Manage task structure

Introduction to task structure

On this page, you'll learn how to set up and manage task structure within your box. Structure builders let you create, tweak, and maintain task hierarchies for a clear and organized workflow.

This guide will walk you through the different types of structure builders, how to activate and prioritize them, how to manually modify the task structure, and how to reset the task structure when needed.

What is a task structure?

Task structure is created by organizing tasks within a box into a tree hierarchy. It helps you visualize relationships between tasks and provides a clear view of task sequences, priorities, and workflow.

What can be included in the task structure?

Note: to see sprints, components, versions, and projects as tasks either:

• activate the structure builders - the tasks will show up automatically according to active structure builders

• adjust scope definition settings

Where can I see the task structure?

Task structure can be viewed in:

Task structure can be viewed in:
Gantt module	Open
Scope module	Open
Board module	Open

Is the task structure the same for all users?

The task structure is set up per box and is the same for all users.

How to create a task structure

To create a task tree hierarchy in BigPicture:

1. Access Structure Settings: Go to Box configuration > Tasks > Task structure.

2. Activate Structure Builders: Choose between built-in or link-based builders and activate them.

3. Order Builders: Arrange the structure builders to reflect task priorities.

4. Manual Adjustments: Reposition tasks as needed to fine-tune the hierarchy.

5. Reset if Necessary: Reset the task structure to correct any issues or start fresh.

Automatic task structure

Use structure builders to automatically create a task structure based on task information in Jira. See the Automatic task structure (structure builders) page.

The bi-directional sync means that, based on the active structure builders, changes made in Jira are reflected in the task tree, and vice versa. This synchronization helps maintain up-to-date and accurate task management, making it easier to track dependencies, prioritize tasks, and manage workflows effectively.

1.  Go to Box Configuration > Tasks > Task structure

2. Open Advanced

3. Toggle the switches

4. Click Save. New task structure is created.

Manual task structure

You can position tasks directly in BigPicture modules. See the Manual task structure page.

What are structure builders

The order of structure builders reflects the levels of the hierarchy - the first structure builder determines the highest level within the structure.

Security and access

Keep in mind:

• A box type contains the default settings applicable to multiple boxes (all boxes of a given type). Those settings are adjusted in the BigPicture Administration.

• Box configuration refers to the settings of a single, individual box. They are dependent on the box type settings. 

The table presents what you can configure at the box type and box levels.

Area	Security and access	What can be configured

Area	Security and access	What can be configured
Box type configuration	Only a user with the App admin security role can access and manage the box type configuration. Go to the App Administration > Box type > choose the box type you want to edit > Tasks > Task structure. Open	For a box type (all boxes of a given type), you can configure: Default task structure Advanced configuration
Box configuration	Only a user with a minimum box admin security role can access and manage the box configuration. Go to box configuration > Tasks > Task structure. Open	For a particular box, you can configure: Box task structure Advanced configuration

Who can manage structure builders:

• Box Admin

• App Admin

Who can move the tasks in the tree:

• Box Editor

• Box Admin

• App Admin

Default task structure settings

The task structure (task hierarchy) can be generated automatically for each box based on its type configuration. You can set a default task structure for each box type, eliminating the need to configure it every time you create a new box. The default settings can be overwritten for each box.

Only users with the App Admin security role can edit the Box types and access the Administration.

To set the default scheduling mode for the box type:

1. Click the App settings (wrench icon) in the top right corner. 

2. Select Box types from the dropdown list.

3. On the Administration page, click a box type name to open its settings.

4. On the box type configuration page, go to Tasks > Task structure.

Open

The default task structure in Program and Classic types of boxes is set to Project > Epic > Sub-task; in other boxes, the default task structure is set to Epic > Sub-task.

Jira structure builders

See the Jira structure builders page.

Reset task structure (WBS)

Change structure builders

Adjust the structure builders and click "Save". The task structure is rebuilt accordingly. 

Clear manual indents

Clear the changes that were manually made to the task structure. 

The structure that was based on the structure builders is not affected. 

Open

Trello structure builders

When you connect external tools, you will see an additional section with Structure builders specific to that tool. In the case of Trello, these include Boards, Lists, Checklists, and Checklist Items.

See the example

For example, let's generate a hierarchy resembling how data is presented on a Trello Board - task are organized into lists on the BigPicture Power-Up Public Roadmap:

Open

To generate such a hierarchy, enable the ‘Boards' and 'Lists’.

Open

As a result, tasks are organized just as on the Trello board.

Open

Automated structure building - algorithm explained

See the Automatic structure builders - algorithm page.

Constraints