Create workflow templates with variable dates (N+days)
Hi
I want to create a template for a workflow so that the first task is date N, the second task (dependent) is N+3 days, the third task is N+6 days, etc.
Right now I'm just picking a date about a year away but it's a workaround rather than a proper solution.
Background: I have a folder called Workflows with all the workflows in my business. I would prefer that none of the workflows have actual dates so they don't appear in my upcoming tasks. But if I don't include dates then I can't add dependencies, which means the workflow dependencies must be set from scratch each time.
Hi Sholto! That's a great question, thanks for posting it here. Something we usually recommend for templates like that is using the "Deferred" status after you've set up the template with dependencies. Deferred (on hold) tasks don't appear in to-do or overdue sections and widgets, so they won't clutter up your views. To do this:
Check out this conversation about duplicating dependencies for some more info, and let me know if you have any further questions! :)
That's brilliant, thank you. Will try it out.
Sholto Macpherson DigitalFirst.com
can you set dependencies using custom workflows? It is unclear what this does in workflow settings: Only allow transitions to the following statuses. It sounds like we can specify what status must be completed before the status can change.
Hi Alana, it sounds like you're referring to Fixed Workflows. This doesn't really relate directly to task dependencies, instead, it's about setting the Workflow so that you can choose to move from predesignated statuses you've chosen. This stops people working on tasks to move to incorrect status.
It would be great to hear what you're looking to achieve and I'll be happy to help 👍
This would be so useful! I'm using the workaround, but would much prefer to be able to program in the dates using n +/-.