💬 Messaging & Communications User Guide
Messages, Contacts & Notifications
Overview
The Messaging module provides team communication tools built directly into the platform. Send messages, manage your contacts directory, and configure notification preferences. Access messaging features under Admin → Communications in the navigation menu.
Messages
Navigation: Admin → Messages
Features
- Inbox: View all received messages
- Compose: Send new messages to team members and project participants
- Conversations: Threaded message history organized by conversation
- Unread Badge: Notification badge shows unread message count in the navigation menu
- Search: Find messages by keyword, sender, or date
Sending a Message
- Navigate to Admin → Messages
- Click "Compose" or "+ New Message"
- Select recipient(s) from your contacts
- Enter your subject and message body
- Attach files if needed
- Click "Send"
Message Features
| Feature |
Description |
| Threaded Conversations |
Messages grouped by conversation for easy tracking |
| File Attachments |
Attach documents, photos, and plans to messages |
| Read Receipts |
Know when your message has been read |
| Search |
Full-text search across all messages |
| Unread Count |
Badge indicator in navigation for unread messages |
Navigation: Admin → Contacts
Features
- Contact Directory: Comprehensive list of all contacts (clients, vendors, subs, team members)
- Contact Types: Filter by role — Client, Vendor, Subcontractor, Employee, Other
- Quick Search: Find contacts by name, company, email, or phone
- Contact Details: Full profile with contact info, company, role, and projects
- Navigate to Admin → Contacts
- Click "+ Add Contact"
- Fill in:
- Name: Contact person's name
- Company: Associated company/organization
- Type: Client, Vendor, Subcontractor, Employee, Other
- Email: Email address
- Phone: Phone number
- Address: Business or mailing address
- Notes: Additional information
- Click "Save Contact"
Use the filter buttons to view specific contact types:
- All: Show everyone
- Clients: Property owners and clients
- Vendors: Material and equipment suppliers
- Subcontractors: Trade contractors
- Employees: Your team members
Notifications
Navigation: Admin → Notifications (or via Account Settings)
Notification Types
| Type |
Description |
| Project Updates |
Status changes, milestone completions |
| Payment Alerts |
Payment requests, approvals, completions |
| Message Notifications |
New messages and replies |
| Task Assignments |
New tasks assigned to you |
| Approval Requests |
Items requiring your approval |
| Safety Alerts |
Safety incidents and reports |
Configuring Notifications
- Navigate to Admin → Notifications or Account → Notifications tab
- For each notification type, choose your delivery preference:
- In-App: Notifications shown within the platform
- Email: Notifications sent to your email
- Both: Receive both in-app and email notifications
- None: Disable the notification type
- Save your preferences
Notification Indicators
- Bell Icon: Shows unread notification count in the header
- Message Badge: Shows unread message count in the Admin menu
- Browser Notifications: Real-time desktop alerts (if enabled)
Tips & Best Practices
- Use messages for project-specific communication so there's an audit trail
- Keep your contacts directory updated — it feeds into procurement, change orders, and more
- Configure notifications wisely — enable critical alerts, silence low-priority items
- Check messages daily to stay on top of project communications
Last Updated: February 2026