User Dashboard and notifications

Hi Comm

Does anyone know if there is a way to set up notifications for an end user or a dashboard e.g. upon logon a user can see a this dashboard with any watchlists  containing batches in error, approval listings(expense reports,purchase and sales orders) and anything which would alert the user that situations are are awaiting their approval or attention

Can this be done using CAFE one or has anyone ever designed functionality to do this?

thanks