TOPIC: Defects and Summary in Red Color

I see a few entries here on the color subject of the summary text.  I have to agree that the red is scaring many of my clients as well.  I would like to see the ability to be able to color the "X" in the ratings boxes.  Therefore I would be able to put a red x in the areas that need immediate attention; a yellow x on items that are a caution and should be attended to at some time; and a green x for items that are good to go.  I would like to see the boxes with the red x show up on the summary sheet next to the item with the text being in a black color or a color other than red.  I would like to see a description on each page to let the clients know what each color "X" stands for and a short description of what the rating boxes describe.  Three letter designations are fine, but the client needs to be able to see readily what the three letters designate.  Do we have the ability to add more than three ratings boxes?

So, in a re-cap:

--Allow selection of a different color to the ratings X in the box
--Show the items needing immediate attention that show up on the summary sheet with the ratings box with the color X that we wish to use (red, probably)
--Ability to change the color of the summary and defect text
--Ability to be able to add more that three ratings boxes.

Robert,

You can currently have up to 5 rating boxes (which is actually the default, you must have removed some at some time), and you can change what they say to whatever you want. Look under Report Settings->Ratings. You can also designate what each one means by using Edit Documents to include a description of what the designations mean. Watch the animated tutorial on How to Edit Documents.

You can already change the color of the summary and defect text by going to Report Settings->Formatting. I recently posted that some guys switch this to green or another color  to avoid being called an alarmist (see some of the sample reports as I know some of them use other colors as well).

The problem with a simple rating bringing everything into the summary box is you could say 5 relatively minor issues and one major issue about something like the electrical panel. If you include all of them in the summary you're definitely going to have more problems as you're now including more issues than need to be included. Remember the check box effects that entire item, not just one comment.

The next release actually allows you to change the color of the ratings boxes and check box, but only to one color of your choice, not a different color for each check box. That is what the descriptions are for.

When you get a chance Robert, feel free to post one of your recent sample reports.

I don't know if I speak for everyone or just myself, but what I think would be the least confusing and alarming is this. If another spot on the damage panel were added similar to the red color click box (you can tell I don't know what they are called) which could send comments to the summary page in a color other than red. This could draw attention to certain comments as 'monitor this' type items maybe in yellow. Other programs, such as 3-D (which I had at one time) use clip art style icons for this. I think highlighted text looks more professional.

We're already working on a way to change all colors of comments. Many guys currently use 3 colors. One for selection panels (for maintenance and materials) then 2 more for minor/major defects (we should probably rename red/black buttons Minor / Major or something similar at some point since the colors can be changed).

Stephen's suggestion of creating another button with a 3rd color that would send items to the summary is probably the direction we'll head to keep things as simple as possible. Right now though we have several other large features in the works that need to be completed first.

Stephen's suggestion of creating another button with a 3rd color that would send items to the summary is probably the direction we'll head to keep things as simple as possible. Right now though we have several other large features in the works that need to be completed first.

Yep yep yep.  As it has always been.  Stephen's suggestions go to the bottom of the pile....  And you wonder why your cookies get lost in the mail....

You gotta get the cookies here first. Then the suggestions go to the top of the list. That's how it works!