PunchList is checklist iOS app for helping SharePoint admins track activities when applying cumulative updates to the SharePoint farm. It provides information about what tasks needs to be done but also their order. It can also be used to find the duration and the cost of the project which can be valuable for planning purposes. Even though it is created for SharePoint in mind, but it can also be used for applying updates to any application.
As any SharePoint admin would attest, applying patches and cumulative updates to SharePoint farm is a daunting task. Mistakes can be costly in terms of time and data loss. That is why it is important to have a complete understanding of the entire process. To find all the relevant information, one spends considerable amount of time researching and digging through TechNet articles and blogs. This is where PunchList comes to the rescue. The information in this app is supported by years of experience, lessons learned, and tried and tested methodology.
The app starts with a simple registration form, requiring only email address and password. Once user logs-in, they are presented with ‘New Project’ link on top right side or they can open previous projects. On ‘New Project’ screen, user can enter project name, due date, and set reminder. The next screen will present 3 categories; pre-installation, installation, and post-installation. New categories and tasks can be added by selecting ‘Add New Category’ or ‘Add New Task’ button on top right side. In case existing categories and tasks are not needed, they can be deleted by left swipe.
Upon clicking each category, user can view all the tasks under that category. For each task, user can select start time and end time. For some tasks, estimated duration is included under ‘Notes’. Users can also provide cost information.
Once the project is started, users can select ‘Show Progress’ button which will take them to ‘Summary’ screen listing the tasks that are completed along with duration and cost. They can either press ‘Back’ button which will take them to ‘Categories’ screen or select ‘Finish’ button which will mark the project as ‘Completed’. On Summary screen, user can click on ‘Export’ link on top right side which allows multiple ways for sharing the information including email CSV attachment. Furthermore, PunchList app can also function in offline mode.
Here’s link to download the app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/punchlist-sharepoint-update/id1352745735?mt=8
