ServiceM8 removes a job from a Queue on its own when the job is scheduled, or when the job status changes to Completed or Unsuccessful. That is how Queues are built, and ServiceM8 documents no setting to turn it off.
- A ServiceM8 Queue is a holding spot for a job that can't move yet. ServiceM8 says Queues are not meant for sub-statuses, project stages or permanent groups.
- A job stays in its Queue when the Queue expiry date passes. ServiceM8 flags the job and also lists it under Action Required and Unscheduled.
- The Queue settings page has three fields: Name, Queue Type and Default Timeframe. None keeps a booked or completed job in the Queue.
- To keep a label on a booked job, use a custom Badge, a Job Category or a custom Job Filter instead of a Queue.
- Build a custom filter on the Dispatch Board: Jobs panel options icon > Manage Job Filters > New Filter.
- ServiceM8 does not say if editing a booking or a Job Allocation removes a job from a Queue. Test both on one job first.
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Quick answer: ServiceM8 removes a job from a Queue on its own when the job is scheduled, or when the job status changes to Completed or Unsuccessful. That is how Queues are built, and ServiceM8 documents no setting to turn it off. To keep a label on a job after you book it, use a Badge, a Job Category or a custom Job Filter instead.
When does ServiceM8 remove a job from a Queue?
ServiceM8’s help center lists three automatic triggers, plus the manual one.
| What happened | What ServiceM8 does |
|---|---|
| The job gets scheduled to a staff member | Removes the job from the Queue |
| Job status changes to Completed | Removes the job from the Queue |
| Job status changes to Unsuccessful | Removes the job from the Queue |
| Someone right-clicks the job and removes it | Job goes back to the Action Required list |
| The Queue expiry date passes | Job stays in the Queue, gets flagged, and shows in Action Required |
Why does booking a job pull it out of a Queue?
ServiceM8 treats a Queue as a holding spot for a job that can’t move yet. Parts are on order. The customer is thinking about the quote. Once the job has a booking, ServiceM8 counts the hold as over.
So if your office uses a Queue as a stage (“Panel upgrades”, “Big customer”), every booking will empty it. ServiceM8 says Queues are not meant for sub-statuses, project stages or permanent groups.
Does a job leave a Queue when the expiry date passes?
No. Every job in a Queue has an expiry date. When the date passes, the job stays in the Queue and gets flagged in the Queues view on the Dispatch Board. The same job also shows up in the Action Required and Unscheduled lists.
That can look like the job moved. The job did not move. ServiceM8 is telling you to follow up.
Can I stop ServiceM8 from removing scheduled jobs from a Queue?
No documented setting does that. The Queue settings page has three fields: Name, Queue Type and Default Timeframe. None of them keeps a booked or completed job in the Queue.
ServiceM8’s help page does not say what happens to a Queue when you only change the staff member or the time on an existing booking. The page also does not say if a Job Allocation counts as “scheduled”. Test both on one job before you build a process around either.
How do I keep track of a job after it leaves the Queue?
Use a tool that survives a booking.
| Need | Documented tool |
|---|---|
| A visible flag on the job card | Badges add-on, with a custom Badge |
| A permanent group for reporting | Job Categories |
| A saved list of jobs | Custom Job Filter built from status, scheduling options, categories and Queues |
| A to-do for one person on the job | Checklist item with an assignee and a reminder |
To build a custom filter: on the Dispatch Board, click the options icon at the top right of the Jobs panel, click Manage Job Filters, then New Filter. Name the filter, pick what to include, and click Save Changes.
Example: an electrician wants every panel upgrade in one list, booked or not. A “Panel upgrade” Job Category plus a custom filter on that category does it. A Queue would not. Office Agent can also check your queues and flag work that needs attention.
If the job needs to stay findable after the work is done, see how to keep completed jobs in a ServiceM8 Queue.
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