Tasks

I just had an issue creating an automated task. (Yes, I KNOW I said NEVER ever create Automated tasks in Tasks, Activities, Notes & Attachments, but this was for a legitimate reason - well probably I could just create an email notification, but they can be ignored also - at least with a Task they have to complete the task also. The legitimate reason was that the web form was updating Salesforce and I need a notification to the record owner when the web form is complete). 

The Notifiy Users Checkbox was not available on the Tasks screen on the Workflow. Now I don't think I would have ever noticed it, because I so very rarely use this feature, but I had a complaint from the users that they were not getting notified. But the Notify User checkbox was visible when I click Tasks from the Workflow menu. 

Hmm, it's a new feature http://docs.releasenotes.salesforce.com/en-us/winter15/release-notes/rn_sales_activities_notifications_task_assignment.htm 

You can check a setting that allows users to determine whether they get notified for tasks or not. WHAT? You have set up tasks, and then the users can elect to not receive email notifications for them? Come on! That is ridiculous. That just shows you are not using tasks well at all. (Yes, I KNOW users will just send them to junk in their email, but that is another story). 

Anyway, if you care about your tasks, uncheck this setting so you can continue to set the setting in the workflows. 

Or tell me in the comments on what basis you would use this feature. 

Limitations of Activities - Tasks (Classic)

Disable reminder Checkbox on Tasks - go to
http://docs.releasenotes.salesforce.com/en-us/winter15/release-notes/rn_sales_activities_notifications_task_assignment.htm

Change your preferences for receiving Activity notification

Go to your name (top right) > My Settings > enter Reminders in the Quick Find box, then select Activity Reminders. Change the settings as desired.

https://help.salesforce.com/articleView?id=activities_reminder_window.htm&type=0&language=en_US&release=204.11.2#firstQueryMeta=%5Bobject%2520Object%5D

Considerations for Using Tasks in Salesforce Classic
More info: https://help.salesforce.com/articleView?id=creating_tasks_cex.htm&type=0

There are a number of Fields that you cant access in Reports while trying to report on Tasks.

Two such Fields are:
* Repeat This Task
* Recurrence Interval

Some others are listed here.
https://help.salesforce.com/articleView?id=000181506&language=en_US&type=1

You can access them via Process Builder - but not through creating a Formula field... sigh :(

I wanted to report on these fields so i created a Process Builder process that updated a new custom field in Tasks. Creating a custom field is different in Tasks. Go to Customize > Activities > Activity Custom Fields > click New button.

I created 2 fields called:
Repeat This Task Copy
Recurrence Interval Copy

Then I used them in Process Builder to update the Field Values. Here's a walk-through of that process. 
In Process Builder, start the Process on Task

Criteria = No criteria—just execute the actions!

Update Records = Update Custom Field Values > Record = [Task] > No criteria—just update the records!

Set new field values for the records you update

Field*

Recurrence Interval Copy > Formula > Text([Task].RecurrenceInterval)

Repeat This Task Copy > Formula >
IF ( Text([Task].RecurrenceRegeneratedType)= "RecurrenceRegenerateAfterDueDate", "After Due Date",
IF ( Text([Task].RecurrenceRegeneratedType)= "RecurrenceRegenerateAfterToday", "After Date Completed",
IF ( Text([Task].RecurrenceRegeneratedType)= "RecurrenceRegenerated", "Task Closed","")))

Save and make Active.

Obviously, you need to add the Custom Fields that you have created to your Report column headers.

If you don't use the formula above - your report will return the messy looking values below... which is fine if you don't mind.

This is much easier for end users to glance and take action... or not