Beacon includes a timeline view for your records so that you can easily see the changes and activity over time.
Your timeline will automatically log key information including:
- Record creation - Who or what the creation came from
- Changes to the record - Who or what made changes, and what was changed
It will also automatically link data from other actions:
- Document merge - Linked to the document created/sent
- Email correspondence - Email messages using Smart Bcc, Mailchimp email confirmation, and acknowledgement emails from forms
Furthermore, you are able to add additional information manually:
- Add notes - Store simple text at a point in time
- Log activities - Make a note of meetings, phonecalls, or custom activities
Automatic information logs
Basic changes to a record will automatically create a timeline story.
When and how the record was created, who created it, and initial details.
Ongoing changes make similar stories, including the specific details that were changed. These details all form part of a record's audit history so that you know exactly how it has changed over time, and where the changes have come from.
N.B. These are permanent stories and cannot be edited or deleted.
Automatic linked information
Some actions related to a record will automaically add timeline information.
Document merge
When you create a document merge you have the option to automatically include a link to the document created on the record's timeline.
Email correspondence
Several forms of email correspondence can be linked to a record.
Smart Bcc - Using any email platform, you can include any messages sent on the relevant timeline by simply including your Smart Bcc email address in correspondence.
Acknowledgement emails from forms - When someone fills out a Beacon form you have the option to email a receipt once they submit, and this will also add it to the timeline of that person.
Mailchimp campaigns - When you send a Mailchimp campaign, Beacon will add a timeline story for the campaign name and subject line.
Adding additional information
Want to add a note, or details of a phone call or meeting? Simply use the buttons at the top your timeline!
Adding a note - Leave a short text note on the timeline. Does what it says on the tin!
Log an activity - Provide details for a variety of encounters. The two default options are Phone call and Meeting, with space for both information and the date of the activity. You can use this to backdate previous acivities on the timeline.
Adding custom activity types
If you want to log more than just phone calls and meetings, you can set up your own custom activities. Click on your Settings in the sidebar, then Activity types. Here you can customise the activities that are available to log.
