Electronic Collaboration Introduction to Basecamp
Electronic CollaborationIntroduction to Basecamp
Method determined and controlled by each
ASHRAE group
History
History
Default was email
• More tech savvy utilized free web based tools, usually Google Groups
• ASHRAE had no input regarding T&C – loss of document ownership
History
• Common repository for business documents
• Revision control• Discussion groups• Email groups• Archive• Improved use of
volunteer and staff time• Protection of intellectual
property
Why Electronic Collaboration?
• 2013 SY Research EC options: programs, features, cost• Conducted survey of select members on EC use, needs, obstacles
Electronic Communication Committee
• Made recommendation, received funding for one year trial across representative committee types.
• 2014 SY started trial
Electronic Communication Committee
Web based – no software to install
• Project access limited and controllable• Single platform for members and staff
with multiple committee assignments
• Features meet most needs from survey• Scalable• Reasonable cost
• Archive for knowledge retention• No T&C issues re ownership of
posted content
• Group email – some or all• Discussion groups• Interested parties – controlled access
Basecamp Features
• Action items• Document posting• Calendar• Reminders
• Basecamp2 - Designed for single “project” not subcommittee structure utilized by ASHRAE. The flat structure required using discussion strings to categorize and group files in order to find them easily later.
• Basecamp3 – Capable of having a more vertical structure similar to other commonly used applications. Addresses the major concern expressed by trial users.
• Roster control by staff with input from committee chair – always current• Archiving by staff – regular interval
Basecamp Application
Basecamp Features – Latest Activity
Basecamp Features – Basecamps
Basecamp Features – Pings
Basecamp Features – Hey!
Basecamp Features – Campfires
Basecamp Features – Reports
Basecamp Features – Calendar
Basecamp Features – Everything
Basecamp Features – Progress
Basecamp Features – Everyone
Basecamp Features – Me
Basecamp Features – Me > Update your personal info
Basecamp Features – Me > Your Basecamp settings
Basecamp Features – Projects Page
Basecamp Features – Projects Page > Invite more people
Basecamp Features – Projects Page > All Upcoming Events
Basecamp Features – Projects Page > Catch up
Basecamp Features – Projects Page > Navigation
Basecamp Features – Projects Page > Discussions
Basecamp Features – Projects Page > To-do Lists
Basecamp Features – Projects Page > Files
Basecamp Features – Projects Page > Text Documents
Basecamp Practices
• Utilize Discussions similar to the way folders are used in other applications.• Categorize Discussions by using subcommittee designation first in discussion
title.• Don’t send every discussion to all members.• Edit your email preferences.• Get familiar with the application and give some thought to how your
committee works to develop specific best practices.
Basecamp Examples
• ECC Text Documents– Subcommittee and mentor assignments– Backlog list– Basecamp Site Index
Basecamp Examples
• GPC 36 Discussions– Each reviewer comment is a discussion string– Developed a standard designator to allow discussions to be easily sorted.– Utilizing to develop consensus as to how to address each comment.– The commenters have been invited to the Basecamp project.
Basecamp Examples
• ASHRAE TC Websites– Utilized to revamp the ASHRAE standard TC website– Members included ASHRAE Staff, TAC members, ECC members and outside consultant.– Utilized Clients feature.– Project will be archived when complete early next year.
Electronic Collaboration
• Questions?