Project Journal

Project Journal: Document Your Automation Journey

The Project Journal provides a built-in documentation feature for tracking your project’s progress, milestones, and important notes throughout its lifecycle. Combine text entries with photos to create a comprehensive record of your automation projects.

Overview

Every automation project tells a story—from initial setup through ongoing improvements and troubleshooting. The Project Journal captures this narrative, allowing you to document decisions, record observations, and preserve important moments with photos. Connect your journal entries to your project data to create a rich, contextual history.

Key Features

• Timestamped Entries: Automatically records when each entry was created
• Text Notes: Document progress, decisions, and observations
• Photo Attachments: Add images to illustrate setups, issues, or achievements
• Chronological History: Entries organized by time for easy review
• Project Integration: Link journal entries to related project data
• Offline Support: Create entries even when disconnected

Use Cases

• Setup Documentation: Record installation steps and initial configurations
• Maintenance Logs: Track regular maintenance activities and observations
• Troubleshooting Records: Document problems and their solutions
• Milestone Tracking: Celebrate and record project achievements
• Change History: Note modifications and their reasons
• Knowledge Base: Build institutional knowledge for future reference
• Team Communication: Share progress updates with collaborators
• Audit Trail: Maintain records for compliance or review

Example Entries

Installation Setup:

Date: 2026-01-15
Title: Initial Sensor Installation
Notes: Installed temperature and humidity sensors in Zone A. 
Mounted at 1.5m height per manufacturer recommendations.
Wiring routed through conduit along north wall.
[Photo: sensor_mounting.jpg]

Troubleshooting Record:

Date: 2026-01-20
Title: pH Sensor Calibration Issue
Notes: pH readings drifting high. Performed 2-point calibration 
with pH 4.0 and 7.0 buffers. Replaced probe tip as it showed 
signs of contamination. Readings now stable.
[Photo: calibration_process.jpg]

Milestone Achievement:

Date: 2026-01-25
Title: System Goes Live
Notes: All sensors online and reporting. Automated alerts 
working correctly. First full day of data collection complete.
[Photo: dashboard_screenshot.jpg]

Configuration

Field	Description	Required
name	Journal display name	Yes
description	Optional description	No
entries	List of journal entries	No
createdAt	Creation timestamp	Auto
updatedAt	Last update timestamp	Auto

Journal Entry Structure

Each journal entry contains:

• Timestamp: When the entry was created
• Title: Brief summary of the entry
• Content: Detailed text notes
• Images: Optional photo attachments
• Tags: Optional categorization labels

Best Practices

• Regular Updates: Add entries as events happen, not weeks later
• Be Descriptive: Include enough detail to understand context later
• Use Photos: Visual documentation is invaluable
• Tag Consistently: Use standard tags for easy filtering
• Link to Nodes: Reference specific data points or events
• Note Decisions: Record why choices were made, not just what
• Include Failures: Learning from problems is valuable
• Date Everything: Always include timestamps for context

Integration Points

• Projects: Journal is a child of Project nodes
• Data Points: Reference sensor readings in entries
• Triggers: Document alert conditions and responses
• Serial Devices: Record device setup and calibration
• Timeline View: See entries alongside data history

Example Workflows

Equipment Installation:

1. Create Project for new equipment
2. Add Journal entry for planning phase
3. Document unboxing and initial inspection
4. Record installation steps with photos
5. Note calibration procedures
6. Log first operational test
7. Document go-live and initial readings

Ongoing Maintenance:

1. Regular inspection entries
2. Calibration records
3. Parts replacement logs
4. Performance observations
5. Seasonal adjustments
6. Annual review summaries

Troubleshooting:

1. Initial problem observation
2. Diagnostic steps taken
3. Root cause analysis
4. Solution implemented
5. Verification results
6. Preventive measures added

Benefits

For Individuals:

• Personal knowledge base
• Memory aid for complex setups
• Track your learning journey

For Teams:

• Shared understanding
• Onboarding documentation
• Shift handoff notes
• Knowledge preservation

For Organizations:

• Audit compliance
• Maintenance records
• Institutional memory
• Training materials

The Project Journal transforms your automation project from a collection of nodes into a documented, understandable system with rich historical context.