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  • Task definitions serve as templates for recurring tasks.

  • They contain default settings that can be modified in each individual task instance.

  • Crows Nest allows renaming of “Project” and “Phase” labels - they may appear differently.

Open the “Edit Task Definitions” form: Menu bar > Settings > Task Definitions

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Create task definition

Select Task Type from drop-down list (main types are Project and Phase)

  • Create: Click Add new <type> task to create a New Task entry in the Task List panel.

  • Edit: Select existing task from Task List panel > edit fields, options and resources in Definition panel

  • Delete: Right-click existing task in Task List panel > click Delete

Complete detailed task definition with these operations:

  • Edit task definition fields

  • Set task definition options

  • Add task definition resources

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Task definition fields

Field name

Explanation

ID

automatic

assigned by application, cannot be edited

Number

optional

Useful for sorting task lists in a preferred sequence, rather than the default alphanumeric order by Description. Appended to front of task description.

Description

required

Text string describing task

Variation

optional

Category

optional

Predecessor

optional

Used as a reference to calculate and schedule subsequent task dates.

Employee

optional

Assigns task to individual Employee(s) by default. Occurs if Role is not used.

Role

optional

Assigns task to Project Role by default, e.g. Project Manager.

Department

optional

Labor Department, links task to budget hours and labor tracking.

Operation

optional

Department sub-item, when more detail is desired for labor tracking.

Status

optional

For some task types, completing a task can change the status of the parent object (i.e., Project, Phase). When this field is used, task completion will assign this status to the parent object.

Task definition options

Option checkbox

Explanation

Allow multiple instances of this Task

Automatically Add to new Project

Include Time of Day

Calculate the Due Date

Calculate the Start Date

Match Assignment to Trigger Task

Auto-fill Hours from Budget

Timeline Appearance

Weight

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Task definition resources (tabs)

Resource tab

Explanation

Explanation

Add text that will display when user clicks "Explain this Task."

Tasks

Add task to be triggered upon task completion. View chain of events.

Dates

Add date to be set upon task completion.

Markers

Add phase marker to be checked upon completion.

Notify

Add people to be notified upon task completion (by name, project role or email address).

Checklists

Add items to be check off before task completion.

Schedule

Add scheduled dates to be created automatically upon task completion. Uses "Schedule Task" window for scheduling options. Requires Crows Nest Email Server.

Role

Assigns task to Project Role by default, e.g. Project Manager.

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