Task Actions
Understanding different task types and how to complete them.
Task Actions
Tasks in PartnerAlly come in different types, each requiring different actions to complete. This guide covers each task type and how to handle them effectively.
Task Types Overview
| Type | Purpose | How to Complete |
|---|---|---|
| Action | Perform work | Do the work, mark complete |
| Review | Evaluate something | Review and provide feedback |
| Approval | Sign-off required | Approve or reject |
| Documentation | Create/update docs | Write and attach document |
| Verification | Confirm something | Verify and attest |
| Form | Complete a form | Fill out and submit |
Action Tasks
What They Are
Action tasks require you to perform specific work:
- Draft a document
- Configure a system
- Implement a control
- Research something
- Complete an assessment
How to Complete
Understand the Task
Read the description and any linked items.
Perform the Work
Do what the task requires.
Document Your Work
Add notes, attach deliverables.
Mark Complete
Click "Complete" when done.
Best Practices
- Break large actions into smaller steps mentally
- Update status to "In Progress" when you start
- Add comments about your approach
- Attach any outputs or evidence
Review Tasks
What They Are
Review tasks ask you to evaluate something:
- Review a document draft
- Review code or configuration
- Review vendor responses
- Peer review a colleague's work
How to Complete
Access the Item
Find what you're reviewing (linked document, etc.).
Conduct the Review
Evaluate against the criteria.
Provide Feedback
Add comments with your review findings.
Indicate Review Complete
Mark task complete (or indicate changes needed).
Review Feedback Options
| Outcome | Action |
|---|---|
| Approved | Mark complete with approval note |
| Changes Needed | Comment with changes, may remain open |
| Rejected | Mark complete with rejection reason |
Good review feedback is specific and actionable. Instead of "This needs work," say "Section 3.2 needs to address backup frequency."
Approval Tasks
What They Are
Approval tasks require formal sign-off:
- Management approval of policies
- Budget approval for projects
- Exception approvals
- Risk acceptance sign-off
How to Complete
Review What's Being Approved
Understand the item requiring approval.
Make Your Decision
Determine whether to approve or reject.
Record Your Decision
Click "Approve" or "Reject."
Add Approval Notes
Document any conditions or comments.
Approval Options
| Action | When to Use | Notes Required |
|---|---|---|
| Approve | You agree and sign off | Optional but recommended |
| Reject | You do not approve | Required - explain why |
| Conditional Approve | Approve with conditions | Required - list conditions |
Approval Audit Trail
Approvals are specially logged:
- Who approved
- When they approved
- Any notes or conditions
- Digital signature (if configured)
Approvals are legally significant. Only approve if you've reviewed the item and have authority to approve.
Documentation Tasks
What They Are
Documentation tasks require creating or updating documents:
- Draft a new policy
- Update an existing procedure
- Create evidence documentation
- Write assessment reports
How to Complete
Understand Requirements
Know what the document should contain.
Create/Edit the Document
Write the content (may use templates).
Upload to PartnerAlly
Attach the document to the task.
Link as Evidence
Connect to relevant gaps or controls.
Mark Complete
Task is done when document is attached.
Document Guidelines
- Use consistent formatting
- Include version information
- Date the document
- Get appropriate reviews/approvals
Verification Tasks
What They Are
Verification tasks require confirming something works:
- Verify backup restoration
- Confirm access was revoked
- Check configuration matches policy
- Test that controls are operating
How to Complete
Understand What to Verify
Know the expected state or behavior.
Perform Verification
Check, test, or confirm the item.
Document Results
Record what you found.
Attest to Verification
Mark complete with verification statement.
Verification Evidence
Document your verification:
- Screenshots of configurations
- Test results or outputs
- Dated photos (for physical checks)
- Logs showing the verification
Verification Failure
If verification fails:
- Don't mark complete
- Comment on what failed
- Create follow-up task or escalate
- Investigate root cause
Form Tasks
What They Are
Form tasks require completing a form:
- Self-assessment questionnaires
- Vendor assessment forms
- Compliance checklists
- Data collection forms
How to Complete
Open the Form
Click the form link in the task.
Complete All Fields
Fill in required and optional fields.
Review Your Answers
Check for completeness and accuracy.
Submit the Form
Form submission may auto-complete the task.
Form Types
| Form Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Evaluate against criteria |
| Questionnaire | Collect information |
| Checklist | Verify items complete |
| Data Collection | Gather specific data |
See Forms for detailed information.
Completing Any Task
General Steps
Regardless of type:
- Read the task - Understand what's required
- Check linked items - Review related gaps, risks, documents
- Do the work - Complete the required action
- Document - Add notes, attachments, comments
- Complete - Mark the task done
Quality Completion
A well-completed task:
- Has clear completion notes
- Includes relevant attachments
- References other items if applicable
- Leaves a useful audit trail
Task Dependencies
When Blocked
If task depends on others:
- Check if blocking tasks are complete
- If not, mark as "Blocked"
- Note what you're waiting for
When Blocking Others
If others depend on your task:
- Complete promptly
- Notify dependent task owners
- Quality matters for downstream work
Common Questions
Can I complete a task without doing the work?
Technically yes, but:
- It's not recommended
- May cause compliance issues
- Creates false records
- Consider "Blocked" if unable to complete
What if I don't understand the task?
- Read the description carefully
- Check linked items for context
- Add a comment asking for clarification
- @mention the workflow owner or creator
Can I delegate my task?
If you need someone else to do it:
- Reassign the task to them
- Add note explaining why
- They become the new owner
What if the task is wrong?
If the task shouldn't exist or is incorrect:
- Comment explaining the issue
- Contact the workflow owner
- May need to mark as complete with explanation
Next Steps
- Comments - Communicate about tasks
- Updating Tasks - Change task properties
- Forms - Learn about form tasks