Daily log
The daily log records informal issues, notes, and observations that do not immediately fit into other records.
During the starting up a project process, the daily log temporarily captures issues and risks since the formal issue and risk registers might not yet be established.
Team managers may maintain separate daily logs focused specifically on their work packages, distinct from the project manager’s daily log.
Format
The daily log can be maintained using:
- Documents or spreadsheets
- Desk diaries or logbooks
- Electronic diaries, calendars, or task lists
- Entries in a project management tool
Quality criteria
The following criteria determine the quality of a daily log:
- Entries should remain clear and understandable, even when reviewed weeks or months later.
- Include essential details such as:
- Date of entry
- Person responsible
- Level of importance
- Target date or project stage
- Ensure controlled access, as the daily log is intended primarily as a private reference for the project manager.
Tips
Efficient use of the daily log helps project managers capture valuable insights, notes, and informal issues as they arise. Here are some practical suggestions:
- Notebook for immediate capture
- Carry a small notebook or journal with you at all times.
- Quickly jot down observations, spontaneous ideas, and informal discussions to ensure valuable insights are not forgotten.
- Digital alternatives (apps)
- Many project managers prefer digital tools, such as smartphone or tablet apps.
- Choose a user-friendly app that supports quick entry, tagging, reminders, and synchronization with your primary workspace or tools.
- I am a big fan of SimpleNote, and the default Google app is also good.
- Spreadsheet for structured management
- Regularly transfer key entries into a structured spreadsheet from your notebook or app.
- Spreadsheets allow you to organize lessons or issues clearly by criteria like importance, urgency, responsible person, or project stage.
- Enhanced analysis and retrieval
- Using spreadsheets helps quickly identify patterns, prioritize actions, and recall important information.
- Regular maintenance ensures that the daily log remains a practical, organized, and beneficial tool throughout the project’s lifecycle.
—o—
Written by Frank Turley.
If you have questions or doubts after using this wiki, you can ask for help on the Facebook or LinkedIn study groups.