Planned Task Hierarchy

If you are using the ServiceNow PPM, you might know you can use Planned Tasks as child tasks.  For this type of setup in ServiceNow PPM, you might utilize Project Phases, Project Activities, Project Tasks, etc all extended from Planned Tasks.  

Example Project with Child Planned Tasks

• Project

  • Project Phase 1

    • Project Activity 1

      • Project Task 1

      • Project Task 2

      • Project Task 3

    • Project Activity 2

      • Project Task 1

      • Project Task 2

  • Project Phase 2

    • Project Activity 1

      • Project Task 1

      • Project Task 2

Child Task Navigation Tips

The problem with this type of setup is that it can be difficult to navigate.  Couple of things can help with navigation:

• Hierarchical Lists - Adding this functionality via list control allows the user to "drill down" on lists and more easily find information.

http://wiki.service-now.com/index.php?title=Hierarchical_Lists

• Parent Breadcrumbs - This functionality added via Personalize Form allows you to see where you are in the hierarchy. For Example it is a control that looks like this:

Parents: PRJ0017076 > PRJPHASE0014994 > PRJACT0014791 > PRJTASK016548

Parent Breadcrumbs is available for Tasks, however can be made available for other types of records.

• Color Coded Field Styles Add a Field Style to the Task Type, that helps the user see visually what type of Planned Task it is. For instance, in ServiceNow PPM I color code Phases blue, Activities Yellow, and Tasks Grey.

• Number Maintenance Add Unique Number Prefixes for the type of Planned Task. For Example, Activities might be prefixed with PRJACT