Quick Tip: Task Shadowing in FaciliWorks 8i

FaciliWorks Faciliworks 8i
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Task Shadowing in FaciliWorks 8i allows you to prevent duplicate PMs when one maintenance task fully covers another. This is especially useful when multiple tasks are due around the same time for the same asset.

What Is Task Shadowing?

A Shadowing Task is a primary maintenance task that includes or covers one or more Shadowed Tasks.

When Task Shadowing is enabled:

  • Only the Shadowing Task PM is generated

  • Completing the Shadowing Task automatically completes the Shadowed Tasks

  • Future due dates remain aligned with the original schedule

Shadow Early Days (How It Works)

Shadow Early Days defines the maximum number of days allowed between the due dates of a Shadowing Task and its Shadowed Tasks.

If both tasks are due within the specified number of days:

  • The Shadowed Task PM is not created

  • Only the Shadowing Task PM is scheduled

Example:
If Shadow Early Days is set to 7, and the shadowing task and shadowed task are due within 7 days of each other, only the shadowing task PM will appear.

When the shadowing task is completed:

  • The shadowed task is automatically closed

  • The next due date stays on schedule

How Task Shadowing Is Applied

  • A Shadowed Task is a task that is included within another task

  • Completing the Shadowing Task automatically completes all associated Shadowed Tasks

  • Task relationships are managed at the asset level

Example Use Case (Vehicle Maintenance)

An asset has two tasks:

  • Quarterly vehicle inspection

  • Oil change

In this case:

  • The Quarterly Vehicle Inspection is set as the Shadowing Task

  • The Oil Change is set as the Shadowed Task

In the Task Tree View:

  • All tasks associated with the asset appear in the Task ID pane

  • Select the Oil Change task and move it into the Task Tree View under the Quarterly Inspection

Once configured:

  • Only the Quarterly Inspection PM is generated (when due within Shadow Early Days)

  • Completing the inspection automatically updates:

    • Date Done

    • Meter Done

    • Date Due

    • Meter Due

    • For the Oil Change task

Why Use Task Shadowing?

  • Eliminates duplicate PMs

  • Prevents redundant work

  • Keeps task schedules aligned

  • Improves technician efficiency

  • Maintains accurate maintenance history

Best Practices

  • Use Task Shadowing for tasks that are always performed together

  • Set Shadow Early Days conservatively to avoid skipping needed PMs

  • Periodically review task relationships to ensure accuracy