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Overview of Journal Entries


In order for journal entries to be used in the project, the journal must be enabled in the Project settings.


The visibility and permissions for journal entries are described in the following article: Visibility & Permissions for Journal Entries.


Benefits of Journal Entries

Journal entries are used to record construction site documentation. Observations, defects, and special events are documented directly at the location with photos and model sections, while the date of recording, location, and weather data are automatically added. This results in objective and traceable documentation. Photos and videos are also collected in the Media library, creating a centralized overview of the project’s progress. Since defects can be directly assigned to a responsible person with a due date, the documentation is seamlessly linked to the remediation process. In addition, journal entries can be created or added directly during the execution of Controls & Inspections, linking findings from site inspections immediately to the protocol. The log thus serves both as a working tool in day-to-day construction site operations and as supporting documentation for inspections, addenda, or disputes.


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Distinction from Tasks

Journal entries and tasks complement each other but serve different purposes. Tasks are used to assign, plan, and coordinate work and assignments through comments. They typically arise during planning, coordination, or meetings. Journal entries, on the other hand, record what was observed or what happened on the construction site. They are usually recorded at the location, for example, during site inspections, controls, or inspections. Like tasks, journal entries can also be assigned to a responsible person with a due date and added to the agenda for meetings. The basic rule is: If something needs to be completed, a task is created. If something needs to be recorded, a journal entry is created. A defect serves as the interface between the two, as it is documented and simultaneously assigned for resolution. For more information on tasks, see the following article: Overview of Tasks & Topics.


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Structure and Classification of Journal Entries

A journal entry essentially consists of the classification, photos and videos, a description, and the assignment to a responsible person. Since an entry can be saved even if it is incomplete, observations are quickly recorded at the location and completed later. For more information, see the following article: Creating Journal Entries.



Classification can be used to specify the purpose of a journal entry. This allows entries to be specifically targeted Filtered and analyzed later.


Documentation
Classification documentation is used to objectively record a condition that does not require immediate action, such as construction progress, concealed structural elements prior to closing, or the preservation of evidence on adjacent properties.


defect
A defect refers to a deviation from the agreed-upon specifications that must be corrected, such as workmanship errors, damage, or missing components.


Incident
An incident records a specific event that affects the construction process or is relevant for future documentation, such as accidents, severe weather, delivery delays, or disruptions caused by third parties.


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Efficient Entry of Journal Entries

For recurring documentation, various tools are available that significantly reduce the effort required for data entry. With Journal Templates, frequently used details such as classification, categories, or the person responsible are predefined and automatically carried over when creating a new entry. In addition, selected content from the most recently created entry can be copied into a new journal entry, so that recurring information does not have to be re-entered. Using Voice Input, descriptions are dictated rather than typed. When adding Plan Sections to a journal entry, plans saved as Favorites are displayed directly for selection, eliminating the need to perform a search through the folder structure.


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Journal Entries in the Mobile App

Since journal entries are primarily created on the construction site, the Mobile App offers additional roles for data entry at the location. Pinned log templates are immediately available for selection when creating a new entry and can be downloaded in advance, allowing entries to be recorded offline with just a few keystrokes. Photos and videos are captured using the built-in camera, which allows for multiple shots, direct image editing, and adding an additional description immediately after capture. To ensure documentation remains possible even with a poor internet connection, journal entries in pinned projects can be recorded offline and synchronized later. PDF plans saved as favorites and previously loaded models are also available offline, allowing users to create plan sections and pinpoint defects directly in the plan or model.


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Updated on: 23/10/2026