PQM Pro – User Guide

PQM Pro extends the basic production queue system with advanced workflow management, email automation, richer reports, KPI, margin tracking, module support, update infrastructure and scalable production operations for companies that need more than a simple task list.

Free vs Pro

PQM Free is designed for basic production task management. PQM Pro is designed for companies that want to use PQM as a daily production operations center.

Pro configuration

After installing PQM Pro, configure company details, statuses, departments, notifications, customer panel behavior and reporting settings. In a real production environment, PQM should reflect the actual process used by the team.

Core settings

• company name and contact details,
• company logo,
• default reporting settings,
• minimum and critical margin thresholds,
• email sender and notification settings,
• special statuses such as completed, cancelled and complaint.

Production workflow

A workflow defines how a task moves through your company. It should answer simple questions: who receives the order, who prepares it, who produces it, who checks quality, who communicates with the customer and who closes the job.

Example workflow for a print shop

1. New order – staff creates a task.
2. File verification – prepress or DTP checks customer files.
3. Production preparation – job parameters, materials and deadline are confirmed.
4. Production – the work is executed by the relevant production department.
5. Finishing – cutting, folding, laminating, packing or other finishing steps.
6. Quality control – the job is checked before release.
7. Ready for pickup or shipping – the customer can be notified.
8. Completed – the task is closed and included in reports.

Email automation

PQM Pro can send automated messages based on task events: task creation, status changes, completion, cancellation, complaint handling and other configured triggers.

Typical automations

• message to the customer when a task is created,
• internal notification when a task enters production,
• message to the customer when a task is completed,
• complaint notification,
• cancelled task notification,
• message after a specific status change,
• message after every status change if full transparency is required.

Reports and KPI

PQM Pro reports help analyze more than task volume. They can support cost tracking, margin analysis, loss tasks, lead time, on-time performance and department efficiency.

Questions reports can answer

• Which tasks are profitable?
• Which jobs are loss-making?
• How many tasks are currently in progress?
• How long does a typical job take?
• Which department creates bottlenecks?
• Are tasks completed on time?
• How does production volume change over time?

Calendar and planning

The calendar provides a time-based view of tasks and deadlines. It helps production managers see upcoming work, risky deadlines and possible overloads.

Modules

PQM modules extend the core system with optional features such as NASA+ Analytics, independent Orders, Warehouse, Communication, Invoicing and other business-specific tools. Modules are best installed as separate WordPress plugins that depend on PQM.

Implementation in a company

1. Install PQM Pro on a staging environment first.
2. Configure real statuses and departments.
3. Test several tasks from start to finish.
4. Test email notifications.
5. Test the customer panel.
6. Review reports and costs.
7. Train staff users.
8. Move the process to production only after testing.

Maintenance

PQM Pro should be updated together with WordPress, WooCommerce if used, and all active PQM modules. Before major updates, create a full backup of files and database. For production environments, test major updates on staging first.