Software Tips^.

Expand System Information with the Unique Level-Viewer

Systems in your business are interrelated and often interdependent. For example, the success of your human-resource system depends, in part, on having a good hiring system. Hiring the best people relies upon an effective job interview—a step or subsystem of hiring. Subsystems are more detailed activities as you “drill down” in your organization.

The unique “Level-Viewer” tool in Box Theory™ Software allows you to focus on a single system or see an expanded view that includes the details of lower-level subsystems. The Level-Viewer is located in the upper right corner in the systems area of the software.

Below the drop-down menu of levels are numbered boxes. Box “1” is the current level, and there are additional numbered boxes for each lower-level system you have created. The over-sized box represents the level you are currently viewing. Click on any numbered box to view system information through that level. There is also a grey line under the level you prefer to show (the default). The preferred or default view can be set by right-clicking on any of the numbered boxes.

Below I have described the differences in the available views.

• Current Level (edit system box) – By default, the Level Viewer displays the “Current Level.” The current System or box is always the one highlighted box on your Navigation Panel. For a simple business system or one that is not so important, you can perform the basic tasks within Process, Components, People, Quality, Speed, and Measurement for this one System/box. You may not need to work any deeper to have an adequately performing system.
• 2 Levels (edit system steps) – If you created a flowchart or checklist and want to develop or improve the individual steps within the system—more detail—you can display “2 Levels (edit system steps).” You will see the Current System/box and the steps within that system. You have full software functionality to edit and work on either of these levels.
• 3 Levels and more (view by steps) – Box Theory™ Software knows how many levels of detail you have created and will give you the option on the drop-down menu to display three levels, four levels, and so on. These levels will display the components, policies, reports, etc. within each step of the current box down to the bottom level. For example, you can see all the hiring system and subsystem policies on one list. You will do most editing on the first and second levels. For three levels and more, the primary purpose is to view information; however, text editing is still possible.
• All Levels (combined view) – This special view is helpful if you want to see all components, policies, reports, etc., that are contained in the Current System/box and all its subsystems. This is one list and not separated by the individual steps.
• All Levels (system owner only) – If you select “All Levels,” you will see everything down through the organization. However, if a subsystem has a different owner, and you want to exclude their system from your view or printed report, you can select this option.
  

Keep in mind that 3 Levels and beyond have restricted editing functionality. If you want full functionality, right-click and choose “Go to System.” (You can also get there from the Navigation Panel.) 

NOTE: When the mouse cursor hovers over items on a list, it will display the System/box that the item is associated with.

I have tried to explain this tool the best I can, but frankly, it is far easier to use than to explain. You will probably use the first two levels a lot and “All Levels” occasionally—the in-between levels, not so much. Once you get the hang of it, you will find the Level-Viewer to be a handy feature.

Cheering You On!
Ron Carroll