The Item Tracking module is an optional component of TrackStar.  This module allows you to track things that require sophisticated tracking and reporting.  It can be used to track software defects (bugs), customer calls, issues, or virtually anything where sophisticated monitoring and reporting are required.  

Central to item tracking is the notion of ownership.  Through ownership, items never fall through the cracks.  When items are initially entered into the system, they can be manually assigned, or assigned through a configurable routing table.  When assigned, the owner is optionally informed through email.  The employee would then work the item, and either close it, or send it to another employee for verification or ownership.    

TrackStar supports direct assignment of items, and also referral of items.  Both features are enabled through the security profile.  Assigning items is typically done by management.  This is a forced change of ownership.  Item Referral is done when an employee thinks that the item should be worked by someone else.  This requires that the targeted employee claim the item to affect the transfer.  Item ownership history is tracked by the system.  

Items can be placed into a queue were a group of employees have ownership.  Employees can monitor the queue, and "claim" items when they wish to take ownership.

Items can be associated with customers and contacts.  The system provides for capturing information about the item initiator, such as name, address and phone.  When integrated with the Project Management module, items can also be associated with projects. 

The Item Selection form is a tailorable view of the item database.  Employees can set the form to display items owned by them, and to include queues that they monitor.  The resulting display becomes their personal item work list, which is an efficient way to manage and work items.  The system also supports custom and complex searches of the item database.  This is helpful when doing research, or searching for previous (similar) items.  

As items are worked, employees enter notes to describe activities taking place.  This becomes the historical view that shows work completed, knowledge gained, etc. When an item is transferred to another employee, these notes become an invaluable resource.  Since everything is captured, transfer is smooth and efficient.  

The Reporting system gives management the views needed to manage and monitor the item backlog.  Reports are provided that show item aging, and statistical reports that show items created versus items closed.  This is a snapshot of the group’s performance over time.