How Melo Sets Task Due Dates and Reminder Times
Ever wonder why some tasks in Melo remind you a week ahead while others wait until the morning of? It's not random - Melo uses smart logic to figure out exactly when you need to know about different types of tasks. The goal is simple: give you enough time to actually do something about it, but not so much time that you'll forget.
Melo's Smart Date Logic Explained
When Melo processes your emails and documents, it doesn't just find deadlines - it understands what type of task it is and sets reminders accordingly. Here's how it works:
Same Day Reminders (Morning Of)
Information and communication tasks get reminders the morning they're due.
Examples of same-day tasks:
Fill out and return permission slip
Email teacher about pickup changes
Send volunteer availability to room parent
RSVP to birthday party
Submit lunch order for the week
Complete online registration form
Why morning of? These tasks usually take 5-15 minutes and are best done when they're top of mind. Getting reminded a week early just means you'll forget about it again.
What you'll see: "Permission slip for field trip due today" in your 7:30 AM notification.
Packing and Preparation Tasks (Morning Of)
Things you need to remember to bring or pack get reminders the morning of the event.
Examples of packing tasks:
Bring art project to school for exhibition
Pack swim gear for pool day
Remember to wear red for spirit day
Bring $5 for book fair
Don't forget show-and-tell item
Wear Halloween costume to school
Why morning of? You can't pack these things too early (where would you put a costume for a week?), and packing the night before risks forgetting it at home anyway.
What you'll see: "Don't forget to bring soccer cleats for practice today" in your morning notification.
One Day Ahead Reminders (Things to Purchase)
Shopping and purchasing tasks get reminders the day before they're needed.
Examples of purchase tasks:
Buy birthday gift for party this weekend
Get poster board for science project
Purchase Halloween costume
Pick up groceries for class party
Buy flowers for teacher appreciation
Get new soccer cleats before season starts
Why one day ahead? This gives you time to actually go shopping, order online, or coordinate with another caregiver about who's handling it. But it's not so far ahead that you'll procrastinate for weeks.
What you'll see: "Buy gift for Emma's birthday party tomorrow" in your daily notification.
One Week Ahead Reminders (Schedule Changes)
School closures, schedule changes, and notable events get reminders a full week ahead.
Examples of week-ahead tasks:
Early dismissal next Friday
No school Monday for teacher workday
Soccer practice moved to different field
Parent-teacher conferences next week
School picture day moved to Thursday
After-school program cancelled for holiday
Why one week ahead? Schedule changes affect your work calendar, childcare arrangements, and family planning. You need time to coordinate with other caregivers, adjust work meetings, or arrange alternative childcare.
What you'll see: "Reminder: Early dismissal next Friday at 1:30 PM" in your notifications the Friday prior.
What Happens When Dates Are Unclear
Sometimes incoming messages assume prior knowledge from the receiver that Melo simply has no way of knowing. For example, if the school messages "Don't forget to bring your favorite book in Spanish next week", that doesn't give Melo a clear date. You might know that Spanish class happens on Wednesday. When that happens, you can forward the message and add context to the email to let Melo know.