When we define activities in TT&E, we define it is something that is done to accomplish a specific task, but is not a task by itself.  The example we use in our help files is:

If a project was to make dinner. Part of making dinner is to make soup and a cake. The activity of Stirring applies to both, but would not be a task itself. 

While this is a simple example, it you think about your own work, you can identify activities of your own.

Option 1
The first is the way we expected activities to be used.   Activities are created under the Tools | Options menu item.  When time entries are created, an activity is selected.  Those who use activities like this, typically change the options to show the Time Entry properties when starting and/or stopping a timer.

The biggest benefit to this approach is the ability to summarize reports based on activity.  So you could find out just much time your staff spends on different activities across all projects.  Another benefit is that is simplifies your task hierarchy.

Option 2
Add a task level for Activities.  Using this method, each activity is added under each task item that needs it.  There is extra work to create the extra items in the task hierarchy.  The benefit is that it eliminates an extra step to select the activity when creating a new entry.  Additionally, you can see the activity breakdown for each task without creating a separate summary report.

So, why do you use one method over the other?  Is there anyone who has used both and can shared their experiences?

Mark Griebling
MAG Softwrx, Inc.