Add sub-tasks
Tasks linked to customer contacts are good, but the ability to have tasks AND subtasks would be great.
Our manufacturing company frequently works with customers on multiple projects that run in parallel. Each project has one to two dozen discreet tasks associated with it. Each task would represent a project overall. Linked sub-tasks would represent what needed to be accomplished on each project.
We don't need the complexity of MS Project but we need more than one level task lists (or the one level task list with check boxes in the Office 365 Planner).
I discussed this issue 20 years ago with Tom Rizzo at Microsoft. Then, my question was "Why can't individual Outlook task lists sync with assigned tasks in Public Folders task lists?) As I understood it, the answer was the limitations of the Exchange architecture... i.e. that Exchange was originally designed as an email system. Then, in response to Notes/Domino (a comprehensive "groupware" product with a relational database on the back end) coming on the market, Microsoft adapted Exchange and created Outlook with tasks, notes etc. However, since the Exchange back end was not a relational database, Exchange tasks were actually attachments to a hidden email acting as a "container." Are we still dealing with that kind of limitation? I've heard Microsoft representatives say that they don't offer subtasks because only a small percentage of customers use Outlook's task functionality to begin with. But, if it is possible, what is lost if sub-tasks are added?
jcwCT
shared this idea
31 comments
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thompsondc@hotmail.com
commented
Interestingly, the Microsoft To Do website doesn't work on Internet Explorer. Since our admins lock down our garbage win10 machines, we can't install better browsers, and we're stuck with Outlook; please consider providing this functionality. You're driving everyone to Mac and Linux.
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Anonymous
commented
Sorry, ToDo is leading the way and it's great. Would already be available in the Outlook desktop application.
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Julio B O
commented
really? No subtasks? Also extra license for To do even on student accounts so no mobile phone integration?
Hilarious or sad, is your choice to decide how to react.
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Tom
commented
Why Microsoft why no sub task. Incase you have sub task will be good for me.
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Aaron Hartung
commented
No Outlook sub-tasks in 2019!!??
Why Microsoft? Just. Why? -
AXEL
commented
OMG idea shared SINCE 2016 !!!!! Comme on guys !!!
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Jsc
commented
It is required for sync with Microsoft’s own Android’s ToDo app - the lack of support for this feature is the reason I still use another solution to handle my to do lists!!
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Matthew Davies
commented
Having sub-tasks in Outlook would certainly make for better integration of Outlook with the To Do iOS app.
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James Cantrell
commented
Outlook is my main productivity tool. I regularly use mail, calendar. They are essential. I would very much like to use outlook as a regular task manager. It has almost all the bells and whistles I require. EXCEPT ONE. The lack of subtasks. Literally this is a deal breaker.
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Roberto Fernandez
commented
This is the third most voted idea and been open since 2016 - when will this be implemented!?
I am having to use Google Tasks open in the web browser, so starting to question to point of even using outlook anymore.
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Faye
commented
The single reason I do not use tasking in MS Outlook is because it doesn't feature sub-tasking. I really like the professional look of the Outlook instead of the way To-Do looks. To-Do seems to be suited more for mobile, whereas my work takes place on a desktop. I would much rather have tasking be seamlessly integrated into my calendar and email the way outlook does, but the lack of sub-tasking prevents me from using the outlook tasks at all.
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Luis Cifuentes
commented
It is really silly that the "personal / Consumer" "To Do" app, which integrates with outlook has pseudo sub-tasks but the enterprise outlook client does not.
Alos silly that MSFT Planner synchs nicely with MSFT To-Do but not with Outlook tasks.
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Kyle Chrystal
commented
Please add sub-tasks!!
MS Project is good for large-scale planning where de-conflicting resources, schedule, critical path analysis are the focus - i.e. STRATEGIC workflows. OneNote is very flexible and great for coordinating a group but is really best for compiling REFERENCE material, notes, meeting minutes etc. It is not well suited for task tracking as doing it on any scale is extremely manual and problematic. Outlook is the tool for TACTICAL workflows, including detailed task planning. Then it's in the same place as email (so that doesn't become a second task list to be managed across two programs!) and the Calendar (where tasks move to when they become tactical short term actions).
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Arthur Crist
commented
Please, I will forever champion MS-Outlook if I could just have a sub-task. I can only do so much with categories. Please, give two about those who use your product.
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Meier
commented
Please add subtasks that will play nicely with MS To-Do on mobile.
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Evelyn
commented
Yes please add subtasks!
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Steve Dorrough
commented
GroupWise can do this. It's a must have for Outlook; otherwise, the % Complete field has no value.
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Ray Henderson
commented
This is a glaring gap in the client task offering for Outlook - particularly when using a GTD approach to managing work. Please prioritize this!
Every other task management offering has this functionality (even Microsoft To-Do has an "Add Step" option).
I find that the client version of Outlook tasks works really well in many areas that other platforms do not - this would round it out very nicely
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s.wie@hotmail.com
commented
I would use the task feature if it allowed subtasks
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Bruno Zoccali
commented
I do use MS to-do App with subtasks. No reason we cant have it in Outlook.
