Troubleshooting & FAQ

Task questions are mostly about classification and completion: which type to choose, when a task is genuinely finished, the difference between owners and contributors, and what to do when a task keeps being reopened.

Frequently asked questions

Which task type should I choose?

Choose based on what you're going to do:

Execution - For implementation work:

• Configure or install systems
• Roll out new procedures
• Organize and conduct training
• Test: Are you going to build, install or implement something?

Assessment - For evaluation work:

• Assess effectiveness of controls
• Conduct audits and reviews
• Check compliance
• Test: Are you going to check, assess or evaluate something?

Practical tip: If you're torn between both types, think about the end result. Execution delivers a working system or process, Assessment delivers a report or evaluation (effective / ineffective).

When is a task actually completed?

A task is ready for closure when:

• All instructions from the description have been executed
• Evidence has been collected and uploaded
• Testing proves everything works (for implementations)
• Stakeholders have given approval where needed
• Follow-up actions have been identified and planned

Don't complete if:

• You're still waiting for approval from others
• Evidence is missing or incomplete
• Testing shows implementation doesn't work
• Related tasks must be completed first

What's the difference between owners and contributors?

The owner is accountable for the outcome; contributors do the work that gets them there.

Owners:

• Ultimately responsible for task completion
• Approval of the end result
• Escalation for problems or delays
• Resource planning and setting priorities
• Quality assurance of deliverables

Contributors:

• Practical execution of work
• Collect evidence and upload
• Progress updates via comments
• Collaboration with other contributors
• Provide input and expertise

In practice:

• One owner is usually most effective
• Multiple contributors can work in parallel
• Owner checks before task is closed, or reviews the closed task
• Contributors do the actual work

How do I plan realistic deadlines?

Base the deadline on real complexity and who's actually available, then add a buffer rather than assume nothing goes wrong.

Estimation factors:

• Complexity - How many steps and dependencies?
• Resources - Who is available and when?
• Dependencies - Which other tasks must be completed first?
• Time needed for testing - Time for validation and corrections
• Buffer - 20% extra for unexpected problems

Common problems

Task keeps getting reopened by owner

This is almost always an incomplete fix or missing evidence, not a communication problem.

Possible causes:

• Solution doesn't work - Implementation has bugs or problems
• Insufficient evidence - Owner cannot verify result
• Miscommunication - Expectations about end result differ
• Scope expansion - New requirements are added during execution

Direct solutions:

1. Ask for specific feedback - What exactly is missing for closure?
2. Test more thoroughly - Check if implementation really works
3. Collect more evidence - Screenshots, logs, test results
4. Plan review meeting - Discuss expectations face-to-face

Prevention for next time:

• Ask owner to define closure criteria upfront
• Test solution together with owner before closing
• Document agreed steps in the control description for next time

Linked tasks are not visible or don't match

Linking tasks is what shows the dependency between them and lets evidence get reused instead of re-collected.

Why linking is important:

• Workflow understanding - How tasks build on each other
• Dependency tracking - Which tasks must be completed first
• Evidence sharing - Reuse of evidence
• Complete overview - of related activities

If links are missing:

1. Check task configuration - Are tasks linked to the same controls, assets and period?
2. Verify task types - Assessments link ONLY to Executions and vice versa
3. Empty fields don't link - Tasks must always contain at least one control, asset and/or period otherwise tasks don't link

Still can't figure it out?

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