A database system receives an input for creating a work order and identifies work plan criteria based on the input. The database system uses the work plan criteria to select work plan templates, which includes work steps, from multiple work plan templates. The database system creates a work order, including work plans corresponding to the work plan templates and at least part of the input for creating the work order. The database system displays the work order and receives a selection of an activity object displayed on one of the user interface pages displaying the work steps, and then displays an activity picklist. The database system receives a selection of an activity in the activity picklist, and adds, deletes, or modifies a database record by executing a user action or an automated business process corresponding to the activity in the activity picklist.