# Troubleshooting & FAQ

> Most control problems trace back to activation conditions. Why a control stays Inactive, why a Plan generates no tasks, and what an automated test Error means.

Source: https://tidalcontrol.com/docs/controls/troubleshooting-and-faq

Most control problems trace back to the activation conditions: a control stays Inactive until it is complete, and a Plan only generates tasks for controls that are already active. The answers below cover that, plus editing, bulk changes, and where to read a control's compliance status.

## Frequently asked questions

### Why does my control keep "Inactive" status?

**A control only becomes "Active" when all the following conditions are met:**
- The "Valid from" date is in the past and "Valid to" in the future (or empty)
- At least one Asset is linked to the Control
- At least one Plan is linked to the Control

**Solution:**
1. **Check validity period** - Go to Details tab and set correct dates
2. **Link an asset** - Go to Assets tab and select relevant business resources
3. **Link a plan** - Go to Plans tab and select an appropriate schedule
4. **Refresh the page** - Status update may require a browser refresh

> **note:**

Only active controls can have automatic tasks created by Plans. Inactive controls are "silent" and generate no new activities.

### Can't I edit a control after creating it?

**Controls can always be edited,** regardless of their status.

**Solution:**
1. **Click on control name** in the overview
2. **Details tab opens** where all fields are editable
4. **Make changes** and click "Update" to save

**Possible causes of problems:**
- Browser cache - try hard refresh (Ctrl+Shift+R)
- Insufficient rights - ask administrator for edit permissions

### How can I manage multiple controls at once?

Selecting several controls at once lets you assign an owner, archive, or delete them in a single action.

**Available bulk operations:**
- **Assign owners** - Select controls and assign the same owner
- **Archive** - Move multiple controls to archive
- **Delete** - Permanently delete selected controls

**Bulk workflow:**
1. **Select controls** with checkboxes on the left in the overview
2. **Relevant buttons appear** at the top of the table (Archive, Delete, Assign)
3. **Choose desired action** and confirm

**Not possible for bulk operations:**
- Edit control descriptions
- Adjust framework references
- Manage individual attributes

### Why am I not getting automatic tasks from my Plan?

**Plans only create tasks for active controls that meet all conditions.**

**Check the following points:**
1. **Control status** - Must be "Active" (green)
2. **Plan linking** - Control must be linked to a Plan via Plans tab
3. **Asset linking** - At least one asset must be linked
4. **Plan timing** - Plan schedule determines when tasks are created

**Plan troubleshooting:**
1. **Go to control Details** and check all tabs
2. **Verify that Plan is active** - Inactive plans don't create tasks
3. **Check Plan scheduling** - Some plans only work on specific dates
4. **Wait for next cycle** - Tasks are created according to plan frequency

### Where do I find the compliance status of my control?

The status shows as a dot in the overview, as a percentage on the dashboard, and in full detail on the control itself.

**Compliance status locations:**
- **Controls overview** - Status column shows green/red/gray dots
- **Dashboard widgets** - Assigned/Implemented/Audited percentages
- **Control details** - Detailed status information and history

**Status meanings:**
- **Green** - All tasks completed and tests passed
- **Red** - Overdue tasks or failed tests
- **Gray** - No tasks or tests linked yet

**If status is incorrect:**
1. **Refresh page** - F5 for updated information
2. **Check task status** - All tasks must be "Closed" for green
3. **Re-run tests** - Click "Refresh" on failed tests
4. **Check deadlines** - Tasks without deadline count as compliant

See [Implementing and testing controls](/docs/controls/implementing-and-testing-controls) for detailed status explanation.

## Common problems

### Automated tests remain in "Error" status

This is almost always the integration, not the test itself. Try disconnecting and reconnecting it first.

**Test execution problems:**
- Tests don't start after clicking "Refresh"
- Permanent "Error" status despite working integration
- "Not executed" status doesn't change to result

**Solutions:**
- **Restart integration** - Disconnect and reconnect external system
- **Update credentials** - Refresh API keys and permissions
- **Contact technical support** - With specific error logs

For technical integration problems, see [Getting started with Integrations](/docs/integrations/getting-started)

### Tasks are not automatically assigned

**Problem:** Plan creates tasks but they don't get an owner.

**Possible causes:**
- **Control has no owners** - Owners, Executors or Assessors missing
- **Plan configuration** - Plan doesn't assign default assignees
- **Asset owners missing** - Tasks per asset but assets have no owners

**Solutions:**
1. **Assign control owners** - Go to Details and set Owners, Executors, Assessors
2. **Check asset owners** - Assets must have owners for asset-specific tasks
3. **Manual assignment** - Manually assign pending tasks via Tasks page

> **info:**

**Task assignment logic**: Plans always assign tasks to both control owners and asset owners. Ensure at least one level has owners.

### Control attributes cannot be added

Both the title and the value have to be individually confirmed with 'Add item' before the attribute itself will save.

**Error scenarios:**
- "Add attribute" button doesn't work
- Title or value fields don't accept input
- Attributes disappear after saving

**Troubleshooting:**
1. **Add item** - Title and value must each be individually confirmed with the 'Add item' button after filling in.
2. **Check field validation** - Title and value cannot be empty
3. **Use dropdown suggestions** - Select existing values where possible

**Attribute workflow:**
1. **Click "Add attribute"**
2. **Fill in title** and press Enter or click "Add item"
3. **Fill in value** and press Enter or click "Add item"  
4. **Click "Add"** to save definitively

**Attribute management tips:**
- Reuse existing titles for consistency
- Use short, clear values
- Delete via trash icon on mouse hover

### Still can't figure it out?

Send an email to support@tidalcontrol.com, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

> **info:**

**Gather support info:** Note which browser you're using, exact error messages, and which steps you've already tried. This significantly speeds up the solution.