File Sharing - order status cloud based service -
Discussion
Hi All,
I have tried to search for this but struggling to pin point even what its called - I assume it might be along the lines of project management tool/workflow but not all that sure!
I am looking for a very simple tool. something like dropbox that I can store files on and share with suppliers but the key thing is I would like a status bar if possible so beside the file it would say 50% complete or in progress or completed.
I tried searching on dropbox and had no success. I thought I could have used one note but again I cant really get a "status" section.
Would be grateful if you use a cloud based tool now that you think could fit in with my use.
Thanks
I have tried to search for this but struggling to pin point even what its called - I assume it might be along the lines of project management tool/workflow but not all that sure!
I am looking for a very simple tool. something like dropbox that I can store files on and share with suppliers but the key thing is I would like a status bar if possible so beside the file it would say 50% complete or in progress or completed.
I tried searching on dropbox and had no success. I thought I could have used one note but again I cant really get a "status" section.
Would be grateful if you use a cloud based tool now that you think could fit in with my use.
Thanks
Is the shared file the order, or is it a file related to the order and you also want to show the order status from your CRM-type system? I mean, if you have a CRM/ERP for accounts/orders the status is part of that system, and if you can't get that system to display files externally then you would have to have a separate file sharing service and some sort of web service to link them both; this perfectly achievable but can be complicated and probably not worth it for a small business.
If the file you are sharing is your order, so the status describes the state of the file at a given time, you could use a file sharing service like SharePoint that allows you to add metadata to documents. In this example you'd have a document library containing your files, and each file would have additional information such as status, date modified, etc.. Depending on the nature of the file you could directly reference the contents of the file, i.e. display information from the file. Workflows and InfoPath can add automation and remove some margin for error. This isn't necessarily the best way of doing it, it wouldn't be easily extensible, scalable or portable, and you are essentially building a brand new CRM of sorts!
For a hosted service something like Docufree might work but I'm not sure how it integrates with existing systems. Usually the in house devs would deal with interfaces between systems but I'm not sure how you manage that in a smaller environment and still get something you know and understand.
I should point out that I'm coming at this from the techie side of supporting these sorts of systems. I would be genuinely surprised if there isn't a better solution out there that already ticks all your boxes and you can easily use.
If the file you are sharing is your order, so the status describes the state of the file at a given time, you could use a file sharing service like SharePoint that allows you to add metadata to documents. In this example you'd have a document library containing your files, and each file would have additional information such as status, date modified, etc.. Depending on the nature of the file you could directly reference the contents of the file, i.e. display information from the file. Workflows and InfoPath can add automation and remove some margin for error. This isn't necessarily the best way of doing it, it wouldn't be easily extensible, scalable or portable, and you are essentially building a brand new CRM of sorts!
For a hosted service something like Docufree might work but I'm not sure how it integrates with existing systems. Usually the in house devs would deal with interfaces between systems but I'm not sure how you manage that in a smaller environment and still get something you know and understand.
I should point out that I'm coming at this from the techie side of supporting these sorts of systems. I would be genuinely surprised if there isn't a better solution out there that already ticks all your boxes and you can easily use.
What is the purpose of the status and who would be using the information? Not sure if you have looked at box but it has a number of collaborative features whereby you can build in a basic business process workflow, ie once file x has been actioned by person 1, pass over to person 2 to complete their action, and so on. May or may not do what you require, really depends on what you are trying to achieve! I can help if you ping me a PM
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