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
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.

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
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.