Task definitions

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:

Field name		Explanation

Field name		Explanation
ID	automatic	assigned by application, cannot be edited
Number	optional	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	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	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	Default Employee(s) the task should be assigned to. This only occurs if Role is not used.
Role	optional	Default Employee assignment based on Project Role, for example Project Manager
Department	optional	Labor Department, used to link to budget hours and track labor for this Task
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). Setting a Status here indicates that this is the Status the parent should be changed to when this Task is completed.

Option checkbox	Explanation

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

Resource tab	Explanation

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.