Starting Your First Day in Beam Machine

This page shows you what to check in your first session so you do not create work in the wrong place or miss something obvious.

Product: Beam Machine
Module: Getting Started
Role: New user, Firm Admin, Accountant, Operator, Reviewer
Difficulty: Beginner
Time: 10 minutes first time
Last Updated: 2026-03-10
Version: Current Beam Machine app build in this repo

Before You Start

• You need valid login details.
• You need to know whether you belong in the staff app or the client portal.
• You need to know the entity, firm, or team you are meant to work in.

What is this first-day checklist?

This is the page you use before you do any real work. Think of it like checking the company name, tax file, and document pack before you start a paper process. It stops basic mistakes before they spread.

When do you use this?

Use this page on your first day, when onboarding someone new, or when a user says, "I can log in, but I am not sure what I should check first."

If you skip these basics, you can do correct work in the wrong workspace or the wrong entity.

Where do you start?

Primary path: Sign in, land in the correct workspace, then use the header and sidebar to orient yourself.
Alternative: Read 03-navigation-and-layout.md first if the interface still feels unfamiliar.

How to get started safely

1. Sign in with the account issued to you.
2. Confirm you landed in the correct app surface.
3. Confirm the active entity in the header before touching data.
4. Check your left sidebar and make sure the modules you need are visible.
5. Open your team’s main work area and confirm you can see the expected records.
6. Only after that should you create, upload, approve, or reconcile anything.

Before you do real work

1. Confirm the correct workspace.
2. Confirm the active entity.
3. Confirm your role visibility.
4. Confirm the job you are doing.

Recommended learning path

1. Read 03-navigation-and-layout.md.
2. Read 05-admin-and-system-setup.md if you are an admin.
3. Read the workflow manual for your area:
   • 06-finance-core.md
   • 07-operations.md
   • 08-people-and-payroll.md
   • 09-assurance-and-advisory.md

Common Questions & Issues

"I logged in, but the modules I need are missing"

Why this happens: You may have the wrong role, the wrong workspace, or the wrong expectation.

Fix: Check 02-roles-and-access.md and confirm you are not in the client portal by mistake.

"I can see the module, but the company data looks wrong"

Why this happens: The active entity is probably wrong.

Fix: Use the entity switcher in the header before creating, uploading, approving, or exporting anything.

What's Next

• Read 06-finance-core.md if you work in finance.
• Read 07-operations.md if you work in operations.
• Read 08-people-and-payroll.md if you work in payroll or HR.

Related Pages

• 02-roles-and-access.md
• 03-navigation-and-layout.md
• 05-admin-and-system-setup.md

Still Stuck?

• Search the Beam Machine help set.
• Check the route list in 98-screen-map.md.
• Contact support: support@veva.co.za

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