My first thought is that, much like a context list, you want your reminder to come when it is needed. Is the form an analog form? If so, put a big post-it on the folder, or one on each blank form you have, or big sharpie letters on the folder ...
If it is digital, can you rename the shortcut/alias you have for the form/folder to "REM SUMMARY - audit report" or something to that effect.

Since the reports are erratic, I don't think any time activated pop-up would work.

Or, I just had another idea: you could write a batch script (in windows) that would open the file needed, but also launch a message box that said "Remember the Summary!"

If you are tied in to their interface and can not relabel or rename anything ... geez, I dunno. If it were me, I would probably set a pop-up reminder in Outlook or using some other method that went off every hour or two. It would start to annoy me by noon on the first day and I would probably have it ingrained in me by day 2 or 3 ... but that's me and my psychotic tendencies.

I have a big text file that I use to try and help myself remember the odd items that go along with tasks that may repeat here or there.

Like adding a new user to our computer systems, or things to remember when creating my monthly timesheet for accounting, etc...

Anytime I do something that I've had to do in the past I try to remember to review this file to make sure I'm not forgetting anything.

And you could output this file's contents to your desktop with GeekTool!

If only we had Macs at work :(

This system is so locked down we don't even have a 'custom report' feature from the database. You're stuck with the ones they provide!

Steve

A geektool alternative for a windows machine is samuarize. I believe they just did a write up over at www.lifehacker.com

I've posted on another thread about Stickies (can't remember which, though). It's a PC-only freeware post-it notes program that lets you set up recurring reminders that float over all of your open windows until you clear them.

I use the software to remind me to check my tickler file (o the irony...), to water the plant in my office, and to do my weekly review. I've forced myself into the discipline of not clearing the sticky until I've begun or done whatever task it's reminding me about at the moment. (I have a "Have you watered your plant?" sticky sitting on top of all of my windows right now. It pops up at 9am every Monday morning.)

The software is by Zhorn Software. The current version is Stickies 5.2b. Same effect as a physical sticky, but much less cluttered. :)

Of course, this only helps if you can install new software....

Don

Here's my lo-fi solution: I write the day's reminders on an index card. I prop up the card on my keyboard - it will stand up if placed above the function keys. It's enough to remind me of things (ie. meeting at 2), and it's easily portable. Anything needing a reminder more than a day away goes in the tickler.

I use Outlook calendar for anything time-specific. Calendar reminders are the only event I allow a pop-up and a sound for in Outlook, so I can leave it running all day and not risk being drawn into wasetful e-mail surfing. I also get the extra benefit of wireless sync with my Blackberry, so my reminders stay on my hip.

Several other options I have and do use are
- My cell phone's calendar/reminder
- SMS and/or e-mail sent from Backpack
- SMS and/or e-mail sent from a cron job
- Reminders in my task tracking software, MyLifeOrganized

Pretty much anything that accomodates text entry and some form of visual reminder at a specified time should do the trick for you.

...a checklist!

I've realised that the problem is really that there's too much to remember when completing that audit report. The summary was just a symptom.

So today I mind-mapped a checklist, typed it up, left the file on my desktop and printed a copy when I was completing a report (I had two to do today).

It's working so far (while fresh in my mind anyway).

Thanks for all the suggestions

Steve

Steve-

Do you have access to a *nix box at all? I have found the best way to remember to do something is to schedule an email alert.

If I need to send a one time email I will use 'at' on the command line, if I need a reminder everyday or week I will schedule a cron job and send an email reminder to my INBOX or pager.

A little overkill I know, but it is simple, it works and does not require me to mess with any calendar programs.

I believe Windows Vista will have the ability to send email notifications via the Scheduled Tasks, but I can't confirm it.

Good luck!

-Scott