> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.rishvi.co.uk/linnworks/llms.txt).
> Use it to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# CRM Activities and Activity Plans
Discover how to manage CRM activities and activity plans in Odoo to improve follow-ups, automate processes, and maintain a well-structured sales pipeline.
In the *CRM* application, *activities* represent follow-up actions linked to *leads* and *opportunities*. These activities appear directly in the chatter, helping teams track communication and next steps efficiently.
Odoo provides several built-in activity types by default, but businesses can also define their own to better align with internal workflows. To view or manage these activity types, go to **Configuration ‣ Activity Types** within the *CRM* app. This section includes both standard and custom activity types.
**Note**
Activity types may vary depending on installed applications. To access the full list, open the **Settings app**, scroll to the **Discuss** section, and select **Activity Types**.
## **Default and custom activity types**
The *CRM* module includes several ready-to-use activity types:
> - **Email**: Reminds users to send an email directly from the chatter.
>
> - **Call**: Allows scheduling a phone call via the calendar.
>
> - **Meeting**: Enables planning meetings using the calendar interface.
>
> - **To Do**: Adds a general-purpose task reminder.
>
> - **Upload Document**: Provides an option to attach external documents without requiring the *Documents* app.
**Note**
Installing additional apps like *Sales* or *Accounting* may introduce more activity types into the system.
### **Create a custom activity type**
To define a new activity type:
1. Go to the **Activity Types** page
2. Click **New**
3. Enter a name for the activity
#### **Activity settings**
##### **Action**
The **Action** field determines what kind of task the activity represents and how users interact with it.
- **Upload Document**: Adds a direct upload link in the chatter
- **Phonecall / Meeting**: Opens the calendar to schedule the event
- **Request Signature**: Provides a shortcut to send a document for signature
**Note**
Available actions depend on the modules installed in your database.
##### **Default user**
Assign a specific user to this activity type by default. If left empty, the activity is assigned to the person who creates it.
##### **Default summary**
This field defines the default title shown when the activity is added to a record. It is visible to end users, while the activity *Name* is mainly used in configuration.
##### **Schedule**
Set a default timeframe for the activity using days, weeks, or months.
You can define whether the deadline should be calculated:
- After the previous activity’s **deadline**, or
- After the previous activity’s **completion**
**Note**
Choosing *after completion* ensures the next task only starts once the previous one is finished.
##### **Default note**
Add predefined instructions or context that will automatically appear whenever this activity is scheduled.
**Note**
All default values can still be modified before saving the activity.
#### **Next activity**
To automate follow-ups, configure the **Chaining Type**.
##### **Suggest the next activity**
When set to **Suggest Next Activity**, users will see recommended follow-up actions when completing the current activity.
Select this option and define suggestions in the **Suggest** field.
##### **Trigger the next activity**
With **Trigger Next Activity**, the next task is automatically created as soon as the current one is marked *Done*.
Choose the follow-up activity from the **Trigger** field.
##### **Email templates**
You can attach an email template to an activity type. This allows users to quickly send pre-written messages directly from the chatter.
## **Activity tracking**
Keeping activities updated is essential for maintaining an accurate pipeline.
Whenever progress is made on a lead or opportunity, mark the related activity as *Done*. This ensures:
- The next activity can be scheduled
- Overdue tasks don’t clutter the pipeline
- The sales process remains clear and actionable
A well-maintained activity flow leads to better visibility and improved sales performance.
## **Activity plans**
*Activity plans* are structured sequences of activities designed to standardize follow-up processes. When a plan is launched, all activities within it are scheduled automatically.
To create a plan:
1. Go to **CRM app ‣ Configuration ‣ Activity Plans**
2. Click **New**
3. Enter a **Plan Name**
4. Add activities under **Activities To Create**
For each activity:
- Select an **Activity Type**
- Define a **Summary** (optional)
- Choose how it should be assigned
Assignment options include:
> - **Ask at launch**: Assign when the plan starts
>
> - **Default user**: Always assign to a specific user
If needed, select a user in the **Assigned to** field.
**Tip**
Plans can combine both assignment methods for flexibility.
Next, define when each activity should occur:
- Use **Interval** and **Units** to set timing
- Choose whether it happens **before** or **after** the plan date
**Example**
A plan designed for high-priority leads might include:
- Email 2 days before
- Meeting on the plan date
- Quote creation 3 days after
- Document upload 3 days after
- Follow-up 5 days after
In this case, the meeting acts as the central milestone, with preparation and follow-up tasks scheduled around it.
### **Use an activity plan**
To apply an activity plan:
1. Open an opportunity in the **CRM app**
2. Click **Activity**
3. Select a plan from the **Plan** field
A summary of all included activities will appear automatically.
Choose a **Due Date**, which adjusts all activity deadlines accordingly.
Assign a **Responsible** user for activities configured with *Ask at launch*.
Click **Schedule** to activate the plan.
All activities will then appear in the **Planned Activities** section of the chatter.