52e8190211
- FastAPI backend with JWT auth - PostgreSQL database schema - Trees and Sessions CRUD APIs - Export functionality (Markdown, Text, HTML) - Docker setup for local development - Alembic migrations
3.6 KiB
Troubleshooting Decision Tree Application
Project Overview
Vision
A decision tree troubleshooting application designed for MSP engineers to transform diagnostic processes into clean, professional documentation automatically.
Core Problem
MSP engineers like Michael face constant context switching between diverse technical issues (file shares, server outages, VPN failures, Active Directory problems). Each context switch:
- Takes 15-25 minutes to regain full focus
- Creates cognitive overhead and attention residue
- Contributes to burnout (research-backed)
- Makes consistent documentation challenging
- Results in lost tribal knowledge
Solution
An intelligent decision tree system that:
- Guides engineers through proven troubleshooting paths
- Captures decisions and notes automatically
- Generates professional ticket documentation
- Builds institutional knowledge
- Reduces cognitive load during high-stress situations
Success Criteria
3-Month Goal: Michael uses this tool for 50% of his tickets
Key Metrics:
- Time saved per ticket
- Documentation quality improvement
- Reduction in "what did I do?" moments
- Team adoption rate
- Reduction in repeated troubleshooting attempts
Target Users
Primary: Senior Systems Engineers at MSPs managing Windows Server, Active Directory, Citrix, networking equipment
Secondary:
- Junior engineers needing guided troubleshooting
- Onsite technicians following remote engineer instructions
- MSP teams wanting standardized procedures
Key Differentiators
- Automatic documentation generation - No separate note-taking step
- On-the-fly customization - Add custom branches when encountering edge cases
- Learning system - Tracks common paths, suggests optimizations
- Automation integration - Execute PowerShell/scripts directly from decision nodes
- Knowledge hub - Links to documentation, KB articles, tutorials at each step
- Team collaboration - Controlled authorship with shared access
Potential Market
- 30,000+ MSPs in North America alone
- Average MSP has 15-50 technical staff
- Adjacent markets: Internal IT teams, DevOps, Technical Support
Monetization Possibilities
- Free Tier: Personal use, limited trees
- Pro Tier: Team sharing, unlimited trees, analytics
- Enterprise: API access, SSO, custom branding, white-label
- Marketplace: Community-contributed trees (revenue share)
- Consulting: Custom tree development services
- Integrations: Paid add-ons for ConnectWise, Kaseya, etc.
Name Ideas (To Workshop)
- TroubleTree
- DecisionPath
- MSP Navigator
- FlowDoc
- DiagnosticFlow
- PathFinder
- TechTree
- TicketFlow
- DiagPath
Competitive Landscape
Current Solutions:
- Static runbooks/wiki pages (not interactive)
- Flowchart tools (not designed for real-time troubleshooting)
- Ticketing system templates (limited branching logic)
- Decision tree software (too generic, not MSP-focused)
Our Advantage: Purpose-built for technical troubleshooting with automation integration and automatic documentation generation.
Technology Philosophy
- Web-first: Accessible anywhere, no installation
- Progressive enhancement: Works offline, syncs when online
- API-driven: Backend separate from frontend for flexibility
- Extensible: Plugin architecture for integrations
- Open-source friendly: Consider open-sourcing core, monetize integrations/hosting
Project Status
Current Phase: Planning and Architecture Next Phase: MVP Development (Weeks 1-3) Target MVP Date: 3 weeks from project start Target Production Date: 6-8 weeks from project start