Powerful Estimating Techniques and Methods

Options for Issue Log

Details of Issue Log will depend on intended audience and general communication needs of project.

Let's take a look at the available tool options for our Issue Log. The most popular options are word processor, spreadsheet, database, and collaboration/workflow tools. There are advantages to each and each can be appropriate in the right scenario. Table 13.2 provides a comparison summary for our Issue Log options.

Table 13.2. Comparison of Issue Log Options

Options	Pros	Cons	Best Scenario
Word processor	Low cost Simple Portable "quick and dirty"	Limited filtering, reporting capabilities Limited access, visibility Cumbersome as log grows Manual processes needed	Cost is key factor Team is co-located Only one person needs to update log Collaboration needs are minimal Low complexity level in issues tracked
Spreadsheet	Low cost Simple Leverage sorting, filtering, and reporting capabilities of spreadsheet pgm Portable	Limited access, visibility Cumbersome as log grows Manual processes needed	Cost is key factor Team is co-located Only one person needs to update log Collaboration needs are minimal Some need for sorting and filtering of data
Database	Allows for multi-user updates Better data relationships Better reporting Enforce process and business rules	Increased setup and admin time Increased costs Not as portable Training may be needed	Many team members need to have access and update capabilities
Collaboration Tools	Web-enabled All advantages of database tool Map process flow Automatic notifications	Increased setup and admin time Increased costs Training may be needed	Workflow process is more involved Team is distributed, virtual Communication needs are non-trivial

caution

These are the issue types that tend to linger and that can come back to bite you. Take charge of these right away.