Available now, you can link tasks within a project using advanced dependency types such as Start-to-Start, Finish-to-Finish, Start-to-Finish, and of course the default Finish-to-Start which is already available. For the uninitiated, dependency types let you link task start and end dates as dependent on any of the other task’s start or end in the project.
Accessing Dependencies
You can access dependency settings in the Grid view under columns “Depends On” and “Dependents (after)”.
You can also visualize advanced dependencies in your Timeline view.
Dependencies can also be added or edited in the “Add dependency” section of the task details editor.
All users of Project for the web can create the default: Finish-to-Start dependency. However, only Plan 3 and Plan 5 users can create advanced dependencies (SS, FF, SF). Plan 1 users will be able to view advanced dependencies on tasks in Grid/Timeline view but not create them.
How to use Dependencies
Read through for a quick guide on how to use dependencies in your Project:
Consider two tasks, A and B. When linking the two tasks with dependencies, we will consider task A as the predecessor and task B as the successor in the link, and what this means is that the start/finish of task B depends on the start/finish of task A in each of the following link types. Another way to say this would be that the task whose events occur prior (or is the trigger for the next task) is called the predecessor (task A). While the task who’s start or finishes occurs because of the trigger is called the successor (task B).
As the default dependency, Task B (successor) can start only after the finish of task A (predecessor) e.g., when putting up a wallpaper, applying glue to the wallpaper (task A) has to Finish, to Start applying wallpaper (task B) to the wall.
Task B (successor) can start only with or after the start of task A (predecessor) e.g., A farmer can Start sowing seeds (task B) as soon as he Starts to plough the land (task A).
Task B (successor) can finish only after the finish of task A (predecessor) e.g., While processing a claim for car insurance, claim filing and document processing (task B) can happen in parallel to the vehicle inspection by the insurance inspector, but the claim process can successfully finish only after finishing the inspection of the damaged car (task A) as the status of the claim processing is dependent on the output of the inspection.
Task B (successor) can finish only after the start task A (predecessor) e.g., Border patrol by squad A during the day shift can end only after the start of the border patrol by squad B during the night shift, as the border cannot be left unguarded. This type of dependency is also commonly used for creating a work-back structure where the project schedule is constructed backwards from the project end date goal.
FAQs:
Will importing an MPP from the Project desktop to Project for the web preserve dependencies?
Yes, the import from the MPP option in Project for the web will allow the import of dependencies from the original project into Project for the web.
Is lead/lag available?
Our plan is to make the setting of a lead or lag available soon.
We want to hear your ideas and suggestion on other ways we can help you and your team organize and stay on top of work in Project. Please feel free to post a comment below or submit any feedback directly through our feedback portal. And keep visiting our Tech Community Blog for all the latest Project news.
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