Action

The Action activity allows you to assign a task to a user within the workflow.

Purpose

Use the Action activity when you need to:

• Assign manual work to a team member
• Create tasks that involve external systems (e.g., "Send an email to somebody")
• Track completion of activities that don't directly interact with application data

Configuration

Name

• Activity Name: Unique identifier for this action in the workflow
• Used to reference the activity in workflow design and execution logs

User Instructions

• Instructions Field: Large text area for detailed instructions
• Provide clear, step-by-step guidance for the assigned user
• Supports multi-line text for comprehensive task descriptions

Files & Links

Add supporting materials to help users complete the action:

• New File: Attach files from the application for reference
• New Url: Add links to external resources, documents, or systems
• Files and links appear in the action view for easy access

Due Date Type

Configure when the action should be completed:

• None: No deadline specified
• Fixed Date: Set a specific due date
• Relative: Set deadline relative to workflow start or previous activity

Owner

• User or Security Group: Assign the action to a specific user or group
• The owner is responsible for completing the action
• Only one owner can be assigned per action
• Click the icon to browse and select from available users and groups

Contributors

• Add Multiple Contributors: Users who can assist with the action
• Contributors can view and work on the task alongside the owner
• Click + New Contributor to add users or groups
• Useful for collaborative tasks

Supervisors

• Add Multiple Supervisors: Users who oversee the action
• Supervisors can monitor progress and completion
• Click + New Supervisor to add users or groups

Advance Rule

Determines when this activity is triggered based on predecessor activities:

• When All: Activity starts only after all predecessor activities complete (default)
• When Any: Activity starts when any predecessor activity completes
• When First: Activity starts the first time any predecessor completes, then ignores others

Usage Notes

• The action is a simple task assignment with no predefined outcomes
• All other interactive activities (Approval, Report, Data Input) build upon the Action activity
• Best suited for tasks that require human intervention outside the application
• Use clear, actionable instructions to ensure task completion
• Attach relevant files and links to provide context

Best Practices

• Clear Instructions: Write detailed, step-by-step instructions in the User Instructions field
• Appropriate Assignment: Assign to users who have the skills and access needed
• Include Context: Add files and links that provide necessary background information
• Set Deadlines: Use Due Date Type when timely completion is important
• Use Contributors: Add contributors for tasks that benefit from collaboration
• Add Supervisors: Include supervisors when oversight or approval tracking is needed

JSON Reference

{
  "discriminator": "ToDoWorkflowActivity",
  "activityId": "<uuid>",
  "name": "Action",
  "positionX": 0,
  "positionY": 0,
  "advanceRule": 2,
  "ownerGroupOrUser": { "username": "user@example.com" },
  "contributorGroupsOrUsers": [
    { "username": "contributor@example.com" }
  ],
  "supervisorGroupsOrUsers": [],
  "dueDate": null,
  "dueDateCalculationMode": 0,
  "htmlDescription": "<p>Please complete the following task...</p>",
  "items": []
}

Property	Type	Description
ownerGroupOrUser	object | null	Corresponds to the Owner field. An object { "username": string } identifying the user or group responsible for completing the task. Supports {variable} interpolation in the username.
contributorGroupsOrUsers	array	Corresponds to the Contributors list. Array of { "username": string } objects identifying users or groups who can assist.
supervisorGroupsOrUsers	array	Corresponds to the Supervisors list. Array of { "username": string } objects identifying supervisors.
dueDate	string | null	Corresponds to the Due Date field. A TimeSpan value (ISO 8601 duration, e.g. "7.00:00:00" for 7 days) used with dueDateCalculationMode. null means no due date.
dueDateCalculationMode	integer	Corresponds to the Due Date Type field. 0 = None, 1 = AbsoluteDate, 2 = FromWorkflowStartCalendarDays, 3 = FromWorkflowStartBusinessDays, 4 = FromWorkflowEndCalendarDays, 5 = FromWorkflowEndBusinessDays, 6 = FromActivityStartCalendarDays, 7 = FromActivityStartBusinessDays.
htmlDescription	string	Corresponds to the User Instructions field. HTML content shown to the assigned user. Supports {variable} interpolation.
items	array	Form items displayed in the activity panel. Each item is a polymorphic object with a discriminator field. Pass [] for a plain task with no form.