Part 5: Auxiliary Functionality

Part 5 of our "Admin Panel Tutorial Series" covering the basics of how to use the admin panel as well as some more advanced topics and workflow tips and tricks.

In this video we cover:

00:00 Intro

00:20 Documents

01:50 Audit Log

04:30 Message Queue and Log

07:28 Bulk Action Report

09:55 Memo Field

10:50 In-Field Help

Admin Panel Advanced Features Overview

This tutorial is the fifth in a series on mastering the admin panel. While previous videos covered the main functions, this "bonus round" explores some additional features that can streamline your workflow, especially when managing documents, audit logs, and message logs. It also dives into useful troubleshooting tools and handy tips for navigating the admin interface.

1. Documents Tab

The Documents Tab allows you to attach and link relevant documents, typically PDFs, to various entity records like products, sales orders, or customer profiles.

• Usage: You can link documents such as spec sheets or product guides to their corresponding records. For example, linking a spec sheet for a specific product or associating sales orders with relevant documents.

• How to Link: You can either upload a new document or select one that already exists in the system. Once linked, the document can be quickly accessed by anyone looking at that record.

2. Audit Log

The Audit Log provides a chronological record of changes made to any entity within the system, offering a valuable troubleshooting tool.

• Purpose: Tracks who made what changes, including the initial creation and any edits to records.

• Usage: Especially useful for resolving disputes or tracking mistakes, such as proving changes to customer data, like a wrong address input.

• Details: Each log entry includes who made the change, when it was made, and a breakdown of the edit. The raw code of changes can be accessed for more technical users.

3. Message Logs and Message Queue

Message logs store and track system-generated or user-sent messages related to different entity records (e.g., customer communications, invoices).

• Types of Messages: Includes order confirmations, invoice emails, dispatch notifications, etc.

• Message Queue: Messages are added to a queue before being sent, allowing for retries if an email fails. The system tries up to three times before marking it as failed.

• Log Access: You can check the status of sent messages, including failed ones, which may fail due to reasons like an incorrect email address.

4. Bulk Action Reports

Bulk actions allow you to perform tasks on multiple records at once (e.g., dispatching multiple orders or printing shipping labels). The Bulk Action Report logs these actions and flags any failures.

• Use Cases: For tasks like batch processing orders, dispatching, or bulk printing, these logs help track successes and failures.

• Error Handling: If an action fails on a particular record, the report will indicate the reason, allowing for quick resolution.

5. Memo Field

The Memo Field is available across most entity records and allows for internal notes to be attached to records.

• Usage: Add notes for internal purposes, such as reminders or clarifications between team members. These memos are not visible to customers.

• Example: Adding special instructions for an order or clarifying issues that may arise with a product or customer.

6. In-Field Help

In-field help offers immediate assistance on specific fields in the admin panel.

• Availability: Fields with help are marked in blue and turn into a question mark when hovered over.

• Usage: Click on these field names to get short descriptions and explanations about the field’s function. This is particularly useful for complex configurations like shipping methods or tax settings.

Conclusion

• Documents Tab: Attach and link important files to any entity.

• Audit Log: Track who made changes to records, when, and what the changes were.

• Message Logs: Monitor system-generated and user-sent communications.

• Bulk Action Reports: Log batch processes, noting successes and failures.

• Memo Field: Add internal notes to any entity, not visible to customers.

• In-Field Help: Click on blue-labeled fields to get immediate explanations of their functions.

This tutorial provides practical, often-overlooked tips to help you navigate the admin panel more effectively and troubleshoot common issues.