Dan Evans' VBA Scripts – Outlook Attachment Checker etc
Have you ever composed an email, meaning to attach a file, even saying something like “see the attached file…” and then you forget to actually attach the file?
I do this all the time. I could put a post it note on my laptop that says “BE CAREFUL: Do not forget to attach attachments,” but warning signs are not effective error proofing.
Thankfully, there are software methods available for error proofing this, with Outlook or other email clients.
The first link, up top, is a Visual Basic script that you can install on your Outlook software. I've tried it and it works just fine. The second link, from LifeHacker, has other software error-proofing methods as well as some process methods for error proofing, including:
Type “attachment” where the @ sign should be in the recipient box. Delete it after you've put the attachment(SsSsS) on.
Process based error proofing can work, but you have to be disciplined to follow the process. For me, I'm glad I have the script installed!!
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Mark's new book is The Mistakes That Make Us: Cultivating a Culture of Learning and Innovation.
He is also the author of Measures of Success: React Less, Lead Better, Improve More, the Shingo Award-winning books Lean Hospitals and Healthcare Kaizen, and the anthology Practicing Lean.
Mark is also a Senior Advisor to the technology company KaiNexus.
How’s this for a simple solution: Attach the file IMMEDIATELY before you write your message, this way you won’t get distracted and forget.
That would work. That’s an example of error proofing through standard work. It works if you’re disciplined enough to do that every time.
I try to attach the file as soon as I think of it, but still mess up. Evidence that good intentions and being careful aren’t always enough.
[…] is similar to the the method for error proofing Outlook that I wrote about […]