Sub-tasks

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Introduction

When managing complex project tasks, it’s often more efficient to break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable sub-tasks. This allows for better organization, progress tracking, and workload distribution.

Odoo’s Sub-task feature is ideal in scenarios where:

  • A single task is too large or complex.
  • Work needs to follow a specific sequence.
  • Different pieces of work are assigned to different users or projects.

The main task is known as the parent task, and the smaller associated tasks are referred to as child tasks (sub-tasks).

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Access the Project

  • Open the Project app in Odoo.
  • Select your desired project.

2. Create Sub-tasks

  • Click on the parent task where you want to add sub-tasks.
  • Go to the Sub-tasks
  • Click Add a line.
  • Fill in the Title of the sub-task.
  • Click the Save icon to confirm.

3. Edit Sub-task Details Inline

  • You can directly update fields like Title, Priority, Status, and Assignees from the sub-task tab.
  • Use the sliders icon to show/hide fields inline.

4. Understand the Changes to the Parent Task

  • A smart button appears showing:
    • Total sub-tasks
    • Number of completed (Done or Canceled) sub-tasks
  • Allocated time updates to include time assigned to both parent and child tasks.
  • Timesheets tab reflects time spent on both the parent task and its sub-tasks.

5. View and Manage Sub-tasks

  • Click View on a sub-task to open it in full form (identical to a normal task).
  • A smart button within the sub-task allows quick return to the parent task.
  • Sub-tasks can have their own sub-tasks, creating multiple levels of hierarchy.
  • Selecting a Project for the sub-task will place it in that project’s Kanban view.

Tips

  • Break down tasks wisely: Only split when necessary to avoid cluttering your task list.
  • Track time at both levels: Use timesheets to monitor effort spent on parent and sub-tasks.
  • Use hierarchy for visibility: Parent-child relationships help organize work across teams.
  • Customize fields: Tailor the sub-task tab to show only what your team needs (e.g., remove Status if not needed).
  • Smart navigation: Use the built-in smart buttons to jump between parent and child tasks quickly.

Key Benefits

  • Improved Task Organization: Helps structure large tasks into smaller, manageable steps.
  • Better Work Allocation: Enables distributing different parts of a task to various users or teams.
  • Clear Tracking: Lets you monitor progress on each part separately while keeping the overall goal in focus.
  • Time Management: Prevents over-allocation of hours across tasks with cumulative time visibility.
  • Project Flexibility: Sub-tasks can belong to different projects while still being linked to the same parent.

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