Distributed Tasks: When and How to Use Them

Introduction

Distributed tasks in Easy8 help you split one task into multiple subtasks, each assigned to a different person with their own estimated time. This is useful when multiple users work on similar responsibilities under one broader topic. The feature also supports accurate workload planning in Resource Management.

Target Audience

User

What Are Distributed Tasks?

Definition

A distributed task allows you to create multiple subtasks from a single task form. Each subtask is assigned to a different user and has its own estimated time. These subtasks are created automatically under a main task (which remains unassigned) and use a tracker determined by the system.

Main Use Case

Distributed tasks are ideal when:

You have multiple assignees for one overall task
Each assignee should have a separate subtask
Each subtask needs its own estimated time
You want accurate workload planning in Resource Management

How to Enable Distributed Tasks

Go to Global Menu >> Administration >> Settings >> Task Tracking
Enable the checkbox: Enable distributed tasks

Then enable the feature for specific trackers:

Go to Global Menu >> Administration >> Trackers
Select a tracker
Enable the checkbox Distributed task
Save changes

How to Create Distributed Tasks

Distributed tasks can only be created from the New Task Form, not from existing tasks.

Steps:

Click New Task
Select a tracker with Distributed task enabled
The Assignee field will not appear (the main task is unassigned)
Fill out general task information
Scroll to the Distributed Tasks section:
- Click the + button to add rows
- For each row:
  - Select an Assignee
  - Enter an Estimated Time
Click Save

The system will:

Create one subtask per row (per assignee)
Leave the main task unassigned
Automatically assign a non-distributed tracker to each subtask

💡 Note: The subtask tracker is chosen automatically as the first non-distributed tracker from the sorted list of enabled trackers in the project. If no non-distributed tracker is available, distributed tasks cannot be created.

Benefits of Distributed Tasks

Quick setup for assigning multiple users
Individual estimation supports precise planning
Automatically structured into subtasks
Subtasks have their own responsible user and load
Subtasks use standard trackers (different from the distributed one)

Limitations

Only available during new task creation
Subtasks cannot span multiple projects
Parent task has no assignee or estimated time
Distribution does not include attachments or checklists
Tracker assignment is automatic and cannot be chosen manually
All distributed subtasks share the same parent task

Conclusion

Use distributed tasks when you need to assign multiple users to similar work, each with their own effort estimate. The system will create well-structured subtasks automatically using proper trackers, making your planning in Resource Management easier and more precise.