Objects serve as containers for all related information about a location. When you select an object in Forerunner, the information panel lets you attach records, upload files, create tasks, and add comments—building a complete history for each property or custom object.
Click any object on the map or select one from a table to open the information panel. The panel displays:
Object header - Address (for properties) or label (for custom objects), with quick actionsTab navigation - Switch between Overview, Records, Files, Tasks, and ActivityView details link - Open the full object detail page for expanded information
The information panel stays open as you navigate the map. Click a different object to switch the panel to that location without closing it.
The Overview tab displays the object’s key attributes and information at a glance. What you’ll see For properties:
Address and location
Flood zone designation and SFHA status
Elevation data (BFE, lowest floor, freeboard)
Parcel information (ID, owner, land use)
Risk indicators (repetitive loss, SI/SD status)
For custom objects:
Object label and identifier
All configured custom attributes
Location coordinates
Object type and group
Attribute sections Attributes are organized into logical sections for easy scanning. Expand or collapse sections to focus on the information you need. Data sources Attribute values come from various sources—parcel imports, FEMA data, elevation certificates, and custom data. See Object attributes for details on how data is populated and updated. Available attributes depend on your account configuration and data sources. Contact your Customer Success Manager to add or modify displayed attributes.
The Records tab shows all records attached to the object and lets you create new ones. Viewing attached records Records display in a list showing:
Record type (inspection, permit, assessment, etc.)
Record title or identifier
Status indicator
Creation or last update date
Click any record to view its full details. Filtering records If an object has many records, use filters to narrow the list:
Filter by record category (Inspections, Permits, SI/SD, etc.)
Filter by status
Search by keyword
Creating a new record
Click the add button
Select the “Add record” or ”+” button in the Records tab.
Choose the record type
Select the appropriate record type from the available options. Only record types configured for this object category appear.
Complete the form
Fill in the required fields. The object is already linked—you don’t need to select it again.
Save the record
Submit the record. It immediately appears in the object’s Records tab.
Common record workflows
Inspections - Document site visits, compliance checks, annual reviewsPermits - Track permit applications, reviews, approvalsSI/SD tracking - Monitor substantial improvement and damage calculationsDamage assessments - Record post-event evaluations See Creating records for detailed guidance on record creation. The Files tab displays all documents attached to the object and provides upload capabilities. Viewing attached files Files display with:
File name and type icon
Document type classification
Upload date
File size
Click a file to preview (for supported formats) or download. File organization Files may be organized by document type:
Elevation Certificates - FEMA elevation documentationPermits - Building permits and applicationsPhotos - Site photos, inspection imagesPlans - Building plans, site plans, surveysCorrespondence - Letters, notices, communicationsOther - Miscellaneous documents Uploading files
Click upload
Select the “Upload” button or drag files into the upload area.
Select files
Choose one or more files from your computer. Supported formats include PDF, JPEG, PNG, TIFF, and GIF up to 50MB each.
Add file details
Select a document type and add an optional description to help identify the file later.
Confirm upload
Complete the upload. Files appear immediately in the Files tab.
Elevation Certificate processing When you upload an Elevation Certificate (FEMA form), Forerunner automatically:
Extracts elevation data from the form
Validates the certificate information
Updates property attributes with extracted values
See Elevation Certificates for details on EC processing. File visibility (public or private) is controlled by document type settings and can be overridden per file. See Public object access for details. The Tasks tab shows action items associated with the object and lets you create new tasks. Viewing tasks Tasks display with:
Task description
Due date
Assigned user
Status (pending, in progress, complete)
Click a task to view details or update its status. Task status Status Meaning Pending Task created but not started In progress Work underway Complete Task finished Overdue Past due date, not complete
Creating a task
Click add task
Select the “Add task” or ”+” button in the Tasks tab.
Enter task details
Provide:
Task description (what needs to be done)
Due date (when it should be completed)
Assignee (who is responsible)
Save the task
Create the task. The assignee receives notification if notifications are enabled.
Common task uses
Follow-up inspections - Schedule return visitsDocument requests - Track outstanding documentation needsReview reminders - Flag items needing supervisor reviewOutreach - Remember to contact property ownersMaintenance - Schedule work on infrastructure objects See Tasks overview for complete task management guidance. The Activity tab provides a chronological history of everything that’s happened with the object. What’s tracked The activity feed includes:
Record events - Records created, updated, status changesFile uploads - Documents added to the objectTask activity - Tasks created, assigned, completedComments - Notes added by team membersAttribute changes - Updates to object data (when tracked) Reading the activity feed Each activity entry shows:
What happened (action description)
Who did it (user name)
When it occurred (timestamp)
Related item (link to record, file, or task)
Activities display in reverse chronological order (newest first). Use comments for informal notes that don’t warrant a formal record:
Find the comment input
Look for a text input at the top or bottom of the Activity tab.
Write your comment
Enter your note, observation, or update.
Post the comment
Submit the comment. It appears immediately in the activity feed.
Use comments for Use records for Quick internal notes Formal documentation Status updates Trackable workflows Informal observations Searchable data Team communication Compliance evidence Context for future reference Public-facing information
Comments are great for context that helps your team but doesn’t need to be searchable, reportable, or shared publicly.
Full object detail page For expanded information beyond the info panel, click View details to open the full object detail page. The detail page provides:
Larger viewing area - More room for attributes and contentComplete record history - Full list with advanced filteringFile management - Bulk operations and detailed file infoTask management - Create, assign, and manage tasksFull activity timeline - Search and filter activity historyPrint and export - Generate reports for the object
Best practices
Attach records consistently - Use the same record types for similar activities across objectsName files descriptively - Clear file names make documents easier to find laterSet realistic task due dates - Give assignees appropriate time to complete workUse comments for context - Add notes that help colleagues understand the situation
Maintaining data quality
Complete required fields - Ensure records capture all necessary informationCheck file quality - Verify documents are legible before uploadingClose completed tasks - Mark tasks done to keep lists accurateReview periodically - Check object information for accuracy during routine work
Working efficiently
Use the info panel for quick tasks - View details, add files, create records without leaving the mapOpen full details for complex work - Use the detail page when you need more space or advanced featuresLeverage activity history - Review what’s happened before taking actionLink related work - Connect records, files, and tasks to build a complete picture
Frequently asked questions
Can I move a record from one object to another?
Records are linked to specific objects and typically cannot be moved. If a record was attached to the wrong object, contact your Customer Success Manager for assistance.
Who can see comments I add to an object?
Is there a limit to how many files I can attach?
There’s no limit on the number of files per object. Individual files must be under 50MB. Contact your CSM if you have concerns about storage.
Can I delete records or files from an object?
Deletion permissions depend on your user role and account settings. In many cases, records and files are retained for audit purposes and can only be archived, not deleted.
How do I know if a task is overdue?
Overdue tasks display with a visual indicator (often red or highlighted). You can also filter tasks by status to see all overdue items.
Can I export an object's complete history?
From the full detail page, you may have export options for records and activity. Contact your Customer Success Manager for custom reporting needs.
