Graphical program node using a state model, e.g., a task state model, to perform measurement tasks. The node is executable in a graphical program to perform a task operation requiring measurement resources and/or the task to be in a first state. The node is executable to determine state transitions for the resources and/or task from a current state to the first state, perform the determined state transitions to put the resources and/or task in the first state, transitioning through zero or more intermediate states, and perform the operation. The node may be a control node, receiving input specifying a transition, then performing the transition; start node, transitioning the resources and/or task to an Executing state; read node, reading data from a DAQ device; write node, writing data to a signal-generating device, then transitioning the resources and/or task to the Executing state; or stop node, terminating an operation and transitioning the resources and/or task to a specified state.