Is important project information scattered across various Excel spreadsheets? And does this make it difficult for you to keep track of everything? Then it’s time to bring more structure to your project. The Redmine DB plugin transforms your Redmine system into a powerful database for all kinds of structured information that is relevant to tickets or projects but for which there is no suitable storage location in Redmine.
What is the Redmine DB plugin?
The Redmine DB plugin extends an existing Redmine system with flexible database functionality. Instead of using different tools for different data types, you can manage all project-related information centrally in Redmine. The plugin allows you to create custom data types and customize them with custom fields.
DB entries can contain any content. It is possible to link them within other entities (e.g., tickets). This simplifies communication in large projects because there are fewer misunderstandings. Changes to a DB entry are documented in the history for traceability. It is immediately apparent who changed what and when.
Practical application examples for different use cases
To help you understand what we mean, here are a few practical examples of when the Redmine DB plugin could be used.
IT Departments and System Administrators
You manage your company’s IT infrastructure? The plugin is ideal for:
- SSL certificates: Track expiration dates, domains and renewal cycles centrally
- Software licenses: Keep track of license numbers, costs and terms
- Server inventory: Document hardware specifications, locations and maintenance intervals
- Hosting packages: Manage customer projects with technical details and contract terms
Real Estate and Facility Management
For property managers, the plugin offers the following possibilities:
- Property management: Capture information on rental agreements and rental properties
- Office equipment: Manage inventory with acquisition dates, warranties and locations
- Service contracts: Keep track of maintenance contracts for elevators, heating systems and other facilities
Service and Sales Companies
Customer service teams benefit from:
- Customer contracts (SLA): Information/key data on agreed service level agreements
- Product catalogs: Structured management of product information and price lists
- Customer projects: Linking project data with specific customer requirements
Overview of important functionality
DB entries can be tracked down on a project-specific basis or across multiple projects. Numerous filters allow quick access to data relevant to the respective user.
Flexible data management
The plugin works with so-called “DB types,” which you can think of as categories for your data. Each type can be equipped with individual fields—from simple text fields and date fields to file uploads and links to other entries.
Import and export
One of the most practical features is CSV import. You can easily transfer your existing Excel lists to the plugin. Exporting to various formats (CSV, XLSX, Atom) is just as easy, so you always have your data available for other applications.
Link to Redine issues
A major advantage over isolated databases: DB entries can be linked directly to Redmine tickets. This allows you to see immediately which infrastructure components are affected by a problem or which contracts are relevant to a customer inquiry.
Advanced search and filter functions
Live search allows you to quickly find the right information, even with large amounts of data. You can filter by various criteria, customize columns, and save your preferred views for later use.
Dashboard integration
Of particular interest to management: the plugin supports Redmine dashboards. You can display important key figures and overviews directly on the home page or project overview—for example, expiring SSL certificates or overdue maintenance dates.
Permissions and teamwork
The plugin respects Redmine’s proven permissions system. You can specify exactly who is allowed to create, edit, or only read DB entries. Private entries allow you to share sensitive information only with specific team members without making it visible to everyone involved in the project.
Organization through tags and categories
The tag functionality helps you to further structure your data. The plugin supports simple tags as well as grouped and scoped tags for clear categorization. For example, you can find all hardware components of the type “laptop” at a glance.
Integration into existing workflows
The plugin integrates seamlessly into your existing Redmine processes. You don’t need to introduce separate tools or train your team on new systems. All functions are accessible via the familiar Redmine interface, and email notifications keep you up to date on changes.
DB entries can be linked within the ticket “Edit” view. The linked entities are then linked to each other and can thus be quickly assigned to the corresponding ticket.
Macros for advanced automation
For advanced users, the plugin offers various macros that allow you to automatically embed DB content into wiki pages or tickets. This is particularly useful for regular reports or status overviews.
Important to note:
- Macros only work in projects where the DB module is activated
- Content is only displayed to users with DB access
- Macros in wiki pages can serve as a simple alternative to dashboard blocks
Redmine DB provides more structure for your projects
We believe that the Redmine DB plugin is definitely useful because it solves real problems when it comes to managing structured data in Redmine that does not fit into a standard ticket. It can be flexibly adapted to your specific requirements. Whether you want to manage IT resources, monitor customer contracts, or manage real estate data, the plugin offers you the necessary flexibility and integration into your existing Redmine workflows.
By using custom fields for the various DB types, the plugin is flexible and suitable for different applications within the project.
Advantages
- Seamless integration: The plugin uses Redmine’s existing infrastructure. You don’t need a separate tool.
- Flexible use: The combination of predefined DB types and custom fields allows you to create special data structures without any programming knowledge.
- Data linking with other entities: In our opinion, the ability to link DB entries directly to tickets or other entities creates real added value.
- Import/export functionality: CSV import makes it easy to switch from Excel-based solutions.
- Familiar environment: Redmine users are already familiar with the interface, so getting started is relatively easy.
Of course, our plugin is not suitable for every use case.
- Teams that do not use Redmine intensively do not have the need to manage structured data on this scale.
- The configuration of DB types, custom fields, and permissions requires an experienced administrator.
Who the DB plugin is suitable for
We see IT service companies and managed service providers as the main target group:
- who manage different customer infrastructures
- who need structured data (certificates, licenses, hardware/software)
- that already work intensively with Redmine and value data quality and history
- that benefit from linking options (ticket - DB entry) (because this makes it easier to communicate which entries are specifically meant)
This function is part of the Redmine DB plugin. An overview of all Redmine plugins from AlphaNodes is available at the Product page. Our online demo allows you to test the described functionality here. The plugin is also part of our Redmine managed application hosting packages.