Tracker Report Generation

Project Notes provides two plugins for generating tracker item reports. Choose based on your platform and preferred output format.

Export Tracker Items (All Platforms)

The Export Tracker Items plugin generates a PDF report from tracker and action items using HTML rendering. It works on Windows, macOS, and Linux without requiring Microsoft Excel.

For complete documentation see Export Tracker Items.

To export tracker items:

  1. Right-click on the project in the Project List Page.
  2. Choose Export > Tracker Items.
  3. Check Generate Internal Report if you want internal items included.
  4. Check Generate HTML Report if you want to keep the HTML source file.
  5. Select the statuses and item types to include in the Include Status and Include Types sections.
  6. Choose an email option.
  7. Click OK to generate the report.

Generate Tracker Report (Windows Only — Excel-Based)

The Generate Tracker Report plugin generates a PDF by automating Microsoft Excel using an .xls template. This plugin is Windows-only and requires Microsoft Excel to be installed.

Report File Names and Locations

The plugin looks for a File/Folder Location with a description of "Project Folder" to determine where to save the generated reports. Reports are placed in the sub-folder "Issues List" found in the specified "Project Folder".

The report is generated by copying "Tracker Items Template.xls" from plugins/templates/ to the project folder, then using OLE Automation (OLE Automation Wiki) to open and edit the template, fill in values, copy rows, and save it as a PDF. Because the plugin is automating an external application, unpredictable situations may occur. If the script fails, use Plugins > Utilities > Close Stranded Excel to clean up any Excel processes left open.

Email Options

By default the plugin will not automatically add recipients. It creates an email subject with the Project Number, Project Name, and Date. By default the Excel contents are copied and pasted into the email body. You can also choose to email an Excel or PDF attached version instead.

To generate a tracker report:

  1. Right-click on the project in the Project List Panel.
  2. Choose Generate Tracker Report.
  3. Check Display report when complete to open the PDF after it is generated.
  4. Check Generate Internal Report to include internal items.
  5. Check Generate Excel Report to keep the Excel file used to generate the PDF.
  6. Check the Include Types you want: Action Items and/or Tracker Items.
  7. Check the Include Status values: New, Assigned, Resolved, Deferred, and/or Canceled.
  8. Choose the type of email to send in the Email Options section.
  9. Click OK to generate the report.
  10. If you chose an email option, switch to Outlook and send the email.