Monday, December 1, 2008

How I use MindManager

A pivotal aspect to my professional and personal life at the moment is Mindjet® MindManager®.

I think of MindManager as my control tower. I use it to plan, track and act. I use the brainstorming capabilities, the topic task capabilities, the topic styles, the map styles, the multi-map capability and I couldn't operate without the TabletPC integration.

I use MindManager to see what needs to be done and in what order. I also use MindManager at the end of the day, week and month to review my achievements and then plan where I am going next.

I start my work day by opening my high-level mind map. This map has five topics, each representing a key part of my role (i.e. People, Process, Service Delivery, Sales and Company activities). Each of these five topics is hyper-linked to another map. Each of these sub maps has a further five or so main topics, with each topic representing a key facet of that aspect to my role. From there I branch out into projects and major activities. I also typically split major project off into separate maps and link these to the appropriate main topic. In this way I have a hierarchy of maps for managing my activities, tasks, project and goals.

The project related maps are the central source for the projects I manage. Not all those that I work with use MindManager, so I often export maps to Excel and Microsoft Project in order to disseminate information to my team and my customers.

In addition to managing my own activities, I use map topics to record activities I have assigned to team members, I also at times track interdependent activities whereby my ability to perform is in some way linked to a colleague or customer.

In terms of non task activities, I use MindManager for preparing meeting agenda, capturing meeting minutes, structuring proposals, writing papers and of course brainstorming. The results of my work is typically exported to Microsoft Word in order to share it with others.

I have a very mobile work day, often out of the office in meetings and workshops and in that context I couldn't operate without the TabletPC capabilities and the built-in hand-recognition.

At the heart of my MindManager experience is The TPAssist Method and a Mindmanager addin that makes it all possible, TPAssist 2007.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

NEWSLETTER - Mindjet® MindManager® 8

Update for TPAssist 2007

Mindjet® have just released MindManager® 8. This update is being described by Analyst IDC as "a game changer."

A maintenance update, version 1.5.15, of TPAssist 2007 For Mindjet® MindManager® has been made available to facilitate this significant Mindjet update.

To apply our update, install MindManager® 8 first, then just download and install the latest TPAssist 2007 download.

You can download the update here, remember to close MindManager before applying the update (and Outlook if you are using the Outlook integration).


TPAssist: Mapping actions in the context of their ultimate goal.

Extend your investment in MindManager® and/or Mindjet® Connect with TPAssist 2007 for Mindjet® MindManager®.

  • Supercharge your mind map based task lists, automate tasks, get task detail roll-up, capture and roll-up financial information, enable workflow and create workplace Dashboards.
  • Export task and financial information to Microsoft® Excel® and Project.
  • Integrate with Microsoft® Outlook®
  • Work in Multimap mode.

A must have for project managers and anyone collaborating on shared task maps.
Get the free 30-day trial today!


FREE Web Based TPAssist Master Classes.

Participate in live web based demonstrations of how to extend your investment in MindManager® and/or Mindjet® Connect with TPAssist 2007 for Mindjet® MindManager®.

Get expert advice on using TPAssist and MindManager® in the work place and in life management.

These 30-minute Town Hall style sessions are for individuals and teams who wish to learn more about TPAssist and/or explore a specific use of mind mapping.

The number of attendees and session length is purposely kept small to ensure you get the maximum return on your time investment.

See the session schedule and register on-line now!

Monday, November 10, 2008

TPAssist MindManager Forum Promotion - Terms and Conditions

  • This offer constitutes an agreement between TPAssist Ltd and you, the respondent.
  • Availing of this offer and therefore entry into this agreement is initiated by submitting a private message in the forum where this offer was posted. The team at TPAssist will acknowledge the request and forward you further details.
  • To avail of this offer respondents must submit the private message before midnight (PST) on Tuesday 25th of November 2008.
  • The discount applicable under this offer applies to "TPAssist 2007 - 1 Year Subscription RENEWAL" (See http://store.esellerate.net/tpassist/mma1yrrenew). The discount applicable is listed in the offer posting. This offer is not interchangeable or exchangeable with cash or any other item.
  • The award is delivered as a coupon that MUST be used on or before midnight (PST) on Friday 28th of November 2008.
  • This offer is available on an individual basis only, per coupon per respondent.
  • TPAssist reserves the right to discontinue this offer at any time without cause or notice.
  • This does not impact existing agreement with respondents, these agreements will continue to run as per terms of this offer.
  • This offer operates independently of any other TPAssist offer.

Monday, October 27, 2008

TPAssist 1.5 Known Issue - My Life Template Task Summary

This notice applies to TPAssist 2007 release 1.5 (build 1.5.13 or earlier).

Groups of maps created from the same template and then linked to a single Dashboard do not correctly get reflected in the TASK SUMMARY.

This has been corrected in the latest maintenance update, version 1.5.14 (download).

To check what version you are running, open the TPAssist Help (from the TPAssist Ribbon in MindManager 7 or from the Help menu in MindManager 6). Then use the Check for Update button.

You can download the update here.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

NEWSLETTER - Free TPAssist 2007 Subscription



FREE TPAssist 2007 Subscription




  • Promote TPAssist 2007 for For Mindjet® MindManager® to friends and colleagues and receive your next year's subscription FREE.


  • Entry to this offer is easy, just identify 12 or more friends or colleagues that will benefit from the vast capabilities of TPAssist. Then send us an e-mail and start promoting.
    Send the e-mail to sales@tpassist.com and include the names and e-mail addresses of your friends or colleagues.


  • We'll track your list and issue the free subscription to you once we see 3 or more new subscribers or we see all of your list signed-up for the 30-day FREE evaluation.


  • There are some terms and conditions, and if you have any questions please e-mail us at sales@tpassist.com.


FREE Web Based TPAssist Master Classes




  • Participate in live web based demonstrations of how to extend your investment in MindManager® and/or Mindjet® Connect with TPAssist 2007 for Mindjet® MindManager®.


  • Get expert advice on using TPAssist and MindManager® in the work place and in life management.


  • These 30-minute Town Hall style sessions are for individuals and teams who wish to learn more about TPAssist and/or explore a specific use of mind mapping.


  • The number of attendees and session length is purposely kept small to ensure you get the maximum return on your time investment.


  • See the session schedule and register on-line now!



TPAssist Tips: Setting Task "Work" (Effort)


Did you know the ability to capture "Work" or effort as part of the new Financial Capability is enabled by default when you turn-on Financial Capabilities. This capability will automatically assume "Work" is the same as the current duration of the task. You can customise the work of a topic quite simply by using the TPAssist Journal tab and then clicking on the value next to Work. You can revert back to the automated association to duration by double-clicking on the topic.



Thursday, October 16, 2008

Receive your next year's subscription FREE

Promote TPAssist 2007 for For Mindjet® MindManager® to friends and colleagues and receive your next year's subscription FREE.

Entry to this offer is easy, just identify 12 or more friends or colleagues that will benefit from the vast capabilities of TPAssist.

Then send us an e-mail and start promoting.

Send the e-mail to sales@tpassist.com and include the names and e-mail addresses of your friends or colleagues.

We'll track your list and issue the free subscription to you once we see 3 or more new subscribers or we see all of your list signed-up for the 30-day FREE evaluation.

There are some terms and conditions, and if you have any questions please e-mail us at sales@tpassist.com.

TPAssist Friends and Colleagues Promotion - Terms and Conditions

  • This offer constitutes an agreement between TPAssist Ltd and you, the respondent.
  • Availing of this offer and therefore entry into this agreement is initiated by e-mailing sales@tpassist.com. The team at TPAssist will acknowledge the request and register you as an offer respondent.
  • The agreement runs for 45 calendar days from the time the respondent submits a list of potential subscribers. This list needs to include names and e-mail addresses of those the respondent intends to invite and promote to. The award is provided once TPAssist receives acknowledgement that the respondent's intended friends or colleagues have entered into an evaluation or ordered a license.
  • This agreement is a self promotion offer, whereby the respondent agrees to promote the use of TPAssist 2007 for For Mindjet® MindManager® to friends and/or colleagues. In return and upon satisfying the terms and conditions, TPAssist Ltd will extend a free 1 year subscription license to the respondent.
  • The award or prize associated with this offer is a "TPAssist 2007 - 1 Year Subscription RENEWAL" (See http://store.esellerate.net/tpassist/mma1yrrenew). This award or prize is not interchangeable or exchangeable with cash or any other item.
  • In order to receive the award, TPAssist needs to see 3 or more potential subscribers purchase a 1 year subscription or see 12 or more potential subscribers enter a 30 days evaluation.
  • TPAssist will monitor orders and evaluations, and tally a respondent's list of potential subscribers, awarding the 1 year subscription once the conditions of this agreement are met. At any time, the respondent can request an update on the tally of potential subscribers by e-mailing sales@tpassist.com.
  • The award is delivered as a coupon that can be used for a period of 12 months from date of issue.
  • This offer is extended to existing subscribers or product license holders.
  • The list of potential subscribers must be made up of individuals not previously known to TPAssist Ltd.
  • TPAssist reserves the right to discontinue this offer at any time without cause or notice. This does not impact existing agreement with respondents, these agreements will continue to run as per terms of this offer.
  • This offer operates independently of any other TPAssist offer.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

TPAssist Feature Summary - Multi-Map Publish to Microsoft® Excel® and Microsoft® Project



  • Microsoft® Excel® Publish - TPAssist 2007 facilitates effective publishing of your task and project maps through a series of pre- formatted Microsoft® Excel® spreadsheets.

  • Microsoft® Project Export - TPAssist 2007 Microsoft Project publishing capability allows you to publish work and cost information as well as roll-up or summarise project maps via a single Gantt chart.

  • Consolidate and Publish multi-maps - TPAssist 2007's publish to Microsoft® Excel® and Microsoft Project capability are multi-map enabled, allowing you to managing complex projects over multiple maps and produce consolidate Work breakdowns, project schedules and other reports.

  • Analyse project plans via Microsoft® Excel® - TPAssist 2007's publish to Microsoft® Excel® capability also provides "pivot source" worksheets, which are flat exports of map topics specifically formatted to facilitate pivot tables, charting and other manipulation to help you analysis and present task and project details.

TPAssist Feature Summary - Task Automation



  • Automate Task dates - TPAssist 2007 can be used to automatically create and maintain start and due dates for map topics.

  • Link groups of related topics - Known as "Levelling", TPAssist 2007's date automation capability also recognises topic relationship. Relationship can be used to adjust the start and/or end dates of dependant topic tasks.

  • Have complete control - TPAssist 2007's Task Automation is enabled at topic level so it can be controlled for an entire map or separately for individual topics and/or topic trees. Further more, topics with-in a group can be individually included or excluded from the group's Task Automation giving you complete control over your task and/or project maps.

  • Roll-up across multi-maps - TPAssist 2007's Task Automation works in parallel to the Roll-up capability, such that topic task date details will be automatically copied up the tree and also to linked parent maps.

  • Standard tools - TPAssist 2007 supports the typical methods for aligning tasks and groups of tasks (i.e. Finish-to-Start (FS), Start-to-Start (SS), Finish-to-Finish (FF) and Start-To-Finish (SF)). These modifiers can be applied to relationships and to the topic trees allowing you to create and manage even the most complex set of activity or projects.

Sunday, September 21, 2008

TPAssist 1.5 Known Issue - Help Content - "TPAssist Console"

This notice applies to TPAssist 2007 release 1.5 (build 1.5.9).

The help pages have a corruption in the TPAssist Console section. This has been corrected in the latest maintenance update (download).

In addition, you can now see the correct content on line via http://www.tpassist.com/tutorials/TPAssistMMAHelp/index.html and there is a recently uploaded PDF at http://www.tpassist.com/tutorials/TPAssist2007_Help_WebContent.pdf.

Monday, September 15, 2008

NEWSLETTER - TPAssist 2007 v1.5 Released

TPAssist 2007 version 1.5

TPAssist 2007 version 1.5 is available for download.This "first anniversary" update includes many new features and enhancements. These include:

  • Financial Capabilities that allow you to manage effort and costs with-in your maps.
  • The ability to export map project and task information to Microsoft Excel in a format suitable for generating pivot tables and charts.
  • A Microsoft Project export capability that is Multimap enabled, supports effort and fixed cost and will perform roll-up of task information to produce overview or summary project Gantt charts.
  • A growing list of features and capabilities that enhance your Mindjet Connect experience. These including the Attachment Cache, My Tasks, Multimap export to Excel and the new Multimap enabled Microsoft Project export.
  • Several productivity enhancement, including "My Tasks", export To-Dos, customisable "Topic Status", Update Outlook Integration, Multi-select Journaling, Multi-select Topic properties, enhanced resource handling, file shortcut support, customisable HTML Viewer page and topic tree template creator.
  • The ability to track and compare original target date verses actual completion.
  • A set of new MindManager 7 Ribbon short-cut commands and finally a number of "under the bonnet" performance enhancements and fixes.

Tell me more... and Update today!

TPAssist: Mapping actions in the context of their ultimate goal.

  • Extend your investment in MindManager® and/or Mindjet® Connect with TPAssist 2007 for Mindjet® MindManager®.
  • Supercharge your mind map based task lists, get task detail roll-up, capture and roll-up financial information, enable workflow and create workplace Dashboards.
  • Export task and financial information to Microsoft® Excel®.
  • Integrate with Microsoft® Outlook®
  • Work in Multimap mode.

A must have for project managers and anyone collaborating on shared task maps.
Get the free 30-day trial today!

TPAssist Information Update:

Did you know that TPAssist has two licensing models: subscription (rented) or product (perpetual). The subscription can be taken out for 1, 2 or 3 years. The longer the term the bigger the discount. Obtaining your first or new license is a simple matter of running the Licensing Wizard from the Help window and choosing the "Shop Now" or "Buy Now..." button. The Licensing Wizard typically selects a 12 month subscription and places it in your basket. If that isn't your preferred choice or you are looking for bigger discounts, click the Trash Can and return to the Product Catalog.

Customer Testimonials:


"For my own professional purposes - as a daily business user (bank consultant) – my view is that, with the release of Version 1.5, TPAssist 2007 has just surpassed the general utility of ResultsManager 2 Pro product."

Alan B. Haskell, AAP, CFE

..................................................

SURVEY - Help us help you by tell us more about how you found us and your experience in using TPAssist 2007. Take Survey Now

TPAssist User's Group - TPAssist is now on Ning.com. We've established an end-user community on Ning. This community is an open forum and isn't moderated, so please join and share your experiences. Join Now

Sunday, September 14, 2008

TPAssist 2007 version 1.5 - What's New


TPAssist 2007 for Mindjet® MindManager® version 1.5 includes many new features and improvements. These include:

  • The ability to export map project and task information to Microsoft Excel in a format suitable for generating pivot tables and charts.

  • A Microsoft Project export capability that is Multimap enabled, supports effort and fixed cost and will perform roll-up of task information to produce overview or summary project Gantt charts.


  • A growing list of features and capabilities that enhance your Mindjet Connect experience. These including the Attachment Cache, My Tasks, Multimap export to Excel and the new Multimap enabled Microsoft Project export.


  • Several productivity enhancement, including "My Tasks", export To-Dos, customisable "Topic Status", Update Outlook Integration, Multi-select Journaling, Multi-select Topic properties, enhanced resource handling, file shortcut support, customisable HTML Viewer page and topic tree template creator.

  • A set of new MindManager 7 Ribbon short-cut commands and finally a number of "under the bonnet" performance enhancements and fixes.

Download TPAssist 2007 for Mindjet® MindManager® v7.2 / 6.2 today! (download for MindManager v7.1)

Thursday, September 11, 2008

TPAssist 2007 v1.5 - Release Notes

TPAssist 2007 version 1.5 is now available for download.





Key new Features:




  1. Financial Capabilities that allow you to manage effort and costs with-in your maps.


  2. The ability to export map project and task information to Microsoft Excel in a format suitable for generating pivot tables and charts.


  3. A Microsoft Project export capability that is Multimap enabled, supports effort and fixed cost and will perform roll-up of task information to produce overview or summary project Gantt charts.


  4. A growing list of features and capabilities that enhance your Mindjet Connect experience. These including the Attachment Cache, My Tasks, Multimap export to Excel and the new Multimap enabled Microsoft Project export.


  5. Several productivity enhancement, including "My Tasks", export To-Dos, customisable "Topic Status", Update Outlook Integration, Multi-select Journaling, Multi-select Topic properties, enhanced resource handling, file shortcut support, customisable HTML Viewer page and topic tree template creator.


  6. The ability to track and compare original target date verses actual completion.


  7. A set of new MindManager 7 Ribbon short-cut commands and finally a number of "under the bonnet" performance enhancements and fixes.


Enhancements:




  1. Excel Export makes better use of the progress bar - increasing feedback on progress and properly supporting the cancel capability.


  2. Export to Excel's Task List capability has been restructured decreasing the build time.


  3. Export to Excel performs "auto-row" in more key places.


  4. Overhaul of the the "Progress Bar" functionality and usage to improve feedback to long-running activities.


  5. The Document Tab of TPAssist Console has been re-organised again such that it is more intuitive and that the most used features are more accessible.


  6. Excel Export "issues" template has been evolved to make it applicable to a wider set of applications.


Fixes:





  1. Levelling/Auto-date now taking into account hyperlinked topics.


  2. Licensing Wizard now restored discounted subscription keys.


  3. (1.4 bug) Tree Update not functioning correctly on "in-map" hyperlinked topics.


  4. Tree Update not working in Floating Topics Trees.


  5. Levelling/Auto-date "FF" function not working correctly.


  6. Excel Export doesn't open Excel if no focus topic.


  7. (1.4 bug) Tree Update completed hyperlinked topics didn't count towards parent's percent complete.


  8. (1.4 bug) Resource Filter in Task Summary not working.


  9. Journal Tab "duration" now defaults blank entries back to zero.


  10. Outlook "link" e-mail item, when Outlook integration enabled by default, creates duplicate Outlook Tasks.


  11. Dialogs get lost when error message or another application activates during open.


  12. Tree Update of topics linked to specific submaps topics being back status of central topic, not target topic.


  13. Licensing Wizard requiring administrator mode after install in Vista when UAC enabled.


  14. Task Summary "Active Only" flag not bring ignored for "in the past" and "no date" items.


  15. MM error message being hidden during Tree Updates of broken submaps links.


  16. (1.4 bug) Tree Update not processing in-map target topic when "omit from tree update" on.


  17. (1.5 beta bug) Tree Update crashing when closing an unchanged sub map.


  18. Journal abbreviation too short.


  19. Levelling/Auto-date not getting next date when first date in tree isn't set to level or is hyperlinked.


  20. Levelling/Auto-date should not process priority 1, 2 or 3 topics.


Friday, September 5, 2008

TPAssist 2007 v1.5 - What's New - Productivity enhancements




TPAssist 2007 version 1.5 comes with several productivty focused enhancements:


  • Productivity enhancements Use the "My Tasks" Task Summary filter to extract and summarise only task assigned to you.

  • Build and then export the "Task Summary" to create portable "to-do" lists.

  • "Topic Status" is now customisable and can include any existing TPAssist value-added properties plus work and other financial details, including estimates, actual and remaining values.

  • Update Outlook Integration is a new Document tool that performs a batch up update of all topic that are using TPAssist's Outlook integration. This tools catches and synchronises changes to made with-in Outlook or the map topics.

  • The Journal Tab is now Multi-select enabled, permitting you to make changes to a selection of topics at the same time.

  • The Properties component of the Topic Tab is now multi-select enabled, permitting you to make changes to a selection of topics at the same time.

  • Resource Handling has been extended, in addition to adding Full Name and Hourly Rates for use in financial capabilities and publishing, you can now import these resource details from other maps and pick your resources via the Journal Tab.

  • The "Topic" tab now includes a tool for linking files or URLs directly to focus topics as "Shortcuts", therefore providing you the ability to "link" multiple items to a topic and avoiding the need to store the file with-in your map.

  • Customisable "Display" properties in Topic - Topic Handing - support for exposing TPAssist "extra" properties as custom properties - making the visible and editable.

  • The page size in the HTML viewer creation tool can now be customised so you can choose the window into your maps for non MindManager users.

  • Create topic tree templates from existing topic trees, whereby the topics are "reset", removing any journals and attachments, leaving them ready to re-use.

  • Project tracking - "Original Target Date" - Capture and manage topic task "original target date" (as well as Due Date). Export task list to the new Excel "Pivot Source" format and perform rich analysis of task completion performance.

  • MindManager Ribbon short-cut commands - Manage groups of tasks quickly and effectively with the new Ribbon short-cuts.

TPAssist 2007 v1.5 - What's New - Accelerator for Mindjet Connect

TPAssist enhances your Mindjet Connect experience through a growing list of features and capabilities, including the Attachment Cache, My Tasks, Multimap export to Excel and the new Multimap enabled Microsoft Project export.

TPAssist helps:


  • Keep the rich capabilities of organising e-mails with-in your map and make use of an "Attachment Cache" and automated short-cuts to reduce download times and online storage.

  • Provide a summary of your assignments, by using the "My Tasks" Task Summary filter to extract and summarise only task assigned to you.

  • Increase your effectiveness by allowing you to break your projects up into smaller, manageable pieces and as well as rolling-up topic status and other details, publish and analyse your projects in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Project.

TPAssist 2007 v1.5 - What's New - Microsoft Project publish

TPAssist's publish to Microsoft Project capability extracts information from the current map and its sub maps (if required) to produce a single project Gantt. The makes use of the fixed costs, full names and hourly rates capability in TPAssist, is Multimap enabled and will allow the roll-up of topics to produce overview or summary project Gantt charts.
Using this tool you can:




  • Publish summarises and subsets of your project maps, not loosing any valuable resource detail.


  • Make use of the TPAssist's "Financial Capabilities" and publish duration, effort/work and fixed costs from your project and task map into Microsoft Project.

TPAssist 2007 v1.5 - What's New - Excel Export - "Pivot Source"

In addition to producing a number of "ready to print" reports, TPAssist will export map project and task information to a format suitable for generating pivot tables and charts. This capability unleashes the potential types of reports and analysis possible with mind map details.




In summary, this new feature includes:



  • Export to Excel "Pivot Source" worksheet - flat export of mind map end topics to worksheet in a format suitable for pivot tables and charts.



  • Export to Excel "Status Source" worksheet - flat export of mind map end topics to worksheet in a format suitable for pivot tables and charts, plus filtering



  • Manipulate and analysis task "work", costs and categorises.



  • Categorise topics perform detailed analysis with Excel Pivot tables.



TPAssist 2007 v1.5 - What's New - Financial Capabilities


TPAssist's Financial Capabilities allow you to manage estimated, actual and remaining "Work" and topic "Values" directly with-in your map topics.



With the Financial Capabilities turned-on you can:



  • Incorporate resource effort "Work" (not just Duration) and other cost management capabilities in topics and have that detail rolled-up to parent topics and maps.



  • Manage estimated, actual and remaining work and cost values for topic, topic trees and maps.



  • Have your work, costs and other TPAssist "extra" properties displayed directly on the map with automatically populated titles and "Display" custom properties.



  • Use Excel to further analyse work and costs using the improved "Pivot Source" Excel Export function.



  • Publish work effort and fixed costs into Microsoft Project.




Thursday, August 21, 2008

TPAssist User Success - Project Teams - Online Collaboration



Enhance your online Mindjet Connect collaboration experience...


  • Track changes across shared maps - TPAssist automatically journals changes made to task details, including dates, priority, flags, percentage complete, text markers as well as resource assignment so you have a history, or audit trail, of where and when changes were made to the plan.

  • "My Tasks" Resource Filtering in Tree Summarisation - The TPAssist 2007 task tree summary capability has a "Resource Filter" which can be used to manage tasks assigned to one or more individuals.


  • Enable Workflow - Use MindManager and TPAssist to construct workflow tasks, set durations/effort and assign ownership. Also linking them we relationships and automated the dates. As you progress your workflow, using TPAssist, you can visually track steps taken and yet to be taken. In addition, because your actions are tracked with-in the map, you have an instant audit trail of your workflow progress.


  • Manage Financial Information - Financial values captured via TPAssist will be rolled-up the map to provide the visually means to track estimates and actual details across groups of tasks, maps and Multimaps.


  • Use Team Dashboards - TPAssist 2007's Tree Update and Task Summary also work with Multimaps. Dashboards can be built very easily by linking topics to sub-maps and then running TPAssist 2007 Tree Update in Multimap mode.


  • Consolidate and Publish multi-maps - TPAssist 2007's publish to Microsoft® Excel® and Microsoft Project® capabilities are multi-map enabled, allowing you to managing complex projects over multiple maps and produce consolidate Work breakdowns, project schedules and other reports.

TPAssist User Success - Project Office Management



Enable Project Offices through...


  • Establish Red-Amber-Green (RAG) Dashboards - Red-Amber-Green reports form a very important part of management reporting.

  • Build Custom Dashboards - Managers can create Dashboard maps of project and then use TPAssist 2007 to traverse the linked maps, populating the Dashboard map with dates, priorities, flags, percentage complete and status text.

  • Track Costs - TPAssist uses custom properties to capture financial estimates and actual values. This values will be rolled-up the map to provide the visually means to track any number of financial aspects associated with task, stage/phase, project and portfolio. TPAssist 2007's publish to Microsoft® Excel® capability also provides "pivot source" worksheets, which are flat exports of map topics specifically formatted to facilitate pivot tables, charting and other manipulation to help you analysis and present project details.


  • Publish to MS Excel - Dashboards can be export to Microsoft Excel where it can be distributed for non Mindjet users.

  • Publish to MS Project - TPAssist's Microsoft Publishing capability is Multimap enabled and provides a task roll-up function. These tools can be used to produced summarised project time-lines and portfolio overviews.

TPAssist User Success - Project Management



TPAssist facilitates project management...



  • Plan / Communicate - A key aspect to project planning is the ability to easily and quickly identify tasks, groups of task, interdependencies, time and effort. Mindjet® MindManager® is an excellent tool for achieving this. Coupled with TPAssist 2007, you can automate dates, dependencies, task information roll-up and record where you first made and then changed your plans. TPAssist 2007 also has tools to export project plan details to Microsoft Excel® for communication, costing and analysis.


  • Manage Projects - The most important aspect to project management, however, is the ability to manage the "Levers of control" (i.e. Scope, Schedule, People, Materials, Quality and Risk) The flexibility of Mindjet® MindManager® means you can quickly and easily adjust the plan to suit the changes in the project. With TPAssist 2007, you can keep track of status, use Red-Amber-Green flags, priorities and also maintain an audit trail of all actions and communications.


  • Enable Workflow - Use MindManager and TPAssist to construct workflow tasks, set durations/effort and assign ownership. Also linking them with relationships and automated dates. As you progress your workflow, using TPAssist, you can visually track steps taken and yet to be taken. In addition, because your actions are tracked with-in the map, you have an instant audit trail of your workflow progress.


    • Track Costs - TPAssist uses custom properties to capture financial estimates and actual values. This values will be rolled-up the map to provide the visually means to track any number of financial aspects associated with task, stage/phase, project and portfolio. TPAssist 2007's publish to Microsoft® Excel® capability also provides "pivot source" worksheets, which are flat exports of map topics specifically formatted to facilitate pivot tables, charting and other manipulation to help you analysis and present project details.


    • Be more effective - Project Management is ultimately about two activities: planning and management. Linear task management tools, particularly when Gantt enabled, are great tools for planning the project and communicating the plan. However, these linear tools are less effective when it comes to managing the project.

    Also see the TPAssist Project Management Tools Summary.

    TPAssist User Success - Workplace Productivity



    Use TPAssist in the workplace to...


    • Create Dashboards - TPAssist 2007 is designed to provide you with the visual cues to track and manage the various requests and activities that fill your day. Dashboards can be built very easily by linking topics to sub-maps and then running TPAssist 2007 Tree Update in Multimap mode. TPAssist 2007 has a straight-forward reporting tool that can be used to easily identify and manage your tasks based on due date proximity, priorities and flag.

    • Enable Workflow - Use MindManager and TPAssist to construct workflow tasks, set durations/effort and assign ownership. Also linking them with relationships and automated dates. As you progress your workflow, using TPAssist, you can visually track steps taken and yet to be taken. In addition, because your actions are tracked with-in the map, you have an instant audit trail of your workflow progress.

    • Manage Financial Information - Financial values captured via TPAssist will be rolled-up the map to provide the visually means to track estimates and actual details across groups of tasks, maps and Multimaps.

    • Collaborate - TPAssist automatically journals changes made to task details, including dates, priority, flags, percentage complete, text markers as well as resource assignment so you have a history, or audit trail, of where and when changes were made to the plan. The TPAssist 2007 task tree summary capability has a "Resource Filter" which can be used to manage tasks assigned to one or more individuals. TPAssist 2007's publish to Microsoft® Excel® capability is multi-map enabled, allowing you to managing complex projects over multiple maps and produce consolidate Work breakdowns, project schedules and other reports.

    TPAssist User Success - Personal Productivity



    Use TPAssist to...


    • Get Context - At the heart of ultimate time utilization and productivity optimisation is concept of "context". "Context" relates to the goals and desires that govern our daily life. TPAssist's Role Based Dashboard concept give you that context in the workplace and our First Steps My Life Template Mind Maps does the same for your personal life.

    • Get Organised - Crucial to optimal time utilization is the ability to quickly and easily capture, process, dispatch and revisit needs and requests. Visually identifying and maintaining tasks in Mindjet® MindManager® is incredibly easy and effective.

    • Stay Organised - Seeing actions you take in context is a very effective way to keep you moving forward. The context suggested by TPAssist's Role Based Dashboard will really help ensure you keep on top of what needs to be done and ultimately stay organised.

    • Be Fulfilled - If your tasks and activities are grouped and facilitated in such a way that they were clearly identifiable against goals, then each completed action (i.e. “tick”) becomes be a step closer to those goal. By seeing these completed tasks as steps towards a goal you will have a better chance of achieving the sense of accomplishment on a daily, hourly or even minute-by-minute basis.

    Wednesday, August 20, 2008

    TPAssist Feature Summary - Microsoft® Outlook® Integration




    • Automated Task, Calendar & E-mail integration with Microsoft Outlook® - TPAssist 2007 provides integration between mind map topics and Outlook Tasks and Appointments. In addition, Outlook Items can be linked or embedded as attachments to mind map topics.

    • Synchronise your map topics - TPAssist 2007 Outlook Integration synchronises information between your mind map topics and Outlook Task and Appointment items.
      In addition to leveraging the powerful task and reminder capabilities of Outlook, TPAssist 2007 Outlook Integration, provides the means to get instance access to your current activities outside of MindManager. Outlook Integration is enabled on a per topic basis, although it can be enabled by default for all mind map topics by changing the TPAssist Document properties. The Outlook Items created by TPAssist will contain the same task details as the original mind map topic, plus the item notes area will contain a summary of the topic details.

    • Open your mind map topics from Outlook and update the map - Outlook Task and Appointment items created by TPAssist 2007 can be used to "jump" directly into your mind maps. During the "jump", TPAssist 2007 will automatically read the Outlook Item and then update the mind map topic's task details if needed.

    • Manage your e-mails via your mind map - TPAssist 2007 provides the means to track your e-mails, appointments, notes, tasks etc with-in your mind map. This integration not only automatically creates journal entries it also allows you to open the item again from with-in your mind maps. Outlook Items can be linked or embedded. When embedded, they are stored like file attachments and are then available to you directly from the map, allowing you to delete the original from Outlook.

    • Create tasks from your e-mail - TPAssist 2007 also offers the ability to auto-create mind map topics directly from your e- mails, appointments, notes, tasks etc.

    • Enable Getting-Things-Done (GTD) - TPAssist 2007 also supports Outlook Item categories, making TPAssist 2007 an excellent companion for Outlook methods and tools that make use of item Categories, like the David Allen's Getting Things Done (GTD) methodology.

    TPAssist Feature Summary - A Collaboration companion for teams and enterprises


    • Track changes across shared maps - TPAssist automatically journals changes made to task details, including dates, priority, flags, percentage complete, text markers as well as resource assignment so you have a history, or audit trail, of where and when changes were made to the plan.

    • "My Tasks" Resource Filtering in Tree Summarisation - The TPAssist 2007 task tree summary capability has a "Resource Filter" which can be used to manage tasks assigned to one or more individuals.

    • Use Team Dashboards - TPAssist 2007's Tree Update and Task Summary also work with Multimaps. Dashboards can be built very easily by linking topics to sub-maps and then running TPAssist 2007 Tree Update in Multimap mode.

    • Enable Workflow - Use MindManager and TPAssist to construct workflow tasks, set durations/effort and assign ownership. Also linking them with relationships and automated dates. As you progress your workflow, using TPAssist, you can visually track steps taken and yet to be taken. In addition, because your actions are tracked with-in the map, you have an instant audit trail of your workflow progress.

    • Manage Financial Information - TPAssist uses custom properties to capture financial estimates and actual values. Financial values captured via TPAssist will be rolled-up the map to provide the visually means to track estimates and actual details across groups of tasks, maps and Multimaps.

    • Consolidate and Publish multi-maps - TPAssist 2007's publish to Microsoft® Excel® capability is multi-map enabled, allowing you to managing complex projects over multiple maps and produce consolidate Work breakdowns, project schedules and other reports.

    • Microsoft Project Export with Multimap Support - TPAssist 2007 Microsoft Project publishing capability allows you to managing complex projects over multiple maps and produce a single Gantt chart.

    TPAssist Feature Summary - A Toolkit for Project Managers




    • Manage complex projects - TPAssist 2007 can be used to manage simple groups of tasks or very complex projects.

    • Keep an Audit Trail - TPAssist automatically journals changes made to task details, including dates, priority, flags, percentage complete, text markers as well as resource assignment so you have a history, or audit trail, of where and when changes were made to the plan.

    • Automatically move dates of interdependent tasks - TPAssist 2007 provides the means to create complex project plans of interdependent activities, whereby dates will move automatically when related activities and tasks are updated and completed.
      Known as "Levelling", TPAssist 2007's date automation capability also recognises topic relationship. Relationship can be used to adjust the start and/or end dates of dependant tasks.

    • Track and present task status changes - TPAssist provides a Task Status capability that can be used to record and track status for any topic and also the overall map. Changes to status can be painlessly duplicated from topic to map to parent map.

    • Track project costs visually - TPAssist uses custom properties to capture financial estimates and actual values. This values will be rolled-up the map to provide the visually means to track any number of financial aspects associated with task, stage/phase, project and portfolio.

    • Publish reports to spreadsheets - TPAssist 2007 facilitates effective publishing of your project plans through a series of pre- formatted Microsoft® Excel® spreadsheets.
      The publish to Microsoft® Excel® capability draws on several built-in templates to display Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), team To- Do lists, a Resource Planner/Schedule and project Gantt Chart.

    • Consolidate and Publish multi-maps - TPAssist 2007's publish to Microsoft® Excel® capability is multi-map enabled, allowing you to managing complex projects over multiple maps and produce consolidate Work breakdowns, project schedules and other reports.

    • Analyse project plans via Excel - TPAssist 2007's publish to Microsoft® Excel® capability also provides "pivot source" worksheets, which are flat exports of map topics specifically formatted to facilitate pivot tables, charting and other manipulation to help you analysis and present project details.

    • Summarise your resource and project cost estimates in Excel - TPAssist 2007 adds the ability to capture resource costs and then publish the resulting plans into a "quote" style spreadsheet.

    • Managed project information - Through TPAssist's semi- structured notes capability, information can be easily embedded in your project maps and then exposed via the Excel based publishing tool.

    • Resource Filtering in Tree Summarisation - The TPAssist 2007 task tree summary capability has a "Resource Filter" which can be used to manage tasks assigned to one or more individuals.

    • Microsoft® Project Export with Multimap Support - TPAssist 2007 Microsoft Project publishing capability allows you to managing complex projects over multiple maps and produce a single Gantt chart.

    TPAssist Feature Summary - Dashboards & Reporting

    • Visualise your progress - TPAssist 2007 is designed to provide you with the visual cues to track and manage the various requests and activities that fill your day.

    • Summarise your next action - TPAssist 2007 has a straight-forward reporting tool that can be used to easily identify and manage your tasks based on due date proximity, priorities and flag.

    • Work with Multimaps - TPAssist 2007's Tree Update and Task Summary also work with Multimaps. Dashboards can be built very easily by linking topics to sub-maps and then running TPAssist 2007 Tree Update in Multimap mode.

    TPAssist Feature Summary - Capture and Roll-up of Financial Information










    • Capture Financial Details- TPAssist uses custom properties to capture financial estimates and actual values.



    • Manage "Work" as well as Duration - Incorporate resource effort (Work), as well as Duration, in task topics.



    • Manage topic "value" - Manage estimated, actual and remaining topic "values" for topic, topic trees and maps. This value can represent the cost of task, perhaps weekly sales figures or even expenses.



    • Roll-up Financial Details - Financial values captured via TPAssist will be rolled-up the map to provide the visually means to track estimates and actual details across groups of tasks, maps and Multimaps.



    • Expose financial values on the map - Work, costs and other TPAssist "extra" properties can be displayed directly on the map with automatically populated titles, callouts and "Display" custom properties.



    • Publish Work and Cost to Microsoft® Excel® and Microsoft® Project - Resource effort (Work) and topic value can be published to Microsoft® Excel® and Microsoft® Project for analysis, publication and distribution.



    TPAssist Feature Summary - Workflow Support




    • Visualise your workflow - Use MindManager and TPAssist to construct workflow tasks, linking them with relationships and automated dates.

    • Operator/Execute your workflow - TPAssist 2007 automatically records or "journals" your actions and task configuration changes with-in the topic notes. Your actions are also noted in context to which it related, i.e. all parent topics and linked maps.

    • Review/Audit your workflow history - As you progress your workflow, using TPAssist, you can visually track steps taken and yet to be taken. In addition, because your actions are tracked with-in the map, you have an instant audit trail of your workflow progress.

    • Create templates and re-use your workflows - Use TPAssist to take existing task trees and turn them into new ready to use workflow task trees.

    TPAssist Feature Summary - Roll-up of Task Information




    • Take a Birds Eye View - The ease at which individual topic status is rolled- up to a centralised view ensures you can quickly see what has to be done and give you instant satisfaction regarding what you have already achieved.

    • Uncover buried task information - Topic Task information with-in your map can become buried when you collapse and filter the hierarchy. You may have Priorities, percentage complete, flags and dates assigned to topics, but none of this will be obvious unless you expand the specific tree.

    • Roll-up task details on demand - TPAssist 2007's Tree Update capability rolls-up priorities, percentage complete, dates and flags.

    • Roll-up task details automatically - As well as manually, the Tree Update function is performed automatically whenever TPAssist is used to change the priority, percent complete, Start Date, Due Date or Flag.

    TPAssist Feature Summary - Supercharged Task Lists




    • Take the pain away from tracking your activities - TPAssist 2007 automatically records or "journals" your actions and task configuration changes with-in the topic notes. Your actions are also noted in context to which it related, i.e. all parent topics and linked maps.

    • See your achievement for any given day - TPAssist 2007 also builds and maintains a Journal summary tree. This tree tracks your activities by date and is grouped by year, month and day.

    • Turn your ideas in to action plans - TPAssist 2007 provides straight-forward techniques for taking Brainstorming ideas and turn them into Task maps ready to track and act-on.

    • Track your activities with-in any number of sub maps - TPAssist 2007 is multi-map enabled supporting task status rollout and also tracking of task and activity progress.

    Monday, June 30, 2008

    TPAssist Dashboard, Practical Tips for Taking Control of your workplace responsibilities - Create sub-templates of activities you repeat all the time.


    MindManager is great for facilitating routine activities and repeated work processes. In maximising the use of your time, you don't want to 're-invent the wheel' every time you have a set of activities to complete. You will want to make use of your past experience to make you more effective and efficient in every task. Further more, if you have some important process that you repeat often, you don't want to miss the odd step in the process and find yourself with further work to do correcting the mistake.


    This short piece looks at how you can make use of topic tree templates to make you more effective at completing routine activities and repeated work processes.


    You can also see a video presentation of this material via our video gallery.


    We promote the use of proven process. Trying to build templates for sets of activities that you haven't complete at least once isn't the best use of your time. We'd recommend only building topic tree templates for activities that you've repeat at least one, and possibly a few more times if you'd not convinced you did it perfectly the first time around.


    Once you have found a repeating set of activities, the process to create a topic tree template is very straight-forward.


    Firstly, find a place to store your template (in video illustration, I created a template place holder with-in the focus area); You could also filter out any unwanted topics.


    Secondly, you copy the topic structure to the clipboard. Now paste the topics as "text only", thereby removing any notes and other tracking details specific to the source tree.


    We now convert the topic list to a task tree. At this point you could also add date automation, a vast topic that we explore in other presentations.


    To conclude, make the template placeholder a "Research" topic to keep is clean and ensure that none of the TPAssist's tree roll-up automation is performed on this template.


    Once we have a topic tree template, using it is even more straight-forward. All we do is copy the topic tree into the focus area we mean to use it and set the details on the first activity.


    In Summary, we recommend using templates to make you more effective at completing routine activities and repeated work processes, the steps in that process are:


    • Use proven process as the basis of your template.

    • And create templates in-place with-in your maps to make them easy to find.

    TPAssist Dashboard, Practical Tips for Taking Control of your workplace responsibilities - Quick Bird's Eye View - Daily Activity Reviews


    Staying ultimately productive and enjoying your work at the same time is difficult enough without the added interruption of "task reminders".


    Instead of having to "react" to reminders, we would recommend a proactive approach. Staying on-top of your commitments without reminders is easier said than done, because if your outstanding tasks don't come looking for you, you need to go looking for them!


    This short piece looks at how you'd move from being a task reminder slave to a proactive commander of your own time.


    You can also see a video presentation of this material via our video gallery.


    One approach to being proactive in your activity management is the use of visual cues. We promote the use of three existing MindManager icon markers: flags, priorities and percent complete. These icon markers make great visual cues on individual topics.


    An even more powerful extension is rolling up these Flags, priorities and percent complete icons to parent topics and maps. You can then quickly zoom in on items that need attention. This automation is provided by TPAssist 2007.


    Another approach to proactively managing and finding your next action is the use of TPAssist's Task Summary view on a daily basis.


    The Task Summary provides a view of all outstanding and approaching actions found with-in your Dashboard. When executed regularly, you'll find the 7 day horizon view an excellent alternative to the dozen task reminder appearing in your face every 5 minutes. Instead, you can go looking for your next action when you are ready, holding comfort in the fact that if you get drawn away from a task for a period, you'll easily find it again later via the Task Summary.


    Using the Task Summary and/or visual clues in your Dashboard assumes you are using your map to plan your actions. Therefore at a minimum you need to ensure your map includes everything you need to do. If you forget to include some action you may find yourself not trusting the Task Summary or visual clues.


    In Summary, our recommended approach to becoming a proactive commander of your own time is as follows:


    • Use flags, priorities and percent complete as visual cues.

    • Use the Task Summary daily to set your priorities for the day and see where you are going.

    • And at a minimum capture everything you need to do in your map.

    TPAssist Dashboard, Practical Tips for Taking Control of your workplace responsibilities -Sensible Approach to Task Tracking


    The objective of task tracking is to recall what you have said, done, promised or been promised.


    However it just isn't practical to track everything, so we must focus on aspects of our day that deliver the greatest benefit whilst minimising our exposure to overwhelm.


    In other words we don't want to be overburdened with the management of loads of low priority tasks and reminders.


    This piece illustrates a sensible approach to task tracking.


    You can also see a video presentation of this material via our video gallery.


    When you find something that impacts your job responsibilities directly, use your task trees to visually track progress.


    Don't be afraid of having too many topics in your map, you can always create linked sub- maps if a mini- project becomes a big- project.


    When something comes your way which may cause you concern at some later point, make a note of it and give it plenty of time to resolve.


    This best guess time-frame approach to items at the perimeter of your responsibility, ensure, whilst on your radar, the item will hopefully stay out of the way of your primary activities.


    Use "General" topics to track activities for items outside your direct line of responsibility, but indirectly linked to your ability to work productively.


    An example might be receiving notice of an update to the company Holiday's policy. You may want to record a note of the change for next time you are planning some time away.


    In Summary, our recommended approach to task tracking is as follows:


    • Use new topics generously for aspects that directly impact your responsibilities.

    • Use best guess time-frames for aspects at the perimeter of your responsibilities.

    • Use topics with a Priority of 5 to capture peripheral activities.

    TPAssist Dashboard, Practical Tips for Taking Control of your workplace responsibilities - Free your mind - "Set and Forget"


    An important part of working productively is dealing with interruptions, whether they be external, like a phone call or e-mail, or be they of your own creation, like a new great idea.


    This short piece looks at how your Dashboard can be used to effectively manage interruptions.


    You can also see a video presentation of this material via our video gallery.


    When an idea or requests land at your feet, spend a small amount of time assessing the steps or activities required to complete the request.


    Put that list into the context to which it belongs. Then turn these steps or activities into mini- projects with automatic dates.


    Before you move onto something else, always put a date on the next activity. This date is typically either when you you'll have time to address the request or when you next need to assess the status.


    Every item in the Dashboard can be picked up by the Task Summary, so now that you have dates on your actions, you can put them out of your mind and get back to being productive.


    So to summarise, our approach to Freeing your mind is follows:


    • List actions and creating mini-plans

    • Put a date on the next action or "check- point"And use the Task Summary to drive your productivity

    Thursday, June 19, 2008

    NEWSLETTER - TPAssist Dashboard Launched

    Launch of TPAssist Dashboard online resources for workplace mind mapping.

    TPAssist has launched a FREE online resource for workplace mind mapping. The "TPAssist Dashboard" web site includes FREE instructional videos, template maps and template role based Dashboards. We also have do-it-yourself instructional guide on building your own role based Dashboard.http://www.tpassist.com/Dashboard

    What is a role based Dashboard?

    The TPAssist Dashboard, not unlike the control panel in your car, contains the instruments and controls necessary to manage and enjoy your day.
    Central to the Dashboard is the concept of "context" and the need to see the actions you take driving you towards your ultimate goal. Find out more via online resource.


    TPAssist 2007 1.4 Released

    TPAssist 2007 version 1.4 is now available for download. This update is part 2 of our usability initiative, which started with version 1.3 where we updated features based on knowledge gained from case studies and feedback from our growing communicate of subscribers.This update includes improvements to the Publish Tab and Tree Update Tab. find out more...
    Download TPAssist 2007 Now.


    Mindjet® Connect

    We are actively enhancing TPAssist 2007 to take advantage of the online collaboration potential of Mindjet Connect. If you are looking at MindManager® Service Pack 2 or Mindjet Connect please read our latest update.

    ..................................................

    SURVEY - Help us help you by tell us more about how you found us and your experience in using TPAssist 2007.Take Survey Now

    TPAssist User's Group - TPAssist is now on Ning.com. We've established an end-user community on Ning. This community is an open forum and isn't moderated, so please join and share your experiences. Join Now

    Tuesday, June 17, 2008

    TPAssist Users Group




    Join the TPAssist Users Group on NING and share your experiences with other TPAssist users.



    Sunday, June 15, 2008

    Mindjet Connect and Support for MindManager 7 Service Pack 2

    Mindjet® MindManager® 7, Service Pack 2 (7.2.374), released for general availability on 17th of June has been developed specifically to facilitate Mindjet Connect.


    TPAssist 2007 has been extensively tested for use with SP2 and also with maps located in Mindjet® Connect.

    UPDATE (15/Sep/08) - 1.5 is now released, please see our download page.

    Our most recent updated, TPAssist 2007 1.4, whilst successfully tested with Mindjet Connect (MJC), has one issued with regards to in-effective Hyperlinks in the "Task Summary" feature when operated on MJC maps. TPAssist is working with Mindjet to find a solution.


    TPAssist 2007 1.4 has been built for MindManager 6.2.399 and 7.1.394. One of these exact versions must be installed in order to make use of the optional Outlook Add-in.


    TPAssist users who move to MindManager 7 Service Pack 2 (SP2) can make use of TPAssist 1.4 if they do not which to use the Outlook Add-in. However, if the Outlook Add-in is required, the beta of TPAssist 1.5 must be installed. The beta of TPAssist 1.5 can be downloaded here.

    Tuesday, May 13, 2008

    TPAssist 2007 v1.4 - Release Notes

    TPAssist 2007 version 1.4 is now available for download.

    This update could be considered part 2 of our usability initative, which started with version 1.3 where we updated features based on knowledge gained from case studies and feedback from our growing communicate of subscribers.

    The update includes improvement in some key areas and a small number of fixes.

    Improvements to existing Features:

    • The Publish Tab of TPAssist Console re-organised such that it is more intuitive and that the most used features are more accessible. The popup window has been re-designed to provide maximum accessibility to the capabilities that are used most often. You can obtain the lesser used capabilities by clicking the ">>>" button. Likewise, hiding the advanced options is achieved by clicking the "<<" button.
    • The Tree Update Tab of TPAssist Console re-organised such that it is more intuitive and that the most used features are more accessible. The popup window has been re-designed to provide maximum accessibility to the capabilities that are used most often. You can obtain the lesser used capabilities by clicking the ">>>" button. Likewise, hiding the advanced options is achieved by clicking the "<<" button.
    • The Progress popup has improved message to provide clearer indication of status. For example, the Tree Update and multimap Journal functionality now informs you when it is fetching maps from linked topics.

    Fixes:

    • Outlook Add-in compatibility verification (installer wont install the Outlook Add-in if the MindManager version isn't matched).
    • The Document Properties "Advanced Options" choice is now remembered correctly.
    • Improved instructions in "First Time Usage" message, when a TPAssist 2007 command is used on existing (non-TPAssist) mind maps.
    Other Notes:

    • This update has been built for MindManager 6.2.399 and 7.1.394, these exact versions must be installed in order to make use of the optional Outlook Add-in.
    • Whilst this update has been successfully tested with Mindjet Connect, there are some known issues and beta program users should contact us for access to the TPAssist 2007 beta for Mindjet Connect. (http://www.tpassist.com/Support/Default.aspx)

    Tuesday, April 8, 2008

    TPAssist 2007 Feature in Focus: Topic Node Concat

    TPAssist 2007 Topic Node Concat or just Topic Concat, is one of the added bonuses designed to make working with MindManager ultimately productive.
    The tool is available via the Right-Click context menu on map topics. It has one purpose and many uses.

    The purpose of the tool is to concatenate the text of sub topics into a parent single topic.

    One of the key uses, and the reason the tool was originally developed is for use with TabletPC and MindManager “Pen mode”. Pen mode, especially when your TabletPC is in portrait mode, has a limited window for capturing your writing. This is clearly designed to facilitate brainstorming. However this small window proves less useful when capturing large amounts of notes in meetings, workshops, seminars or even training.

    So the Topic Concat tool was developed to help bring trees of words back into sentences.

    The following script illustrates how Topic Concat can be used.



    STEP 1 - In the first instance, you may find yourself capturing notes during a meeting.




    STEP 2 - Next you would use the MindManager “Ink To Text” tool to convert your writing into topic text.




    STEP 3 - Now you use the TPAssist 2007 Topic Concat tool to bring these words into sentences.



    The “level” option allows you to choose where your sentences start. In the example above we have chosen level “2” because our meeting notes start 2 levels down from the meeting agenda item.
    The resulting map then looks as follows: