The short version
Issues and Assignments are similar because both make follow-up visible and keep work from getting lost. The key difference is what the record represents.
An Issue records a problem that needs attention, investigation, or follow-up.
An Assignment records a defined task that someone needs to complete.
Use an Issue when...
Use an Issue when the important information is the problem itself.
Water is collecting around a planter and the cause needs investigation.
Lighting around a Display has changed and the plants are struggling.
A customer has reported a concern that needs follow-up.
The Issue stays as the record of the problem until it is resolved or canceled.
Use an Assignment when...
Use an Assignment when the important information is the action that someone needs to perform.
Inspect the leaking connection and arrange a repair.
Contact the building manager about access.
Update photos for a group of Displays.
Prepare a quote for an additional planting request.
The Assignment stays as the record of the task until it is completed or canceled.
They can be used together
An Issue and an Assignment are not mutually exclusive.
A technician may discover water damage around a Display. The Issue records the problem. An Assignment can then be created for a specific person to inspect the source and arrange the repair.
The Issue answers “What is the problem?”
The Assignment answers “What needs to be done, and who is responsible for doing it?”
Both records are synchronized between the Back Office and mobile app, and both can be reviewed from their respective tabs on the Service Site card.
What about Display Notes?
Use a Display Note when you need to retain useful information, but there is no tracked problem or defined task that needs follow-through.
For example, “Customer prefers the Display to remain in this location” is useful context. “Planter is leaking and needs investigation” is a problem and is better recorded as an Issue.
Quick comparison
Issue - a problem that needs attention, investigation, or follow-up.
Assignment - a defined task that someone needs to carry out.
Display Note - useful context that does not require a tracked resolution or task.
Replacement - a separate workflow when a plant or planter needs to be replaced.
Practical tips
Use an Issue when the problem itself needs to be tracked.
Use an Assignment when a specific action needs an owner.
Use a Display Note when you only need to preserve useful context.