Understanding API Constraints and Practical Workarounds
When using TopLeft with Autotask PSA, some features are affected by limitations in the Autotask API:
Project Task Checklists
Project task checklists cannot be synchronized between TopLeft and Autotask. While these checklists exist within Autotask, the API does not provide access to this data, preventing TopLeft from displaying or managing these checklists.
Workaround: Manage checklists directly in Autotask. If you need to track sub-items, consider using the task description field.
Task Callbacks
While Autotask can notify TopLeft when changes are made to service tickets in Autotask, so that TopLeft can update the ticket immediately, Autotask does not support these notifications for project tasks. When someone makes a change to a project task in Autotask, it can take up to 5 minutes for the change to be reflected in TopLeft.
Workaround: Make changes to project tasks directly in TopLeft, not in Autotask, whenever possible.
Project Phase Sorting
TopLeft cannot sort project phases according to their Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) codes. While this sorting capability is supported for ConnectWise and HaloPSA users, the Autotask API does not provide access to WBS data needed for this functionality.
Workarounds:
- Prefix phase names with sequential letters or numbers (e.g., "1-Planning", "2-Implementation") - TopLeft will sort alphabetically/numerically
- Consider alternative board layouts with different swimlane options to organize your project view
Customer Notifications
When sending notification emails to customer contacts through TopLeft, these are sent directly from TopLeft rather than through Autotask due to API limitations. The functionality remains the same, but the sender will appear as TopLeft rather than your Autotask system.
Workaround: For situations where sender identity is crucial, send notifications directly through Autotask.
Moving Forward
We monitor API developments and will implement these features when Autotask makes the necessary data available. We encourage users to contact Autotask support to request these API enhancements, as user feedback helps drive platform improvements.
Questions?
If you have questions about these limitations or need guidance on alternative workflows, please contact our support team.