January 2022 Release
This release has been approved by eTASK for use in production environments. You can download the release now and install it on your server.
Important Information for All eTASK.Maintenance and eTASK.OperatorResponsibility Customers
We have updated our eTASK.FM portal setup so that dynamic maintenance is now the default, rather than static maintenance as was previously the case. For those who are already using dynamic maintenance and have installed plugin 5212, nothing will change. If you are using static maintenance, please contact us to prepare for the transition. You can view which plugins you are using in your eTASK Customer Center under Licenses.
You can find more information about the dynamic maintenance workflow in our Support Center and on our website.
Information for all eTASK.Inventur customers
Along with this release, a new app, eTASKMobile, will be released in the Microsoft Store to replace the old app. Please ensure that you update the app on all devices by the March 2022 release and do not forget to sync before uninstalling the old app.
The old app will continue to work beyond March, but will no longer be available in the Microsoft Store and will no longer be officially supported.
eTASK.BIM
New Feature: Customization of eTASK.BIM Tools
If you use eTASK’s BIM tools in your Revit installation, you can customize the ribbon interface to your preferences. You can show or hide any elements that are not strictly necessary. You can adjust these settings via the “Settings” button in the ribbon. The settings you make will be retained the next time you start Revit.
See also: Installing the eTASK Add-In for Revit
New feature: Individual rooms can be ignored when synchronizing buildings after a model import
When you import a building model into a building that you already maintain in your eTASK.FM portal, you must perform a one-time data comparison between the data of the building model and the building in the portal. We have now made this comparison easier for you. You can ignore individual rooms that exist in only one of the two data sources during the check. They will therefore be imported despite the differences. Use this feature with caution to avoid critical discrepancies between the data in your building model and the building in your FM portal. Otherwise, in addition to complicating data maintenance, problems may arise during future imports of the building model.
See also: Clean up building data after initial import
New Feature: New Display Option for Parking Spaces in the BIM Explorer
With this release, you can use labels to display your parking spaces in the BIM Explorer. These labels will show the parking space code. You can enable the parking space labels in your BIM Explorer via the display options. They are located under "Open Spaces" and then "Parking Spaces."The parking space code consists of the property code and the parking space number, or—if you assign a room to the parking space (for example, for indoor parking spaces in an underground garage)—the room code and the parking space number. You can find the parking spaces in your property cadastre under "Open Spaces - Operational Areas - Parking Spaces".
See also: The controls in the BIM Explorer
Improvement: Custom mapping of data types from the building model
With this release, we have significantly expanded the flexibility in the automatic processing of IFC models. You can now map individual values from the IFC model to a variety of properties with different data types in eTASK. For example, you can convert a production date stored as text for each object in the model into a valid date value and have it saved to the respective object in eTASK. You can find the mapping in your model (under "Control Panel - Portfolio (BIM) - BIM Model Management - Models") and there under "Extras" and "Mapping".
Improvement: Improved display of floor plans in the BIM Explorer
We have improved our BIM Explorer. Floor plans / 2D elements are now configured to avoid most potential overlaps. So now use the improved BIM Explorer to view the floor plans for your objects.
See also: The controls in the BIM Explorer
Improvement: Setup now runs with OpenJDK 17
The BIM Server setup no longer requires installation of the paid Java Runtime; instead, it runs on the open-source solution OpenJDK 17.
See also: System requirements for eTASK.BIM
eTASK.Payment Transactions
Improvement: A log file is written every time account statements are retrieved
Previously, we only wrote a log for the action when retrieving bank statements from the bank resulted in an error. Now, however, we create a log for every retrieval. This allows us to cover cases where everything worked technically, but there were issues—such as with bank approval—and the retrieval of account statements ultimately failed. You can view the log via the corresponding bank account in the Bank Run. There you will find the "Log" section.
eTASK.SmartReservation Suite
Improvement: Multiple clicks on the approve/decline buttons are no longer possible
Because the buttons for rejecting or confirming room reservations could be clicked multiple times, the same confirmation email was sent multiple times. These buttons are now deactivated after a single click, so that repeated clicking is no longer possible.
See also: eTASK.Room Reservation
eTASK.Interface Personnel Data Import
Improvement: Minor improvement to imports
Previously, when importing personnel data, the system checked whether the "EWSURL" configuration parameter was set. The import could only proceed if it was set. However, this configuration parameter does not need to be set for all use cases, so we have now removed this check from the import process. You can now use the import even if you have not entered this configuration parameter.
eTASK.Operating Cost Accounting
Bug Fix: Fixed an error in the Configuration Manager
For a time, it was not possible to add allocation keys to rooms via the Configuration Manager. We have fixed this error, so you can now use the Configuration Manager as usual to link allocation keys and rooms.
Improvement: Improved document review
Under "Property Management - Operating Cost Settlement," you will find "Document Review (last three years)." There you can view all documents that have been marked as relevant to operating costs. We have now improved the document review so that documents corrected retroactively are also included in the analysis.
eTASK.Cost Entry
Bug Fix: Minor error in invoice entry fixed
If an incorrect vendor was selected during the initial entry of an incoming invoice and was subsequently changed, the preferred payment method of the incorrect initial vendor was still retained. We have improved this so that all vendor-dependent settings are now adjusted when the vendor is changed.
Bug fix: Minor issue with invoice approval resolved
If a very long text was entered in the field for the reason for an invoice reduction, there were issues with subsequent invoice approval. We have now improved the workflow so that it runs smoothly even with long texts.
See also: Reduce invoice amount
eTASK.Service Ticket
Bug fix: Minor bug fixed when transferring a service ticket to the next workflow step
If certain special characters were used in the Description field of a service ticket, the following behavior occurred during all subsequent workflow step transitions: Although the workflow step transition took place, the section containing the workflow information for the service ticket was not reloaded, so users could not tell that the step transition had actually occurred. This issue is related to the recently implemented protection against cross-site scripting. However, we have now adjusted the service ticket so that the use of special characters in the description no longer leads to the behavior described. Step changes occur as usual, and the workflow information section is updated accordingly.
eTASK.Maintenance
New Feature: New Reports for Dynamic Maintenance
If you use the dynamic workflow, three new reports are now available to you:
In the order overview, you can compile a list of all orders that meet selected criteria. You can filter by the workflow status of the orders to be listed, by responsibilities, property managers, contractors, and freely selectable time periods. For more information on the report, please refer to the reference documentation, which you can open directly from your FM portal via the question mark icon, or here: https://support.etask.de/Topics/IH/Berichte/Bericht%20Auftragsuebersicht.htm
The Building (Hierarchy Level 2 Selection) and Measure (Hierarchy Level 2 Selection) reports are relevant to you if you organize your properties hierarchically. You can find more information on the hierarchical organization of your properties here: https://support.etask.de/Topics/FM-Portal/Liegenschaftsverwaltung/Hierarchie%20von%20Liegenschaften.html
The reports display recurring orders for buildings or measures assigned to the selected element from the second hierarchy level. Additional filter options provide a tool for further refining the selection of buildings or measures for which recurring orders should be displayed. This allows you to get an overview of your maintenance measures by building or measure. You can find both reports in the menu under Technical Building Management - Maintenance - Maintenance Plans.
The Acceptance Check report displays all orders with the status "Completed" for the selected time period. They are sorted by client responsibility. The first page features a bar chart that visually represents this analysis. This is followed by an overview of the planned and accepted orders. Finally, the orders with the status "Completed" are listed. For each area of responsibility on the client side, a signature is required to confirm the completeness of the documentation.
Improvement: Reports optimized for dynamic maintenance
We have optimized the maintenance reports for use with the maintenance workflow. So feel free to use your usual reports in dynamic maintenance as well!
Improvement: New feature in object-related reports
For some reports, you now have the option to filter objects by object code by entering the first few characters of the object code. The report will then be populated with the objects that match this object code. This option is available for all reports found in the menu under "Maintenance Plans."
Support Information: Dynamic Maintenance is Now the Default
We have updated our eTASK.FM portal setup so that dynamic maintenance is now the default setting, rather than static maintenance as was previously the case. For those who are already using dynamic maintenance and have installed plugin 5212, nothing will change. If you are using static maintenance, please contact us so we can prepare for the transition. You can view which plugins you are using in your eTASK Customer Center under Licenses. Further information on the dynamic maintenance workflow can be found in our Support Center and on our website.
eTASK.Room Reservation
New Feature: Exporting Room Reservation Dates via the API
The new eTASK.API product "Room Bookings" allows you to export your room reservation dates from your FM portal via the Application Programming Interface (API). You can use this information, for example, to display the dates on your info displays in the rooms or at any other desired location.If you would like more information about the product, please feel free to contact Claas Ohmstedt. He will be happy to introduce the product to you and answer your questions. You can reach him by phone at +49 (2203) 92538-28 or by email at claas.ohmstedt@etask.de.
Bug Fix: Fixed an error in the report evaluating meeting room utilization
In the "Utilization of (Bookable) Meeting Rooms" report (under "Infrastructural Facility Management - Room Reservation - Reports"), there was an issue with selecting the years to be analyzed. This issue has now been resolved. You can select the year for analysis as usual.
eTASK.FM Portal
New Feature: New "Sustainability Report" in the Energy Consumption Statement
A new report is now available in the energy consumption statement. It displays the meter readings for a specific meter type per company as of the report date. This makes energy consumption clearly visible for each location as well as in total.
New feature: DATEV export now includes the "Service Date" column
The export function for the ASCII file intended for import into DATEV has been expanded to include an additional "Service Date" column. You now have the option to set a service date for DATEV that differs from the invoice date.
See also: Export payment assignments to DATEV
New feature: New product developed for transferring personnel data to eTASK
eTASK now offers a standardized web service interface for the automated import of personnel data (e.g., name, user account, phone numbers, email, etc.) from Microsoft Azure Active Directory based on SCIM 2.0. Mapping of the imported fields to fields in eTASK is performed via the System Control Panel.
New feature: New "Trial Balance" report for auditing
To ensure the company passes an audit, a trial balance is required as a template. According to the GoBD, upstream systems that supply data to the respective accounting system are also subject to audit by the tax authority or an auditor.The FM Portal now offers a new report for this purpose, which is generated from data in the eTASK posting journal and the balances of the balance sheet accounts. This report allows you to verify whether all posting-relevant transactions from the FM Portal have been posted to the accounting system. You can find this report in the System Control under the Property Management menu item.
Bug Fix: 2020 Operating Cost Statement
When calling up the operating cost statement report in PDF format, there was an incorrect calculation of VAT rates. This error has been fixed.
Bug Fix: Minor Issue with Form Display Resolved
In some forms, certain sections were displayed too large. This did not affect functionality, but sections that would normally be displayed side by side were instead arranged one below the other. We have now fixed this issue so that, as usual, the sections are only as wide as the widest field.
Bug fix: Booking changes during the cancellation period are now only possible for room managers
When reserving a room, it was possible to bypass the cancellation period by rescheduling the appointment. This issue has been resolved. Canceling an appointment within the cancellation period is now only possible for room managers.
Bug fix: Correction in the service ticket workflow
A correction was made to the escalation function in the service ticket workflow when switching between two workflow steps.
See also: Service Ticket
Bug Fix: Payment Run - Procedure for Applying Changed Bank Details Adjusted
An error occurred when using the payment run: Changed bank details were only applied after the payment run was approved. As a result, the transfer was made to the bank account originally created with the invoice. This has been fixed.
See also: Payment runs
Improvement: Change to form display for the "Read Only" and "Deactivate Only" permissions
When assigning the "Read Only" permission, the (non-editable) fields within a form were visually displayed differently than when assigning the "Deactivate Only" permission. Both permission settings result in the form information being displayed to the user as information areas. The edit buttons in the toolbar are not displayed in either case.
Improvement: Improved handling of date filters when creating a personalized view
For each table in your FM portal, you can save a view you have created, for example by using filters. Previously, there were issues with filters being applied to columns displaying a date. We have now improved the process so that you can use and save the filter function "Date = DD.MM.YYYY".
See also: Custom views of tables and reports
Improvement: Improved Excel export of tables with dates
Previously, some appointments could not be exported when exporting a table to Excel. We have now improved the tables so that all appointments are always included when exporting the table, regardless of their settings.
Improvement: Accessibility: 200% zoom function implemented
To further advance accessibility, the FM Portal’s display has been optimized for a 200% browser zoom. All forms now dynamically adjust their layout when a user views them in an enlarged display. Sections within the form are consistently displayed one below the other rather than side by side to ensure good readability. Additionally, the tab bar has been adjusted so that no tab is cut off even when multiple tabs are open simultaneously. Instead, the arrows on the right and left can be used to scroll horizontally.
See also: Forms
Improvement: Several improvements to the maintenance workflow
We have made several improvements to our best-practice version of the maintenance workflow. When orders are generated in an order plan, they are stored in the "Orders triggered from this order plan" section. Previously, newly created orders were incorrectly assigned the "Completed" status before being automatically transferred to the next workflow step. Now, the "Planning" status is assigned to newly created orders. The "Assigned Defects" section in the maintenance order is now visible to all users in every workflow step. Previously, this section was hidden for some users in certain workflow steps. We have now changed this so that the section is always displayed. Service tickets that should have been completed more than a month ago are now automatically rejected. A log is created every time there is a workflow step change. We have improved this log so that it takes less time to generate and delivers better results. And finally, a small change: In the defect form, the "Comment" field is now a required field.
See also: Maintenance
Improvement: New configuration parameter for Basic or Modern Authentication
You can now decide for yourself whether Basic or Modern Authentication should be used when receiving emails on your FM portal using the "SmtpUseOAuth" configuration parameter. By default, this parameter is set to "0," which uses Basic Authentication. If you change this value to "1," Modern Authentication is used. If you use Modern Authentication, ensure that the configuration parameters "AzureClientId" and "AzureTenantId" are also filled in.
Improvement: Removal of the license prompt from the FM Portal setup
When installing the FM Portal, entering a license number is no longer required. We have updated the setup wizard accordingly. Otherwise, the installation proceeds as usual.
Improvement: Master list of people and rooms with a new column: Vacancy analysis now possible
The master list of people and rooms (under Reports in the Property Register) now includes a new column (R) for cost center assignment. Using the information stored in this column (the sum of the percentage values of cost centers assigned to this room), it is possible to generate an analysis of current vacancy rates via an Excel export.
Improvement: Increased character limit for passwords
When setting up domain authentication via the LDAP interface, an error message occurred because the number of characters in the password field was limited. This error has been fixed. Passwords containing up to 32 characters can now be stored.
See also: Domain login
Improvement: Full-text search in tables improved
In most tables of the FM Portal, you can show additional columns and hide others. We have now expanded the full-text search so that it searches across all currently visible columns, including those activated after the table was first opened. Columns that are displayed by default but have been hidden by you are ignored in the full-text search. So now use the full-text search to search the columns you have selected.
Improvement: Revised Operating Cost Statement Report
The operating cost statement in the FM Portal now lists the actual advance payments made for operating costs. This is the result of a court ruling stating that the actual advance payment—not the target advance payment—is decisive for the statement. The arrears must be clearly visible based on the actual advance payments.
To provide you with a legally compliant operating cost statement, we have now adjusted our report accordingly.
Background: https://openjur.de/u/2148140.html
See also: Operating cost statement
Improvement: Time format (preferred date) adjusted in the service ticket workflow
When creating a new service ticket, it was possible to enter the desired date and time in an invalid time format. This has been fixed: The "Desired Date and Time" field now uses a correct time format. If a desired date and time is entered that does not comply with this format requirement, an error message is displayed indicating the cause of the error.