Action Types
Zeltask classifies actions into two types based on their origin and purpose: Preventive and Reactive. Understanding the difference helps you organize work and configure schedules effectively.
Preventive Actions
Preventive actions are planned, recurring tasks designed to maintain standards, avoid failures, or ensure operational order.
[Screenshot: Preventive action card showing recurrence indicator and scheduled date]
Characteristics
- Scheduled in advance
- Often recurring (daily, weekly, monthly, yearly)
- Proactive rather than reactive
- Linked to maintenance plans or operational routines
Examples
| Task | Recurrence |
|---|---|
| Weekly area inspection | Weekly |
| Equipment cleaning | Daily |
| Preventive maintenance checklist | Monthly |
| Safety equipment verification | Quarterly |
When to Use Preventive Actions
- Routine maintenance tasks
- Scheduled cleaning or sanitization
- Regular equipment inspections
- Compliance-related checks
- Planned calibration or adjustments
Reactive Actions
Reactive actions respond to unexpected events, incidents, or urgent needs. They are created when something requires immediate attention.
[Screenshot: Reactive action card showing high priority and linked incident]
Characteristics
- Created in response to an event
- Usually one-time (not recurring)
- Often higher priority
- May be linked to an incident or inspection finding
Examples
| Trigger | Action |
|---|---|
| Oil spill detected | Clean spill in Corridor 3 |
| Equipment failure | Repair broken conveyor belt |
| Safety hazard reported | Remove obstruction from emergency exit |
| Inspection deviation | Replace damaged seal on mixer |
When to Use Reactive Actions
- Responding to reported incidents
- Addressing inspection findings
- Handling urgent maintenance needs
- Resolving safety concerns
- Fixing unexpected equipment issues
Comparing Action Types
| Aspect | Preventive | Reactive |
|---|---|---|
| Planning | Scheduled in advance | Created when needed |
| Recurrence | Often recurring | Usually one-time |
| Trigger | Calendar/schedule | Event/incident |
| Priority | Typically medium/low | Often high |
| Purpose | Prevent problems | Resolve problems |
[Screenshot: Actions list filtered by Type showing both Preventive and Reactive actions]
Choosing the Right Type
When creating an action, select the type that matches its nature:
- Choose Preventive if the task is planned, recurring, or part of a maintenance schedule
- Choose Reactive if the task responds to something that just happened or was just discovered
The type you select helps with reporting and helps team members understand the context of their work.
Categories
In addition to type, actions are also classified by Category:
- Maintenance — General equipment or facility maintenance
- Plumbing — Water systems, pipes, drainage
- Electrical — Electrical systems and equipment
[GIF: Click Category dropdown and select Maintenance]
Categories help route actions to the right team and organize work by specialty.