---
sourceDocument: Australia IT Service Management
sourceDocumentLink: https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/r/it-service-management

 Release :

    - australia

ft:locale :

    - en-US

ft:publication_title :

    - Australia IT Service Management

ft:clusterId :

    - itsm

bundleId :

    - itsm

workflow :

    - Technology


---

# Create an adhoc communication task

# Create an adhoc communication task {#ariaid-title1}

Release version: Australia  
Updated March 12, 2026  
![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 2 minutes to read  
Create an adhoc communication task as required during the various phases of an incident in Major Incident Management.

## Before you begin

Role required: major_incident_manager, itil, ia_admin, or admin

## Procedure

1. On the incident record page, select the Communicate tab.
2. Select New communication.
3. On the New communication pop-up window, fill in the details.  
   {#create-adhoc-comm-task-mim-sow__table_vkn_1pg_z1c__entry__2}

   | Field | Description |
   |-|-|
   | Compose and sent communication | Indicates when the communication message must be composed and sent. Possible values are: * Now -- The communication message is composed and sent immediately. * Later -- The communication message is composed and sent later after a definite time interval. {#create-adhoc-comm-task-mim-sow__ul_g44_bpg_z1c} |
   | Frequency | Frequency at which the communication must be composed and sent. Possible values are: * One time -- The communication message is composed and sent only once. After the message is sent, the task is marked as complete. * Recurring - The communication message is composed and sent after a repeated time interval. The timer is displayed that shows when the next communication is due to be sent. {#create-adhoc-comm-task-mim-sow__ul_kkx_cpg_z1c} Note: For both the frequency settings, you must manually compose, review and sent the message. |
   | Due in (minutes) | Duration of time in minutes after which the communication message must be composed and sent. Note: This field is displayed only if the Frequency field is set to Recurring. |
   | Short description | Brief description of the communication task. |
   | Channels | Channel that must be used to compose and sent communication messages. Possible options are: * DEX Desktop Assistant: Compose and send the notification message through DEX Desktop Assistant. For more information on DEX Desktop Assistant, see [Use DEX Desktop Assistant](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/waaSlg5432VQGuLOv36HaQ "Use DEX Desktop Assistant to get quick access to self-service and diagnostic tools, notifications about outages and announcements, and support resources."). * Email -- Compose and send the communication message as an email. * SMS -- Compose and send the communication message as SMS. * Microsoft Teams notification - Compose and send communication messages as Microsoft Teams notifications. * Slack - Compose and send communication message to a Slack channel. * SMS notifications- Compose and send communication message as SMS notifications. * Slack notifications -- Option to compose and send communication messages as Slack notifications. {#create-adhoc-comm-task-mim-sow__ul_c13_hpg_z1c} |
   | Recipients | User, user groups, or list of recipients to whom the communication message must be sent. |
   [Table 1. New communication]

   {#create-adhoc-comm-task-mim-sow__table_vkn_1pg_z1c}
4. Either save your communication or compose your communication, depending on whether the Compose and sent communication field has been set to Later or Now.
   * If the Compose and sent communication field is set to Later, select Save. The communication task is saved and displayed in the list of communication tasks on the Communicate tab.
   * If the Compose and sent communication field is set to Now, select Compose communication to compose your messages within your selected communication channels. The communication task record opens on a new tab within the incident view. For more information, see [Compose communications for incidents and major incidents](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/ssvTjQEupI2Z6RjYChfTBg "Compose communication messages for incidents and major incidents using communication channels such as email and SMS.").
   {#create-adhoc-comm-task-mim-sow__choices_aw3_j24_hbc}