New Features

27. November 2024

New feature Streamlining of context menus

Feature Screenshot 1
  • All context menus (or 3-point menus) now offer the same functions across the entire platform.
  • This means that projects, sub-projects, work packages and tasks in all areas of Octaved Flow have the same functions availiable in their context menus.
  • Previously, there were different functions in the menus of the different areas. These menus have now been standardized to increase user-friendliness.
  • In the Planning area in particular, all functions are now directly accessible.

New feature Context menu available in table view

Feature Screenshot 1
  • The context menu is now also available in the table view.
  • The special feature here is that the context menu can be called up via a right klick in the table view.
  • This allows to access important functions even more quickly when planning projects in the table view.

New feature Context menu > More

Feature Screenshot 1
  • Additional functions are available in the context menu under More.
  • Functions that were previously distributed in different places are now available in one central location.
  • This enables even better usability and quicker access to important functions, especially for project planning.

New feature Insert before/after

Feature Screenshot 1
  • In the context menu under New > New work package, a work package can now also be inserted before and after the selected work package.
  • This makes it easier to create new work packages in the right place.
  • The function Insert before or after is also available for sub-projects.
  • For sub-projects, there is also the option to create another sub-project within.

New feature Change time input from dropdown to text field input

Feature Screenshot 1
  • The time input of offsets and duration in detail view is now no longer done via a drop-down list, but via a text field with automatic saving of input.
  • This makes it easier to enter longer periods of time and saves scrolling for the correct number.
13. November 2024

New Feature Tree structure in project filter

Feature Screenshot 1
  • In project and team planning, the project filter now shows a tree structure of the project folders.
  • Expanding and collapsing the project folders makes the list clearer and easier to use.

New Feature Improved display of long names in the detail view

Feature Screenshot 1
  • Long names can now be displayed on two lines in the detailed view by clicking on the name.
  • This allows to read more of the name without having to switch to the large detailed view.
  • This applies to the detailed view of projects, sub-projects, work packages and tasks.

New Feature Menu item "Quick accesss" now only available in planning simulation

Feature Screenshot 1
  • The menu item “Quick access” was intended for planning simulations, but was also displayed outside the planning simulation.
  • Our analysis of user behavior has shown that it is misleading if the menu item is displayed in some places and not in others.
  • Therefore, the menu item is now called “Simulation” and only appears when you are in an active planning simulation.
  • Note: In the active planning simulation, “Simulation” allows access to selected settings for projects, work packages, etc., which can be changed as part of the simulation.
31. Oktober 2024
10. Oktober 2024
26. September 2024

New feature New table view

Feature Screenshot 1Feature Screenshot 2
  • The new table view shows more information on one screen.
  • The table structure allows projects, work packages and tasks to be displayed more clearly.
  • The top screenshot shows the new table view, the bottom screenshot shows the previous tile view.
  • You can see how the space is better utilized.
  • The new table view can be found under the menu item Table below Projects.
  • The previous tile view remains and can be found under Tiles.

New feature Configurable table columns

Feature Screenshot 1
  • Column widths can be adjusted by dragging
  • Columns can be moved to a different position using drag & drop

New feature Show additional table columns

Feature Screenshot 1
  • Additional table columns can be displayed using the Columns button
  • The pin can be used to pin the columns to the left so that they do not scroll away when many columns are displayed on a smaller screen.

New feature Fold-out project structure in the tree table

Feature Screenshot 1
  • The project structure consisting of project, sub-project, work package, task, etc. is displayed as a tree
  • The levels can be expanded and collapsed.
  • Since, in contrast to the tile view, it is no longer so easy to recognize which type it is, the type is displayed in a second column.

New feature Flat table with sorting by columns

Feature Screenshot 1
  • In contrast to the tree table, the flat table does not have an expandable tree structure.
  • However, sorting by column is possible in the flat table.
  • You can switch between the view as a tree table and the view as a flat table.
  • This means that the view suitable for the respective application is always available.

New feature New filter functions

Feature Screenshot 1
  • Additional filter functions are displayed via the More filters button.
  • There are a number of new filter options.
  • The filters can be added to the page header so that they are immediately available.

New feature Saveable views

Feature Screenshot 1
  • The settings of selected columns, column order, column width, filter settings etc. can be saved as view
  • There are standard views of Octaved Flow
  • These are currently in the basic version and will be expanded in the future
  • You can also create and save your own views

New feature Selection of displayed projects in project planning

Feature Screenshot 1
  • Which projects are to be displayed in the project planning can now be selected via a button.
  • All projects are always displayed by default.
  • Previously, projects were added to the planning view via a purple plus symbol, which had the disadvantage that newly created projects had to be added to the planning view with an additional click.
  • The new button replaces the purple plus symbol and simplifies the process.
19. September 2024

New feature Time tracking over midnight

Feature Screenshot 1
  • If a time entry is made after midnight, it is automatically split into two time entries.
  • One time entry is then until midnight, the second is from midnight.
  • A pop-up appears to split the time entry.
  • Note: A continuous time entry beyond midnight is still not possible, as only with separate time entries is it possible to carry out partial billing on a daily basis and a daily cost‑effectiveness analysis.

New feature Time tracking in different price surcharge zones

Feature Screenshot 1
  • If a time entry extends over several surcharge zones, the time entry is split and each time entry receives the corresponding surcharge.
  • For example, if an evening surcharge applies from 18:00 and the time entry is from 17:00 – 18:30, it is automatically split into two time entries. One up to the start of the evening surcharge at 18:00 and one from this time onwards.
  • Multiple surcharge zones are also supported.
  • In the screenshot there is an evening surcharge from 18:00 – 20:00 and a night surcharge from 20:00. The time entry from 17:30 is divided into three time entries, one without surcharge, the second with evening surcharge and the third with night surcharge.
  • The advantage is that the previously necessary manual division now takes place automatically.
  • This makes work easier, minimizes the error rate and ensures that all possible supplements are actually billed.
  • Note: Subsequent manual correction is always possible.

More improvements for surcharges

  • Surcharge zones can now be defined more easily. Previously, the time of 18:00 – 19:59, for example, had to be specified so that a further surcharge zone could be created from 20:00. Now the first zone can also be created with 18:00 – 20:00 and the next one from 20:00. This is easier to read and clearer.
  • Surcharge zones can now also extend over midnight. For example, a night surcharge can be created from 22:00 – 06:00. Previously, two surcharge zones were required for this.
  • The proposed surcharge is now updated automatically if the start time is subsequently changed.

More improvements and bug fixes

  • Partial invoicing now also works if some work packages of the project to be invoiced have already been archived.
29. August 2024

New feature Separate API users for the Octaved Flow API interface

Feature Screenshot 1
  • There are now separate user accounts for the API.
  • Two methods of authentication are available: the API access key (recommended) and the API access token.
  • The access key is recommended because the private key is never transmitted.
  • The previous authentication via OAuth will be replaced by the new methods. OAuth remains available for the time being, but is deprecated.
  • It is recommended that all administrators switch to the new API users.
  • The new authentication methods are also easier to use than OAuth.
  • Previously, a full licence was required for each API user, but now API users are free under the new model.
  • Any number of API users can be created.
  • The new feature can be found in the settings under Users > API users.

Improvement New design also for planning details of tasks

Feature Screenshot 1
  • The planning details of tasks now have a new design that is already familiar from the planning details of work packages.
  • This ensures that all areas fit together harmoniously and that the same operating logic is used.
  • The new design is altogether more reduced, clearer and more clearly organised.

More improvements and bug fixes

  • A warning is now displayed if users are invited to a group time booking who are not authorised to book on the corresponding work package.
  • All users can now be displayed in the pie chart Share users, not just the five with the most time bookings.
  • The recently introduced new planning status is now also displayed in the detailed view under General.
  • The problem that filtering by label no longer worked has been fixed.
  • The problem that the date of an absence could no longer be subsequently edited has been fixed.
27. Juni 2024
16. Mai 2024
25. April 2024
8. Februar 2024

New feature Drag & Drop for project time tracking

Feature Screenshot 1
  • Work packages can be dragged onto the time tracking calendar for project time tracking
  • The start time is set when you drop
  • To set the end, drag at the bottom of the time booking
  • The entire time booking with start and end time can be dragged up or down with the mouse using the square handle
  • It is also possible to click on the work package and enter the times manually in the detailed view on the right-hand side or select them from the defaults

Automatic docking

Feature Screenshot 1
  • Time bookings via drag & drop can lead to economic disadvantages in certain cases
  • For this reason, time bookings that start outside the quarter‑hour clock automatically dock onto the predecessor
  • In this way, profits resulting from rounding to the quarter‑hour clock are taken into account
  • Note: These rounding gains are visualized in charts in the Controlling menu item
  • Automatic docking only works when a time booking is created, but not when it is moved. In this case, docking can be triggered via the 3‑point menu.

Creating an "empty" time entry without assigning a work package

Feature Screenshot 1
  • To enable a quick time tracking without selecting a work package beforehand, a time entry can simply be dragged with the mouse in the time booking calendar
  • A work package can be assigned to this "empty" time entry by simply dragging and dropping a work package onto this time entry
  • If you make a lot of short time bookings, you may find this behavior annoying – even if it is otherwise very useful and has often been requested by our users. Therefore, this behavior can be deactivated via the 3‑point menu.

Further improvements

  • The filter for the project roles now shows the name of the project role instead of the text "1 entry selected"
  • When the path to a work package (consisting of project folder, project, subproject) is displayed in the tile view, the first part is now omitted. This is the name of your own organization, which is not required at this point. It has been removed to save space and for reasons of clarity.
  • The missing English translation for the filter My project role has been added

New feature Planning simulation

Feature Screenshot 1
  • The planning simulation makes it possible to run through various planning scenarios without changing the actual planning
  • At the end, the planning simulation can be discarded or applied. If it is applied, the planning simulation is the actual planning from that moment on.
  • A common application scenario is that the sales department is about to acquire an order that is lucrative but under time pressure. The planning simulation can be used to run through various scenarios to determine whether the new order is even feasible.
  • Another application scenario is when an employee is ill and options need to be worked out as to how the project deadlines can still be met.

Project and resource planning in parallel

Feature Screenshot 1
  • The planning simulation has an equal impact on project planning and resource planning
  • This means that the project progress and resource utilization can be viewed in parallel in the simulation

Multiple planning simulations

Feature Screenshot 1
  • Several planning simulations can be carried out in parallel
  • For example, variants can be run through in order to select the best one at the end
  • Or different planning simulations can be created as what‑if scenarios
  • These different planning simulations can be used one after the other and even time‑shifted

Improvement Compressed planning view for a better overview

Feature Screenshot 1
  • The project planning has been greatly compressed in height to display more information at once
  • We are pleased that our customers are planning and managing ever larger projects with Octaved Flow and are happy to comply with the request for more bars on one page

New feature Copy & Paste for images in the board

Feature Screenshot 1
  • Images can now be copied directly from the clipboard to the board
  • Previously, it was only possible to drag & drop image files, for example from the desktop, into the board. Screenshots therefore had to be saved first before they could be inserted using drag & drop.
  • With the new feature, images can be created with a screen shot tool (Snipping Tool under Windows), annotated and then pasted directly into the Octaved Flow board
  • If there is an image in the clipboard, press Ctrl‑V on Windows and Cmd‑V on the Mac at the corresponding position in the text. The image is then inserted directly.

Further Improvements

  • The project folder is now also displayed in the path in the tile view of the work packages. It is possible for projects in different project folders to have the same name. A clear assignment is only possible if the project folder is also displayed.
  • With the newly introduced feature in team planning to plan work packages via drag & drop in one step and simultaneously assign them to a responsible user, the customer name is now also displayed, as the project name alone may not be sufficient for clear identification.

New feature Batch tool for responsibilities

Feature Screenshot 1Feature Screenshot 2

  • With the batch tool for responsibilities, responsibilities for work packages in a project can be set automatically

  • An example of an application scenario is when a user is removed from a project (or becomes ill) and all work packages for which this user is responsible are to be assigned to another user

  • The screenshot above shows exactly this example

  • In smaller projects, such replacements can usually be solved manually without any problems

  • In larger projects with many work packages and many people responsible, manual replacement is too time‑consuming. With the batch tool, it is easier, faster and errors are avoided.

  • Additional conditions can be defined in advanced mode

  • Complete logic editor with AND, OR and NOT for those who also need more complex conditions

  • The example above shows a scenario from mechanical engineering and is applicable to all companies that work in an interdisciplinary way

  • Michael Pabst is head of the design department

  • Although there is also a general project manager, Michael Pabst assigns the employees in his department to the work packages himself

  • The design department is (of course) not responsible for all work packages in the project

  • The corresponding work packages are identified by assigning Michael Pabst to these work packages with the project role Department Manager

  • With the settings in the screenshot above, Michael Pabst assigns his employee Alexander Weiß as the person responsible for all work packages for which his design department is responsible

  • The setting for which work packages are completed by the design department was previously stored in a project template

  • If the project template becomes a real project, each department manager can assign their employees with one click, see screenshot

  • Even if the preparation of the project templates takes some time, the process is then very efficient. The more work packages there are (and the more departments are involved), the more efficient the process is.

Further improvements

  • For long project and work package names, the full name is displayed in the detail view when hovering over it with the mouse
  • Due to its importance, the menu item Team analysis is now one level higher in the menu and therefore easier to find (now directly under Controlling)
  • Avatars of groups have a slightly lighter color and are therefore less dominant compared to user avatars
  • In the project menu, "Copy" has been replaced by "Copy project" to avoid confusion with copying to the clipboard. Analog for work packages in the work package menu.
  • The selection dialog for a date or a period from/to has been simplified. Switching between day and period is no longer necessary. To select a single day, it is sufficient to click twice on the same date or once on the date and then on OK. This is only a small improvement, but in project management a date is selected very often every day, so that even small improvements add up.
18. Januar 2024

New feature Separate setting for responsibility

Feature Screenshot 1Feature Screenshot 2
  • This feature changes the type of operation in the area of responsibility in a detail
  • Previously, all project roles were defined in one place:
  • In future, the responsibility will be defined in a separate area:
  • Responsible means that a user added under Responsible is responsible for completing the work package
  • Term Executing is omitted. The new terminology is Responsible.
  • The change is necessary to ensure simple and transparent functionality for future features
  • All data was transferred automatically, manual intervention is not necessary

Improved Project planning with Gantt charts

Feature Screenshot 1
  • New technology for project planning with Gantt charts
  • The technical platform is now Canvas
  • The development effort for Canvas on our side is many times higher
  • The advantage lies in significantly better performance, especially for large and very large projects
  • In order to fully utilize the technology, we have reproduced projects with a duration of 30 years
  • Nothing has changed in terms of design, function and operation, only the technology in the background has been replaced