Versions Compared

Key

  • This line was added.
  • This line was removed.
  • Formatting was changed.
Info
  • 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

...

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:

...

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

Optional numbering field for identifying tasks by a sequence of numbers, such as A.1 or 004.Appended to front of task description.

Description

required

Text string describing task

This text is displayed to identify the Task

Variation

optional

Default Variation for when new instances of the selected Task is created. Typically left blank. Variation let's you add text to instances of the Task and is appended to the Description.

Category

optional

Categorize field used for segregating tasks in reports.

Predecessor

optional

Used as a reference to calculate and schedule subsequent task

Indicate another Task Type that should be calculated prior to this Task so you can reference it's dates when calculating this Tasks dates.

Employee

optional

Assigns task to individual

Default Employee(s)

by default. Occurs

the task should be assigned to. This only occurs if Role is not used.

Role

optional

Assigns task to

Default Employee assignment based on Project Role

by default, e.g.

, for example Project Manager

.

Department

optional

Labor Department,

links task

used to link to budget hours and track labor

tracking.

for this Task

Operation

optional

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

Status

optional

For some

task types

Task Types, completing a

task

Task can change the

status

Status of the parent object (i.e.

,

Project, Phase).

When this field is used, task completion will assign this status to the parent object

Setting a Status here indicates that this is the Status the parent should be changed to when this Task is completed.

Task definition options

Option checkbox

Explanation

Allow multiple instances of this Task

For recurring instances of the task during the project

Automatically Add to new Project

When new Project is created, this task will be added

Include Time of Day

Time stamp on the Task

Calculate the Due Date

Tasks Due date can be calculated on a number of items such as project dates or task predecessor dates

Calculate the Start Date

Tasks Due date can be calculated on a number of items such as project dates or task predecessor dates

Match Assignment to Trigger Task

Auto-fill Hours from Budget

Timeline Appearance

The appearance on the time line, right click here for options

Pattern

The pattern, if checked, to appear on the timeline with this task

Weight

...

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.

...