How can project dashboards improve communication and labor allocation within a team?

Automation in a project dashboard can include features like automatic updates of task statuses, real-time tracking of project progress, automated generation of reports, and alerts or notifications for important milestones or deadlines. It can also include automated workflows that streamline processes, such as task assignment and approval processes. Additionally, automation can be used to integrate the dashboard with other tools or platforms, allowing for seamless data exchange and reducing the need for manual data entry.

Project dashboards can be customized for different types of projects by first identifying the problems you're trying to solve with your current tools. Once you've identified these issues, you can start small by using a project management tool to create a simple task list that reflects your preferred categorization and view of tasks. As you become more comfortable with the tool, you can start to create more elaborate dashboards that automate various parts of your work. Importantly, you don't have to use the same setup for each project. Depending on the project and the team, you might need a simple task list and digital notebook for some projects, and a more elaborate set of spreadsheets with some automation for others.

1. Identify the problems you're trying to solve with the new tool. Understand what issues you're facing with your current tools and what you need to change or add.

2. Start small. Begin by using the tool on a smaller scale to understand if it's right for you. You can gradually scale up as you get comfortable with it.

3. Create separate dashboards for different types of projects. Depending on the project and the team, you might need different setups. Customize the tool to suit the needs of each project.