> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://withforerunner.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Attaching data to objects

> Create records, upload files, manage tasks, and track activity on objects

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.

## The object information panel

Click any object on the [map](/maps/overview) or select one from a [table](/tables/overview) to open the information panel. The panel displays:

* **Object header** - Address (for properties) or label (for custom objects), with quick actions
* **Tab navigation** - Switch between Overview, Records, Files, Tasks, and Activity
* **View details link** - Open the full object detail page for expanded information

<Tip>
  The information panel stays open as you navigate the map. Click a different object to switch the panel to that location without closing it.
</Tip>

<Note>
  For custom objects you created manually, the header includes an **Edit** action to update the object's label or reshape its geometry. See [Editing a custom object](/objects/creating-objects#editing-a-custom-object).
</Note>

## Information panel tabs

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Overview" icon="info">
    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](/objects/object-attributes) for details on how data is populated and updated.

    <Note>
      Available attributes depend on your account configuration and data sources. Contact your Customer Success Manager to add or modify displayed attributes.
    </Note>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Records" icon="file-text">
    The Records tab shows all [records](/records/overview) 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

    <Steps>
      <Step title="Click the add button">
        Select the "Add record" or "+" button in the Records tab.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Choose the record type">
        Select the appropriate record type from the available options. Only record types configured for this object category appear.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Complete the form">
        Fill in the required fields. The object is already linked—you don't need to select it again.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Save the record">
        Submit the record. It immediately appears in the object's Records tab.
      </Step>
    </Steps>

    ### Common record workflows

    * **Inspections** - Document site visits, compliance checks, annual reviews
    * **Permits** - Track permit applications, reviews, approvals
    * **SI/SD tracking** - Monitor substantial improvement and damage calculations
    * **Damage assessments** - Record post-event evaluations

    See [Creating records](/records/creating-records) for detailed guidance on record creation.
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Files" icon="folder">
    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 documentation
    * **Permits** - Building permits and applications
    * **Photos** - Site photos, inspection images
    * **Plans** - Building plans, site plans, surveys
    * **Correspondence** - Letters, notices, communications
    * **Other** - Miscellaneous documents

    ### Uploading files

    <Steps>
      <Step title="Click upload">
        Select the "Upload" button or drag files into the upload area.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Select files">
        Choose one or more files from your computer. Supported formats include PDF, JPEG, PNG, TIFF, and GIF up to 50MB each.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Add file details">
        Select a document type and add an optional description to help identify the file later.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Confirm upload">
        Complete the upload. Files appear immediately in the Files tab.
      </Step>
    </Steps>

    ### 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](/files/reviewing-elevation-certificates) for details on EC processing.

    <Note>
      File visibility (public or private) is controlled by document type settings and can be overridden per file. See [Public object access](/objects/public-access) for details.
    </Note>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Tasks" icon="check-square">
    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

    <Steps>
      <Step title="Click add task">
        Select the "Add task" or "+" button in the Tasks tab.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Enter task details">
        Provide:

        * Task description (what needs to be done)
        * Due date (when it should be completed)
        * Assignee (who is responsible)
      </Step>

      <Step title="Save the task">
        Create the task. The assignee receives notification if notifications are enabled.
      </Step>
    </Steps>

    ### Common task uses

    * **Follow-up inspections** - Schedule return visits
    * **Document requests** - Track outstanding documentation needs
    * **Review reminders** - Flag items needing supervisor review
    * **Outreach** - Remember to contact property owners
    * **Maintenance** - Schedule work on infrastructure objects

    See [Tasks overview](/tasks/overview) for complete task management guidance.
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Activity" icon="clock">
    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 changes
    * **File uploads** - Documents added to the object
    * **Task activity** - Tasks created, assigned, completed
    * **Comments** - Notes added by team members
    * **Attribute 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).

    ### Adding comments

    Use comments for informal notes that don't warrant a formal record:

    <Steps>
      <Step title="Find the comment input">
        Look for a text input at the top or bottom of the Activity tab.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Write your comment">
        Enter your note, observation, or update.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Post the comment">
        Submit the comment. It appears immediately in the activity feed.
      </Step>
    </Steps>

    ### When to use comments vs. records

    | 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 |

    <Tip>
      Comments are great for context that helps your team but doesn't need to be searchable, reportable, or shared publicly.
    </Tip>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## 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 content
* **Complete record history** - Full list with advanced filtering
* **File management** - Bulk operations and detailed file info
* **Task management** - Create, assign, and manage tasks
* **Full activity timeline** - Search and filter activity history
* **Print and export** - Generate reports for the object

## Best practices

### Organizing object information

* **Attach records consistently** - Use the same record types for similar activities across objects
* **Name files descriptively** - Clear file names make documents easier to find later
* **Set realistic task due dates** - Give assignees appropriate time to complete work
* **Use comments for context** - Add notes that help colleagues understand the situation

### Maintaining data quality

* **Complete required fields** - Ensure records capture all necessary information
* **Check file quality** - Verify documents are legible before uploading
* **Close completed tasks** - Mark tasks done to keep lists accurate
* **Review 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 map
* **Open full details for complex work** - Use the detail page when you need more space or advanced features
* **Leverage activity history** - Review what's happened before taking action
* **Link related work** - Connect records, files, and tasks to build a complete picture

## Frequently asked questions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="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.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Who can see comments I add to an object?">
    Comments are visible to staff users with access to the object. Comments are not visible on the public website.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="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.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="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.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="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.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="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.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>