Adding Task Dependencies

Projects > All Projects > (selected project) > Tasks >

The Dependency dialog enables you to define a dependency between a selected task and one or more other tasks.

Dependencies

Adding a dependency to a task makes its scheduling dependent on the "other" task.

• If you change the date range of the other task, the dependent task will change automatically to accommodate the change.
• If you change the date range of the dependent task, the dependency is removed.
• A task can be dependent on multiple other tasks.

Dependencies in the Gantt Chart

Click the Gantt Chart button after setting a dependency. Dependencies are identified by an arrow running between the tasks. The arrowhead points to the dependent task.

Four Types of Dependency

Dependencies are classified from the point of view of the dependent task looking towards the "other" task.

• Finish-to-Start (FS) - The other task's finish determines the dependent task's start. This is the most common way to set a dependency between two tasks.
• Start-to-Start (SS) - The other task's start determines the dependent task's start.
• Finish-to-Finish (FF) - The other task's finish determines the dependent task's finish.
• Start-to-Finish (SF) - The other task's start determines the dependent task's finish. This is the least common way to set a dependency between two tasks.

Lag Days

Lag days shift the dependent task forward in time (positive) or backward in time (negative) from the other task. The result either causes a scheduling gap between the two tasks, or an scheduling overlap. Lag days do not change the scheduling of the other task.

Setting a Task Dependency

1. Select the Projects > All Projects page.
2. Click an existing project.
3. Select the Tasks tab.
4. Click the icon for a task and enter the following:
   • Row
   • Task
   • Type - Defaults to Finish-to-Start (FS).
   • Lag Days
   • Click OK.
5. Click Gantt Chart to view the dependency.
6. Click Save to save the project.