- Can be edited freely
- Shows "Draft" indicator
Submitted Logs
- Finalized documentation
- Visible to customers in the client portal (if enabled)
- Appears in project notes timeline
- Creates a permanent record
Submitting a Draft
- Open the draft log from the Notes tab
- Complete any remaining required fields
- Click Submit
- Status changes from Draft to Submitted
Adding Photos
Photos provide critical visual documentation:
During Log Creation
- Navigate to the Progress Photos step
- Click Upload Photos or drag images
- Photos upload immediately
- Continue with the form
Photo Requirements
Your administrator may configure:
- Minimum photos - Must upload at least X images before submitting
- Upload folder - Photos automatically saved to a specific project folder
Best Practices
- Before/during/after - Capture work progression
- Wide and detail shots - Show context and specifics
- Issues immediately - Document problems when they occur
- Caption when prompted - Add descriptions for clarity
Automatic Weather Tracking
When you submit a daily log, the system automatically:
- Captures weather data for the project location
- Records temperature, conditions, and precipitation
- Stores this with the log for historical reference
No manual weather entry required - it's handled automatically based on the project address.
Viewing Daily Logs
In Project Notes
Daily logs appear in the Notes timeline:
- Open the project
- Click the Notes tab
- Daily logs show with a special indicator
- Click to view full details
Quick View
Each log entry shows:
- Date and time created
- Who created it
- Summary of answers
- Photo thumbnails
- Weather at time of creation
Editing Existing Logs
To modify a submitted log:
- Find the log in the Notes tab
- Click Edit on the log entry
- Make changes in the form
- Click Update
Editing capabilities may be restricted based on your permissions or how old the log is.
Client Portal Visibility
Submitted daily logs can appear in the customer portal:
What Customers See
- Work performed descriptions
- Progress photos
- Team members on site
- General project updates
What Stays Private
- Internal communication notes
- Questions marked as internal-only
- Draft logs
- Cost/time information
See Client Portal Daily Logs for details on the customer experience.
Tips for Effective Daily Logs
Be Specific
Instead of: "Worked on kitchen"
Write: "Completed cabinet installation in kitchen. Upper cabinets mounted, awaiting countertop template."
Document Issues Early
- Note any delays when they happen
- Record customer concerns immediately
- Capture defects with photos before fixing
Maintain Consistency
- Submit logs at the same time each day
- Use consistent terminology across projects
- Answer all questions even if "N/A"
Don't Backdate
- Create logs on the actual work day
- If catching up, note it in the comments
- Weather data only captures current conditions
Reporting
Daily log data feeds into production reports:
- Daily Log Report - Summary across all projects
- Project Timeline - Chronological project history
- Photo Gallery - All progress images in one place
See Production Reports for available reports.
Troubleshooting
"A daily log already exists for this date"
Only one log per project per day. Edit the existing log instead of creating a new one.
Required questions not appearing
Contact your administrator - questions may be disabled or the form may need configuration.
Photos not uploading
- Check file size (max 20MB per image)
- Ensure image format (JPG, PNG, HEIC supported)
- Verify internet connection
Can't submit log
- Check all required fields are completed (marked with *)
- Ensure minimum photo requirements are met
- Verify you have permission to create daily logs
Related
- Daily Log Configuration - Admin setup guide
- Client Portal Daily Logs - Customer view
- Production Reports - Daily log reports