- What Is an Issue Log? Part 1
- Benefits of an Issue Log Part 2
- 10 Essential Components of an Issue Log Part 3
- Issue Log Best Practices Part 4
- Issue Log Form Template Part 5
Part 1
What Is an Issue Log?
An issue log is a document that accepts entries and record keeping of the issues that arise during a project. The main aim of this document is to capture details of issues that required official attendance. Issue log is also known as the issue register.
Generally, an issue log finds application in almost every industrial sector. For example, in the manufacturing industry it could capture production delays, while in the development of software delays before testing could be recorded.
The issue log is an accountability document since throughout the project cycle issues are captured and communicated to the stakeholders before they are solved. It is a document that ensures communication between various departments of the company hence building trust.
As the project progresses, new issues that arise are entered into the issue log as soon as they are reported. The log is monitored and frequently updated until the issues are solved.
Part 2
Benefits of an Issue Log: Why Do You Need This Form?
The issue log is advantageous in the following ways:
- An excellent issue log template provides an efficient tool for managing and resolving issues that are raised before and during task execution.
- It is also helpful in the documentation of the actions that are to be taken to address the issues that are identified.
- Offers a medium through which the issues are communicated to the stakeholders. By having this document, trust is developed from the stakeholders.
- Provides an excellent platform via which the encouragement of the involvement of the stakeholder is triggered. It does that by proving a mechanism for seeking and acting on feedback regarding the project issues.
Part 3
10 Essential Components of an Issue Log
An issue log form consists of the following essential components:
-
Issue Number
The issues are numbered for easier tracking. This helps in knowing the issues that were raised first. (If you use Status Platform to keep the issue log, skip this).
-
Status
Status helps to reveal whether the issues are open, done or in progress. It is essential in solving the issues.
-
Issue Description
These are the details of the issues raised. The description helps in avoiding the mistake of recording the same issues many times.
-
Category
It is optional, but it’s a good practice to categorize the issues. This highlights the classification of the issue. For instance, it might be related to vendors or a certain department.
-
Priority
Not every issue will be solved as soon as it is raised. The company might be in lack of resources. Therefore, the need to prioritize issues.
-
Assignment
For the issue to be solved, an assignment is needed.
-
Raised By
Here the person who voiced out the issues is recorded. He/she is the one to follow up its resolution.
-
Open Date
Here is the recording of the date on which the issue was identified.
-
Closed Date
Here is the deadline time that the issues are expected to be solved. It helps in tracking how much time such an issue would take should it re-occur in future.
-
Comments
The comments section is of great importance too. Space should include details such as how the issues were solved and the probability of re-occurrence.
Part 4
Issue Log Best Practices
For effective management of issues, certain practices need to be followed. These practices include:
- Any issue within or before the project begins, should be surfaced early and handled accordingly.
- The company should have a culture of actively managing the issues.
- All the issues despite their size, whether they be minor or major should be documented into an issue log.
- All issues should be jolted down clearly. Simple words without ambiguity should be chosen for easier resolution.
Part 5
Issue Log Form Template
Issues are inevitable in the course of a project. Unexpected problems and questions crop up ranging from insufficient funds, human resources issues to project design mismatch. However, with good issue management, all of them can be solved effectively and on time.
Issue log offers a systematic way of handling issues and additionally, it helps in storing data that could be useful in the planning and installing measures to tackle such issues should a similar project be implemented.
To correctly understand where each element should go, here is an issue log form template:
