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👋 Beginner Learning Path

Your Complete Journey to Mastering CAU Checking App

🎯 Learning Path Overview

This structured path will take you from zero to confident user in 5 progressive modules. Each module builds on the previous one, with hands-on exercises and real-world examples.

Estimated Time: 2-3 hours total Prerequisites: None - start here! Outcome: Confident platform usage for basic business needs

📚 Module 1: Account Setup & First Login

Duration: 20 minutes

What You'll Learn

Step-by-Step Guide

1.1 Create Your Account

  1. Visit contracting.app
  2. Click "Sign Up"
  3. Fill in your details:
  4. Email: Your business email address
  5. Password: Strong password (8+ characters)
  6. Company Info: Optional but recommended
  7. Click "Create Account"
  8. Check email for verification link
  9. Click verification link to activate

1.2 Set Up Security

🔐 Critical for business use!

  1. Log into your account
  2. Go to Settings (top-right menu)
  3. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication:
  4. Choose SMS or Authenticator App
  5. Follow setup wizard
  6. Save backup codes securely
  7. Consider adding Hardware Security Key

1.3 Dashboard Tour

📊 Understanding your command center

Main Dashboard Elements:

Interactive Exercise:

📚 Module 2: Your First Project Setup

Duration: 30 minutes

What You'll Learn

Step-by-Step Guide

2.1 Create Your First Project

  1. Click "+ New Project" on dashboard
  2. Fill in project details:
  3. Project Name: "My First Project"
  4. Description: Brief project overview
  5. Project Type: Select appropriate type
  6. Start Date: Project start date
  7. Click "Create Project"

2.2 Invite Team Members

  1. In your new project, click "Team" tab
  2. Click "Invite Members"
  3. Add team members by email:
  4. Project Manager
  5. Contractors
  6. Subcontractors
  7. Set appropriate roles for each member
  8. Click "Send Invitations"

2.3 Upload Project Documents

  1. Go to "Documents" section
  2. Click "Upload Files"
  3. Upload key documents:
  4. Project plans
  5. Contracts
  6. Permits
  7. Photos
  8. Organize files into folders
  9. Set permissions for team access

Practice Exercise: Create a test project with sample data and invite yourself with a different email to see the team member perspective.

📚 Module 3: Basic Communication & Messaging

Duration: 25 minutes

What You'll Learn

Step-by-Step Guide

3.1 Access the Messaging System

  1. Click "Messages" in top navigation
  2. Explore message interface:
  3. Project Discussions: Auto-created for each project
  4. Direct Messages: One-on-one conversations
  5. Team Conversations: Group chats

3.2 Start Your First Conversation

  1. Click "+ New Conversation"
  2. Choose conversation type:
  3. Direct Message: Select team member
  4. Group Chat: Select multiple members
  5. Project Discussion: Already exists for projects
  6. Send your first message
  7. Practice @mentions: Type @username

3.3 Share Files in Messages

  1. In any conversation, click attachment icon
  2. Upload relevant files:
  3. Photos from job site
  4. Updated documents
  5. Progress reports
  6. Add message context explaining the files

3.4 Configure Notifications

  1. Go to Settings > Notifications
  2. Choose notification preferences:
  3. Email notifications: On/Off
  4. Push notifications: On/Off
  5. @mention alerts: Recommended ON
  6. Quiet hours: Set work hours

Real-World Practice: Start a conversation with your project team about the next milestone or upcoming deadline.

📚 Module 4: Payment & Financial Basics

Duration: 35 minutes

What You'll Learn

Step-by-Step Guide

4.1 Set Up Banking Information

⚠️ Use test data for learning

  1. Go to Settings > Banking
  2. Add bank account (use test numbers):
  3. Account Number: 123456789
  4. Routing Number: 021000021
  5. Account Type: Business Checking
  6. Verify account through micro-deposits

4.2 Create Your First Payment

  1. Go to Payments section
  2. Click "+ New Payment"
  3. Fill payment details:
  4. Recipient: Select from contacts or add new
  5. Amount: Enter payment amount
  6. Purpose: Description of payment
  7. Project: Link to relevant project
  8. Review and "Schedule Payment"

4.3 Track Payment Status

  1. Go to Payments > All Payments
  2. View payment statuses:
  3. Scheduled: Waiting for processing
  4. Processing: In progress
  5. Completed: Successfully sent
  6. Failed: Requires attention
  7. Click on any payment for details

4.4 Generate Basic Reports

  1. Go to Reports section
  2. Create Payment Summary report:
  3. Select date range
  4. Choose projects to include
  5. Generate and download report
  6. Review report data and format

Safety Note: Always use test accounts and small amounts when learning!

📚 Module 5: Security & Best Practices

Duration: 30 minutes

What You'll Learn

Step-by-Step Guide

5.1 Review Security Settings

  1. Go to Settings > Security
  2. Review current settings:
  3. Multi-Factor Auth: Should be enabled
  4. Login History: Check for unusual activity
  5. Active Sessions: Review connected devices
  6. Update password if needed
  7. Generate new backup codes

5.2 Understand Data Protection

📊 Your data is automatically backed up every 3 hours

  1. Go to Settings > Data & Privacy
  2. Review backup information:
  3. Last backup timestamp
  4. Backup frequency
  5. Data retention period (5 days)
  6. Download account data (if needed)

5.3 User Role Management

  1. Go to Settings > Users (if admin)
  2. Review team member roles:
  3. Owner: Full platform access
  4. Admin: Most features, no billing
  5. Manager: Project and team management
  6. Member: Basic project access
  7. Adjust roles as appropriate

5.4 Best Practices Checklist

✅ Follow these essential practices:

🎓 Graduation & Next Steps

Congratulations! 🎉

You've completed the Beginner Learning Path and now have solid foundation knowledge of the CAU Checking App platform.

Your New Skills

What's Next?

Choose your advancement path:

  1. Business User Path 📊
  2. Advanced project management
  3. Financial reporting and analytics
  4. Lien waiver processing

  5. Team and organization management

  6. Technical Integration ⚡

  7. Blockchain wallet connection
  8. Smart contract interaction

  9. API integration basics

  10. Advanced Features 🚀

  11. Custom workflows
  12. Advanced reporting
  13. Integration setup
  14. Organization administration

Keep Learning Resources

📋 Quick Reference Card

Emergency Contacts

Keyboard Shortcuts

Ready to continue learning? Head back to the CAU Checking App University to explore more advanced paths!

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