Quick Start Guide by Role
Role-specific guides to help you get the most out of Plotwise based on your job function.
Plotwise serves different types of construction professionals, each with unique workflows and priorities. This guide provides tailored quick-start paths based on your role.
Choose Your Role
Profile: Independent contractor tracking your own permits
Typical setup: 1 organization, 5-20 active permits
Your Quick Start Path
-
Add your active permits (5 minutes)
- Go to Watchlist → Add Permit
- Search by your contractor license number
- Select all your active permits and add to Watchlist
-
Enable SMS notifications (2 minutes)
- Go to Account Settings → Notifications
- Add your phone number
- Enable SMS for status changes and inspections
-
Set up Portfolio condition (2 minutes)
- Go to Portfolio → Add Condition
- Add your company name or license number
- New permits will auto-appear in Portfolio
Key Features for You
- Watchlist: Track all your active permits in one place
- SMS Notifications: Get instant alerts when permits need attention
- Inspection Calendar: Never miss an inspection window
- Change Tracker: See exactly what changed on your permits
Recommended Notification Settings
- ✅ Status changes (know immediately when permits move)
- ✅ Inspection updates (scheduling and results)
- ✅ Fee changes (know when payments are due)
- ❌ Processing events (too detailed for solo work)
Universal First Steps
Regardless of your role, complete these steps first:
1. Verify Your Profile
Go to Account Settings → Profile and ensure:
- ✅ Name is correct (appears in team communications)
- ✅ Phone number added (required for SMS)
- ✅ Avatar uploaded (helps team identification)
2. Choose Your Theme
In Profile settings, select light or dark mode based on your preference.
3. Set Notification Preferences
Go to Account Settings → Notifications:
- Choose your alert channel (Email, SMS, or Both)
- Select which event types matter to you
- Test with a few permits before enabling widely
4. Understand Your Quota
Check your Watchlist widget:
- Note your permit slot limit
- Plan which permits need active tracking
- Consider upgrading if approaching limit
Common First-Week Tasks
| Day | Task | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Add first 5-10 permits | 10 min |
| 1 | Enable notifications | 5 min |
| 2 | Set up Portfolio condition | 5 min |
| 3 | Invite first team member | 2 min |
| 4 | Review Change Tracker | 5 min |
| 5 | Explore Radar (optional) | 10 min |
Getting Help
If you get stuck:
- Check Common Issues
- Review the Glossary for terminology
- Contact Support
Next Steps by Feature
Once you've completed basic setup, dive deeper into: