OpenAir as a Collaboration Tool using Scripting

Every professional services firm faces multiple challenges on its path to success. There’s a need to acquire new clients, retain existing ones, optimize billable hours, handle complex projects, manage payments, and many more.

PSA software is a technical solution that empowers professional services organizations with a unified approach to managing and optimizing their operational business processes. An essential element of an efficient business process is communication and collaboration.

NetSuite OpenAir is a powerful and highly sought-after PSA tool that supports real-time collaboration. However, in some cases, users want to keep track of all team communication on a project or task within OpenAir or within other third-party platforms.

For example, wouldn’t it be great if you could leave a comment on a project and have all team members alerted – and then they can respond not just in a third-party tool (such as Microsoft Teams, Slack, text messaging services, etc.,) but also right within OpenAir. If you’re such an OpenAir user, this script is for you!

How to Get the Most Out of OpenAir Through Integrated Collaboration

The process is simple. OpenAir allows custom text area fields to be added to the task form that is visible on every task; the screenshot below is an example.

The form features two text area fields. The field on the left stores a running read-only thread of messages on a task. The one on the right is a text field that lets you type whatever you wish to communicate to users assigned to the project. Members assigned to the task will be notified of your reply through OpenAir or email, and the message will show up as a thread on the left.

 

Remember, the form is not limited to tasks. You can also do this on project forms, invoices, or any activity in OpenAir that has a form and requires team collaboration and communication.

The beauty of this OpenAir script is that it can also be integrated with email and third-party platforms like Slack. You don’t necessarily need to access OpenAir to stay updated or communicate with your team – but for those who work a lot within OpenAir can quickly respond without opening or checking other tools.

 

In addition, you can customize the text area field to show only what’s useful to you. For example, you can eliminate unnecessary signatures and elements and format the field only to show messages, users, and time.

Advantages

OpenAir recognizes that the digital environment for professional services thrives on collaboration since it comprises consultants, salespeople, clients, and several other users from diverse roles. These users need to share information about tasks and projects, often in real-time. The benefits of collaborating are well-known. But a fully integrated tool with advanced collaborative capabilities comes with a set of unique benefits, including:

Monitor and Track Communication

By implementing this OpenAir script, you can have a singular point of information with real-time data that can be accessed by all members within or outside the software. For example, a user can track the direction of communication on a task from when a project commenced and what was discussed and by what user, as demonstrated above. This level of transparency makes it easy to pinpoint specific issues and address them accordingly to ensure the successful delivery of a project.

No Excuse for Non-Communication

Many have complained about the effort and time it takes to track team communication or stay updated on critical tasks. With OpenAir scripting, you can design collaboration to work for you and your unique needs.

Easy, Fast, and Efficient Collaboration

Many PSA software problems often come from integrating and working with third-party tools. For instance, it takes some set-up and even approvals in some software regarding third-party collaboration tools. Fortunately, this is not the case with OpenAir – due to the power of OpenAir scripts – fully integrated, collaboration and communication can be automated and occur in real-time.

Better Decision-Making

The dramatic increase in visibility, transparency, and customizable collaboration for project managers, their teams, consultants, contractors, clients, etc., on OpenAir empowers everyone to make informed decisions regarding budget, time, delivery, and more.

Bottom Line

Collaboration is essential in completing tasks and projects to achieve goals and objectives. OpenAir recognizes the significance of cooperation and thus provides mechanisms that enable teams across departments to plan, coordinate, control, and monitor their work. This script takes collaboration a step further to ensure team members are updated and can participate in collaboration processes both inside and outside of OpenAir.

Top Step continues to innovate and develop scripts that extend the functionality of OpenAir to enhance your OpenAir experience and get the most out of it.

Learn more about our OpenAir scripts and how you can extend your OpenAir functionality. The possibilities are limitless!