Runs External Programs

Any node in the Project can be set up to show a list of one or more computer files that are relevant to the content of that node. Selecting the node displays the list of files associated with it. Selecting any file in the list will open the file in whichever program APT was set up to use with the file. This method is also used to provide linkage between individual APT projects that can model parts of a larger project , so that together they work as a network.

Projects

APT is used to create a Project that models the task to be done. Any number of Projects can be created. Any number of Projects can be run at the same time, computer capacity permitting.

Navigation around a Project

APT uses a tree structure to represent a Project. The user can easily edit the tree itself or the content of any node in the tree. Clicking on any node in the tree gives fast access to its content for reading or editing. For really large projects, separate APT projects, one for each conceptual area of the main project can be linked together as a network. In these cases, the links can be used to navigate between the individual APT projects and then the normal node access can be used within a specific project.

Node Reports

Any node in the tree can have any number of associated Reports. Reports are used like Post-It notes to record ideas, issues, comments or questions on the content of the node. Reports can also be used to extend the status monitoring of the Progress Monitors when more detail needs recording to follow the sequence of changes made in the course of completing a specific task over an extended period.

Traffic Light Progress Monitors

Traffic light icons are used to show the progress state of all the work associated with completing a Project. Each node and each Report can be set by the user to indicate what state it is in. The lights on any part of the project tree can also be switched off to indicate situations where it becomes apparent that there is currently an error in the structure of a particular branch of the tree.