Sapling - How To Leverage Dependent Tasks in a Workflow

Introduction

Dependent tasks let you specify a task assignment date based on when other tasks are completed. This means you can build structured, repeatable workflows faster and easier, allowing them to be completed in a particular order or faster if needed. 

The following topics are covered in this article: 

• How to update or create a new workflow with dependent tasks
• Common use scenarios for dependent tasks

1. How to update or create a new workflow with dependent tasks

You can update existing tasks to be dependent on another, or create new tasks to be dependent on other tasks. 

Navigate to Workflows from the Administration Tools drop-down. Select a workflow and choose an existing task, or create a new task.

In the Task pop up, click the “When should this task be assigned” dropdown menu and select “When other tasks are completed”. 

You’ll then be prompted to select one or more tasks that must be completed before the current task will be assigned.  Note that you can only include tasks that are part of the same workflow.

For example, let’s call the current task in this workflow Task C. Tasks A and B are added under the “Dependent Tasks” section. This means that Task C will only be assigned when Task A and Task B in that workflow are completed.

2. Common use scenarios for dependent tasks

What can you do with dependent tasks? Lots of things. Here are some ways customers have leveraged dependent tasks within their processes:

• Employment contracts with multiple signers 
• Performance Improvement Plans (PIP)
• Pre-employment background/reference checking
• New Hire video curriculum progression 

If you’re looking for ways to simplify your workflows using previous tasks as a trigger, dependent tasks are for you!