The process to create actions and make them available for use is a multi-step process:
1. An action library is created from the Actions Wizard (assuming it does not already exist).
2. The Actions Wizard is used to create action definitions and store them in the action library.
3. A Grid Display, Calendar Display, or Actions Launcher is placed on a page.
4. Depending on the action type, the action definition is made available for use in the Grid or Calendar Display or placed independently on a page with the Action Launcher.
All actions can be run within or across sites, across site collections, and even across virtual servers, as long as the work is done within the same configuration database. Documents and other attachments can also be copied across sites, site collections, and virtual servers.
Most actions are executed against items in a Grid Display or a Calendar Display, allowing you to perform actions on items from multiple lists. For example, you could select certain tasks in a Grid Display and then execute an action that updates the status of the selected tasks to Completed. Or, you could configure a Grid Display to show only those tasks that are more than one week overdue, select all of the items in the display, and then select an action that sends a reminder email to the individuals assigned to those tasks. Actions that do not require any information to be copied from an existing item can also be executed from the Action Launcher.
NOTE 1: This help topic discusses the creation of action definitions. If you are interested in the end user experience when actions are executed, or how to make actions available for use in a data display, please refer to the help for the Grid Display, Calendar Display, and/or Actions Launcher.
NOTE 2: In order for an individual to have access to the Actions Wizard, they must have at least the following minimum site permissions:
•Manage Permissions
•Create Subsites
•Manage Web Site