ServiceM8 can't schedule a staff task without a job. ServiceM8 removed non-job tasks in September 2024 with ServiceM8 13, so every task now lives inside a job.
- ServiceM8 merged the old Tasks add-on into Checklists. The Tasks add-on is not available on new accounts or on ServiceM8 13 and later.
- For an errand tied to a customer job, add a Checklist item on the job card's Details tab, then set an Assignee and a Reminder.
- For an errand with no customer job, create a job with no billable items, book it to the staff member, then mark it Completed.
- Web Blend's suggestion, not ServiceM8's: book errand jobs under a client record for your own company.
- The Job Templates add-on pre-fills repeat errand jobs but can't hold a client name. You pick the client each time.
- The Staff Leave add-on blocks time on the schedule, but a leave entry has no notes and nothing to tick off.
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Quick answer: You can’t. ServiceM8 removed non-job tasks in September 2024 with ServiceM8 13, so every task now lives inside a job. To schedule an errand like “pick up materials” or “drop off keys”, add a Checklist task to the customer job the errand belongs to, or create a job with no billable items and book it to the staff member.
Can I create a task in ServiceM8 without a job?
No. ServiceM8’s help center says non-job tasks, meaning tasks not created in a job card or attached to a job number, were removed with ServiceM8 13 “to streamline the focus on job-related activities”.
The old Tasks add-on went at the same time. ServiceM8 merged Tasks into Checklists. The Tasks add-on is not available for new accounts or for accounts upgraded to ServiceM8 13 and later.
How do I schedule an errand that belongs to a customer job?
Put the errand on that job as a Checklist task. Example: the crew needs to grab a 50 gallon tank before a water heater install.
- Open the job card in the Online Dashboard.
- On the Details tab, under Checklist, click New Item.
- Type the task, such as “Pick up tank from supplier”.
- Hover and click Assignee, then pick the staff member.
- Hover and click Reminder, then pick a type.
The Navigate to Job reminder suits a pickup. The assigned person gets a notification and sees the task under More > Tasks, My Tasks and For My Review in the ServiceM8 app.
How do I schedule an errand that has no customer job?
Create a job for it. ServiceM8 says a job can be created, attended and completed without billable items and without an invoice.
- Create a new job and describe the errand.
- Click Schedule.
- Pick the staff member, date, time and duration.
- Click Save Booking.
- When the errand is done, change the job status to Completed.
A job left open with a past booking shows up in the Action Required list.
One more piece is our suggestion, not ServiceM8’s: book these jobs under a client record for your own company, so errands stay out of real customer history. ServiceM8’s help page does not say how to handle the client on an internal job.
Can a Job Template speed up repeat errands?
Yes. The Job Templates add-on pre-fills job requirements, checklists, documentation and materials.
A Job Template can’t hold a client name or contact details. You pick the client each time you create the job.
Can I block time on the schedule without making a job?
Yes, with the Staff Leave add-on. ServiceM8 says Staff Leave covers holidays, medical appointments, training and part-time arrangements. Right-click a staff member in the Staff Schedules view and click Add Leave.
Staff Leave is a time block, not a task. Notes can’t be added, there is nothing to tick off, and a leave entry can’t be dragged around like a booking.
Are Office Agent tasks the same as staff tasks?
No. An Office Agent task is a recurring job for the AI assistant, such as reviewing Action Required every weekday at 9am. ServiceM8 states Office Agent tasks are separate from Job Checklists.
| Tool | Tied to a job | Can be ticked off |
|---|---|---|
| Checklist task | Yes | Yes |
| Job with no billable items | Is a job | Yes, as Completed |
| Staff Leave | No | No |
| Office Agent task | No | Not a staff task |
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