---
auto_generated: true
created: 2026-05-18
manual_updated_at: 2026-05-18
modified: 2026-05-18
name: User_Manual
status: active
tags:
- domain/analytics
- tech/azure-ad
- tech/claude
- tech/node
- tech/react
- tech/typescript
- type/sop
type: sop
---

# HP CG Production Tracker - User Manual

## What This Tool Does

The HP CG Production Tracker is a unified web application designed to replace fragmented workflows involving Workfront, Excel spreadsheets, and the OMG platform. It provides real-time visibility into the status of every deliverable across the entire Computer Graphics (CG) pipeline for the HP CG department.

**Key Capabilities:**
- **Real-time Dashboard:** Overview of active projects, deliverable counts, overdue items, and pipeline completion rates.
- **10-Stage Pipeline Management:** Enforces a strict 10-stage workflow with dependency gates (e.g., Model Prep and Catalog Images are critical gates).
- **Multiple Views:** Supports Table, Kanban Board, and Gantt Timeline views for flexible project management.
- **AI Assistant:** Integrated chat assistant powered by Claude AI and Ollama for semantic search and support.

## Who Uses It

- **Producers:** Manage project timelines, track overdue items, and oversee the overall pipeline health.
- **CG Artists:** Update the status of specific deliverables, upload files, and collaborate within the pipeline stages.
- **Department Leads:** Monitor completion rates and ensure critical gates are cleared to avoid downstream blockages.

## How to Access

1. **Authentication:**
   - The application uses Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD) Single Sign-On (SSO).
   - Navigate to the application URL (e.g., `https://your-domain.com/hp-prod-tracker`).
   - Click the login button and select your Microsoft account to authenticate.

2. **Local Development Access:**
   - If running locally with `DEV_BYPASS_AUTH=true` in the environment, you will be automatically logged in as the `DEV_USER_ID`.

## Main Workflows

### 1. Overviewing the Production Dashboard

**Goal:** Get a high-level view of current pipeline health.

**Steps:**
1. Upon login, you are redirected to the **Dashboard** (`/dashboard`).
2. Review the following metrics:
   - **Active Projects:** List of currently running productions.
   - **Deliverable Counts:** Total items per stage.
   - **Overdue Items:** Alerts for any deliverables past their deadlines.
   - **Pipeline Completion Rates:** Visual charts showing progress.
3. Click on any overdue item or project name to drill down into specific details.

### 2. Managing Deliverables via the 10-Stage Pipeline

**Goal:** Move a deliverable through the pipeline from Brief Intake to Final Output.

**The 10 Stages:**
1. **Brief Intake**
2. **File Delivery**
3. **Model Prep** *(Critical Gate)*
4. **Early Images** *(Optional)*
5. **Catalog Images** *(Critical Gate)*
6. **Hero Images**
7. **Packaging Images**
8. **Photocomps**
9. **360 Spin**
10. **Dynamic Spin** *(Parallel with 360 Spin)*

**Steps:**
1. Navigate to **Projects** (`/projects`) or **My Work** (`/my-work`).
2. Select a project and switch to the **Board View** (Kanban) or **Timeline View** (Gantt) for better visualization.
3. To update a deliverable:
   - Locate the card/item representing the deliverable.
   - Ensure all **prerequisite stages** are approved. You cannot move to the next stage if prerequisites are not complete.
   - **Critical Gates:** Note that **Model Prep** (Stage 3) and **Catalog Images** (Stage 5) are critical. All downstream work is blocked until these are approved.
   - Update the status, upload required files, or add comments using the item detail modal.

### 3. Using the Command Palette

**Goal:** Quickly navigate between pages or trigger actions.

**Steps:**
1. Press `Cmd + K` (macOS) or `Ctrl + K` (Windows/Linux) anywhere in the app.
2. Type to search for:
   - **Pages:** Dashboard, Projects, My Work, Notifications, Settings.
   - **Commands:** AI Assistant, Theme Toggle (Dark/Light/System).
   - **Projects:** Search by project name to jump directly to a specific project.
3. Click the desired item or press Enter to execute.

### 4. Using the AI Assistant

**Goal:** Get help, search past deliverables semantically, or clarify pipeline rules.

**Steps:**
1. Open the Command Palette (`Cmd/Ctrl + K`).
2. Select **AI Assistant**.
3. Type your query (e.g., "Show me all overdue catalog images for Project X").
4. The assistant will use embedded search (via Ollama) or direct LLM calls (via Claude) to provide relevant answers or actions.

## FAQ

**Q: Why can't I move a deliverable to the next stage?**
A: The pipeline enforces dependency gates. You must complete and get approval for all prerequisite stages (especially critical gates like Model Prep and Catalog Images) before proceeding.

**Q: How do I change my password?**
A: Password management is handled through your Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD) account, not within this application.

**Q: The dashboard looks empty. What’s wrong?**
A: Ensure you have selected the correct project context. If no projects are visible, check if you have been granted access to any active projects by a department lead.

**Q: Can I upload video files?**
A: Yes. The application supports video uploads processed by FFmpeg. You can view previews via HLS.js in the deliverable details.

**Q: Is the AI assistant free?**
A: The AI assistant uses local inference via Ollama for embeddings and fallbacks, and Claude API for primary queries. Availability depends on server configuration and API limits set by the admin.

## Related
- [[01 Projects/cc-dashboard/USER_MANUAL.md]]