When configuring tasks and workflows, it’s important to understand the difference between Start Date and Available Date, especially when using task dependencies or locked task orders. While these terms sound similar, they control different aspects of when and how tasks are completed.
This article explains each concept and shows how they work together using a common performance review example.
What Is the Available Date?
The Available Date is the date when a task itself becomes accessible to the assigned user.
It is not tied to the pre-hire's potential start date or profile—only to when the task is unlocked and visible.
Once a task becomes available:
The assignee can begin working on it.
Due dates that are set relative to the available date begin counting from that moment.
Example:
If a task is configured to be due 5 days after the available date, the system will calculate the due date starting from the day the task becomes available to the user.
What Is the Start Date?
The Start Date typically refers to the pre-hire's potential employment start date or a fixed calendar reference.
Unlike the available date, the start date does not dynamically change based on task completion or dependencies.
Start dates are useful for:
Anchoring workflows to pre-hire milestones
Scheduling tasks that should trigger on a fixed date
However, start dates do not control task availability when dependencies are involved.
How Available Date Works with Task Dependencies
Available dates become especially powerful when tasks are locked in order (i.e., dependent on one another).
When tasks are locked:
A task’s available date is automatically set to the date the previous task is completed
Due dates are recalculated from that new available date
This allows you to tightly control task timing and sequencing.
Example: Performance Review Workflow
Scenario:
Amanda assigns a performance review workflow that includes two locked tasks:
Self Review
Manager Review
Both tasks are configured to be due 5 days after the available date.
How It Works:
Self Review
Available Date: The date Amanda assigns the task
Due Date: 5 days after the task becomes available
Manager Review
Available Date: The date the Self Review is completed
Due Date: 5 days after the Self Review is finished
Because the tasks are locked in order, the Manager Review does not become available until the
Self Review is completed.
This ensures that:
The employee always completes their review first
The manager still has a full 5 days to complete their task after the prerequisite is done
Why This Matters
Using Available Date instead of Start Date allows you to:
Control task timing with precision
Build workflows with clear dependencies
Ensure each participant gets the full allotted time to complete their task
Avoid delays caused by fixed calendar dates
This approach is especially useful for reviews, approvals, pre-hire steps, and any process where tasks must happen in sequence.
Key Takeaways
Available Date = when the task becomes accessible
Start Date = a fixed reference date (often pre-hire related)
Due dates set relative to the available date adjust dynamically
Locked tasks use available dates to enforce dependencies and sequencing
