> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.charle.agency/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# First Login

> Set up your CharleOS account and get started

Getting access to CharleOS is an invite-only process managed by your administrator. This guide walks you through the invite process, first login, and account setup.

## Getting invited

CharleOS uses a secure invite system to ensure only authorized team members can access the platform.

1. **Admin creates your account** - Your administrator creates a user account for you in the system
2. **Receive invite email** - You'll receive an email invitation with a link to CharleOS
3. **Sign in with Google** - Click the link and sign in using your Google account
4. **Automatic activation** - Your account is automatically activated when you sign in for the first time
5. **Access granted** - You'll be redirected to your personalized dashboard

<Note>
  CharleOS uses Google OAuth for secure authentication. Make sure you use the same Google account associated with your work email.
</Note>

## Pending approval screen

If you see a "Your account is awaiting approval" message after signing in, this means your account was created but no invite was sent yet.

**What it means:**

* Your account exists in the system with "pending" status
* An admin has not yet sent you an invite email
* You won't have access to CharleOS features until an invite is sent

**What to do:**

* Contact your administrator to send you an invite from the Users admin panel
* Once you receive the invite email and sign in, your account will be automatically activated
* Refresh the page after signing in and you'll be directed to your dashboard

<Tip>
  If you received an invite email from CharleOS before signing in, your account will be automatically activated on first login. The pending screen only appears for accounts that were created without sending an invite.
</Tip>

## Your first dashboard

After your account is activated, you'll land on a personalized dashboard based on your role:

### Delivery Team

**Developers, Designers, QA**

Your dashboard shows:

* **Welcome banner** with time-based greeting and today's date
* **4 key metrics**: Day Rate, Delivery, Efficiency, Schedule Health
* **My Tasks** - Your assigned tasks
* **Assigned Quotes** - Quotes you need to review or estimate

### Project Managers (PMs)

Your dashboard shows:

* **4 key metrics**: Availability, Delivery, Schedule Health, Help Desk
* **Client Scheduling** - Upcoming client work
* **Team Schedule Health** - Team capacity and workload

### Customer Success Managers (CSMs)

Your dashboard shows:

* **4 key metrics**: Upsells (MTD), Avg Day Rate, Churned Customers, Revenue Churn
* **Client Scheduling** - Your assigned clients' upcoming work
* **Action Table** - Tasks requiring your attention

### Managers

Your dashboard includes:

* **Tabbed interface** to switch between Agency, Department, and Individual views
* **Agency metrics**: Avg Day Rate, Utilization, On-Time Delivery, Total Availability
* **Team Scheduling** - Cross-team capacity planning
* **Client Day Rates** - Financial performance by client

## Setting up your profile

After your first login, take a moment to complete your profile:

1. **Click your avatar** in the top-right corner
2. **Select "Settings"** from the dropdown menu
3. **Update your profile**:
   * **Profile photo** - Upload a professional headshot
   * **Display name** - Your preferred name (defaults to Google account name)
   * **Job title** - Your role in the agency
   * **Birthday** - Grants an extra day of annual leave on your birthday (optional)
4. **Configure notifications** - Choose how you want to be notified about updates

<Note>
  Your job title and work type are set by your administrator and determine which features you can access. If you need to change your role, contact your admin.
</Note>

## Understanding your access level

CharleOS has three access levels that determine what you can see and do:

| Access Level | Description                                                         | Typical Roles                                     |
| ------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------- |
| **Staff**    | Standard access to assigned work and personal features              | Developers, Designers, QA                         |
| **Manager**  | Staff access + team management, reporting, and system configuration | Team Leads, Department Heads, Operations Managers |

Your access level is displayed in the sidebar navigation - you'll only see menu items relevant to your permissions.

## Next steps

Now that you're logged in and set up:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Learn to Navigate" icon="compass" href="/user-guide/getting-started/navigation">
    Explore the interface and find key features
  </Card>

  <Card title="Meet Alan" icon="sparkles" href="/user-guide/alan">
    Discover your AI assistant for scheduling and queries
  </Card>

  <Card title="Log Your First Time Entry" icon="clock" href="/user-guide/time-tracking/logging-time">
    Learn how to track time against tasks
  </Card>

  <Card title="View Your Schedule" icon="calendar" href="/user-guide/schedule">
    See what's on your plate and plan your work
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="I can't sign in with my Google account">
    Make sure you're using the Google account associated with the email address your administrator used to create your account. If you continue to have issues, contact your administrator.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="I'm stuck on the pending approval screen">
    This means your account was created but no invite was sent. Contact your administrator to send you an invite from the Users admin panel. Once you receive the invite and sign in again, your account will be automatically activated.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="I don't see some menu items mentioned in the docs">
    Navigation items are permission-based. If you don't see certain features, you may not have the required access level. Contact your administrator if you believe you should have access.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>