Dispatching Field Maps Tasks

[MDBowser]

With ArcGIS Workforce retiring, and replaced with Tasks within the Field Maps App - what are we supposed to provide for our dispatchers for Task Assignment?!  Is there an equivalent to Workforce for this?  The documentation on this is super limited at this point.

I understand there is the Field Maps Designer for deploying this, however, this is for the technical GIS staff to deploy.  The solution I require is something for dispatchers to assign and manage work assignments (tasks) for mobile crews.

Did Esri just abandon this component of ArcGIS Workforce and require users to develop it on their own?

Anyone in the know, please help!

Cheers,
Mike

[Laura]

You enable a tasks layer per map in field maps designer. 

[ChrisDunn1]

Hi @MDBowser,

One of the key things to remember is that Tasks rely on a single feature layer as a way to be more flexible within our system. When you enable tasks on a layer, or create a new tasks layer from scratch, the appropriate fields are added to the layer, such as task type, assignee, due date, priority, etc. The layer can be added to any map, app, dashboard, or experience. That layer can be designated as the Tasks layer within a map using Field Maps Designer. This is a change from Workforce, where the assignments in a workforce project were managed in multiple layers that were joined "behind the scenes" by the application itself.

If the mobile worker opens a map where the Tasks layer has been enabled in Designer, then they’ll see the features in the to-do list experience. That layer is still just a feature layer, so dispatchers can create new tasks in the layer using any method you would normally use to add features: map viewer, web editor, an instant app, ArcGIS Pro, python, power automate, or even Field Maps itself.

The number of task maps and layers is really up to your needs and preferences. You could have one tasks layer with many different types of tasks and have them all available in a single map, or use filters on the layer to have specific maps for specific types of tasks. You could have a separate tasks layer and map for each task type, or site, or any other way you want to organize your task features. Filters, layer views, custom popups, everything you can do with a layer will work with a tasks layer.

If you’d like to go over this in more detail, feel free to reach out via [email protected] and we can set up a call to talk about how you can adopt Tasks for the project you had originally pitched Workforce for.

Chris

[Laura]

I've configured our tasks to support work order management rather than focusing on training and deploying the workforce. Field crews are now using Field Maps, and supervisors are assigning tasks through Experience Builder. I designed an editor interface that matches the format they're familiar with, allowing them to easily create tasks directly within the app.

The GIS team should collaborate with the supervisors to define the types of tasks that can be assigned, ensuring everything is set up properly in advance because you will choose a task type rather than type out what the task is every time.

[waddellt]

I've done the same but our dispatchers are used to assigning multiple assignments (Workforce) at once.  If we know a tree trimming crew is in one area we need to be able to select multiple which seems to be not possible.

[apgis16]

This is possible with the Manager template Instant app. It is possible to do the same in Experience Builder if you enable batch editing in the edit widget.

[JeffSilberberg]

Want to say thank you to those who have contributed to this thread!  Very valuable information.

Now, my question: do any of you have any pointers on how to interface a system outside of AGOL into this functionality?  A Python Script or a Velocity script are my first two thoughts for getting tasks assigned to workers into the system from an external application.  

Also, in regard to assigning a task to multiple users, I have a use case where moving a piece of machinery takes two or three people to do it safely. 

TIA --