> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://learn.withessential.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://learn.withessential.com/field-operations/tasks/common-task-questions.md).

# Common task questions

## How do I clean up jobs in Missing Summary?

If the job is complete and only the summary is missing, open the task and either mark it done or use **Move to Folder** to move it into the correct job folder, such as Complete (Ready to Invoice).

If the job should not be invoiced, move it to the folder your business uses for no-invoice or completed/no-action work.

## A customer approved work. Why is it not in the scheduling backlog?

Approvals appear in the Recurring Services Approved folder first. Open the task and use the Quick Action to create a job or visit. That action creates the schedulable work and places it in the backlog.

See [Quick Actions on a task](/field-operations/tasks/quick-actions-on-a-task-create-a-visit-invoice-or-quote-without-leaving-the-task.md).

## A customer confirmed by phone. How do I clear Unanswered?

If the customer confirmed outside Essential, work the task manually. Mark it completed, or use **Move to Folder** to move it into a custom folder your business has added for this kind of follow-up, then create the visit or follow-up work if needed. Move to Folder can't switch an Unanswered task directly into a different built-in folder such as Approved or Declined.

## Can tasks clear automatically when we take action?

Yes. In Settings -> Work Management -> Tasks (Task Status Automations tab), choose the task folder and trigger, then set the status that should apply when the action happens. To clear the task from active counts, choose a done status.

Common examples are moving approved recurring-service tasks to done after Create Job / Visit, bounced quote or invoice tasks to done after Edit Contact and Resend, job tasks to done after Create an Invoice, and overdue invoice tasks to done after the invoice is marked paid.

## Can I send another outreach email immediately?

For recurring service outreach, use **Edit Contact and Resend** when it is available on the task. It doesn't require you to change anything — save it as-is to resend immediately, or correct the contact's details first if something needs fixing.

If the resend action does not fit the situation, contact Essential through the Talk to a human tab.

## Does customer-updated contact information update the contact record automatically?

No. If a customer changes contact information while responding to outreach, review that task and update the contact record manually if your team wants the new information to become the source of truth.

## Where do property or customer notes show on a task?

Tasks can show note icons near the property address or customer name. Use those icons to view context from the customer or property without leaving the task.

Task notes are separate. They are internal notes for that specific task and must be saved from the task detail panel.

## Can tasks be split by department?

Use the task folders, status filters, and search first, or add your own department-specific task categories and folders under Settings -> Work Management -> Tasks -> Custom Folders (see [Organize task categories and folders](/administration/settings/organize-task-categories-and-folders.md)). If that still doesn't cover the routing your business needs, contact Essential through the Talk to a human tab.

> **Where to find it:** Tasks page, task detail panel, and Essential Assistant > Talk to a human

## Related guides

* [The Tasks inbox: folders, status filters, and search](/field-operations/tasks/the-tasks-inbox-folders-status-filters-and-search.md)
* [Working a task: changing its status and saving notes](/field-operations/tasks/working-a-task-changing-its-status-and-saving-notes.md)
* [Automate task statuses with Task Automations](/administration/settings/automate-task-statuses-with-task-automations.md)
* [Where to see customer approvals and responses to service requests](/field-operations/tasks/where-to-see-customer-approvals-and-responses-to-service-requests.md)
* [Organize task categories and folders](/administration/settings/organize-task-categories-and-folders.md)


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