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title: Troubleshooting & FAQ description: Frequently asked questions and solutions for Tasks-related problems in Tidal Control sidebar_position: 4

Troubleshooting & FAQ

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?

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?

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

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

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

Come across an issue we haven't covered?

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