New release of the GTD Outlook Add-In
July 21st, 2009 Kelly Forrister - Staff ContributorCategories | Downloads | Getting Things Done | Reviews | Software
Years ago, David Allen worked with software design firm Netcentrics to create a GTD solution for Outlook users. 
In fact, it’s one of the few applications (Eric Mack’s eProductivity product is another) that has David’s fingerprints on the look, feel and functionality. Although you can customize Outlook to be more useful via the GTD & Outlook whitepaper, the Netcentrics GTD Outlook Add-In automated many of the customizations we suggest in that paper and adds a few key things that only the Add-In will do:
Link Projects to Actions (solving the timeless question and request from GTD’ers, “How do you know which project a next action relates to?”)
Process input more easily (gives a GTD toolbar for one-stop processing, linking and organizing)
Create projects and sub-projects (both can be linked and tracked along with their actions–for example, Project “Get Married” might have a subproject called, “Put on Reception” which then has a linked action step, “Call DJ”.)
View projects and actions in a variety of ways (the Add-in builds additional views, such as Active Tasks by Project, Completed Tasks by Project, etc.)
In the latest 3.0 release, there are few new things they’ve introduced:
Two-minute timer (yes, as dorky as it sounds, the little 2 min timer app in the DavidCo store is a big seller and is a feature in the new version of the Add-in)
Project Central (for more easily managing your master projects list)
Simpler interface (in my opinion, it’s the easiest and most intuitive in all the releases I’ve seen over the years)
Obviously, if Outlook is not your tool of choice, then this Add-In won’t be either! But if you’ve been looking to “GTD-ize” Outlook you may find this to be a useful enhancement, especially if you already have a good understanding of GTD. In my many years of coaching and presenting GTD to clients, my advice is always–do not look to the tool to teach or do GTD for you. It will enhance what you already know about the core concepts of GTD projects and next actions.
I think a course for this add-in would be great – it is intuitive but sometimes, an actual process flow throughout a day would be great to view.
Is there any information, about how it integrates with the iPhone?
I have recently installed the Netcentrics GTD outlook add in on my computer. I really like the fucntionality, but buying the product seems to have messed up the ability of my iPod to sync with calendar events. This is an unacceptible state of affairs. Does anyone know how to fix it?
I have no issues with synching my iPhone with Outlook when using the GTD add in … you may need to update your OS for your iPod.