Using advanced dependencies in enterprise project types - web version

Copper Contributor

Hi Team, 

Is there a way to use the advanced task dependencies function in Project for web/ Enterprise projects? In the desktop version I could find a way to change the linking type from the default to others like finish to finish, but I don't know how to do it in the web version in case of enterprise project types

 

Thank you!

14 Replies
ZsofiH --

Yes, advanced dependencies were added fairly recently as a new feature in Project for the Web. It now offers all four dependency types found in Microsoft Project, including Finish to Start, Start to Start, Finish to Finish, and Start to Finish. However, you CANNOT add Lag time or Lead time to dependencies in Project for the Web.

To use this new feature, you will need to add the Dependents (after) and/or Depends On columns. To set a dependency for a task, click in either of these columns. Project for the Web will display a pick list of possible tasks to which you can link the selected task. In the pick list, click the |> symbol at the right end of the task to which you want to link, and in the flyout menu, select the Dependency Type you want to specify. You can repeat this process to link a single task to multiple other tasks as well.

Hope this helps.
Hi Dale, Thank you for your reply!

I am afraid using Enterprise project types in the web version doesn't offer you these columns. Predecessors field can be added only to any kind of view.

I could not find the function where I can set what kind of dependency I would like to use. The only option is the default.
ZsofiH --

Now I'm really confused. Are you using Project for the Web (project.microsoft.com) or are you using Project Online (companyname.sharepoint.com/sites/pwa)? The reason I ask is because in Project for the Web, there is no Predecessors or Successors columns. There are the Dependents (after) and Depends On columns. Please let me know and we will try to help you.
ZsofiH --

Also, I forgot to mention that in Project for the Web, there is no concept of Enterprise Project Types. But in Project Online, Enterprise Project Types are an option that can be configured for different types of projects that are managed with Project Online.
You are right Dale, I got confused by the phrases. Si I use Project Online - web version and I have the desktop version installed too.
In Project for the Web or Project for the Web in combination with Project for the Web Enterprise, task dependencies are an essential aspect of project management. While the web version may not have as many advanced features as the desktop version, you can still manage task dependencies effectively. However, the exact feature set and interface may change over time, so it's essential to refer to the most current documentation or consult your organization's administrator for the most accurate information.
ZsofiH --

Now I am really confused! You will me that you are using Project Online and you have the desktop app installed as well. But have you connected your desktop app (Microsoft Project Professional) to your Project Online system? That is the first step that is required to get these two tools to talk with one another. Then you can do all of your task, resource, and assignment planning in Microsoft Project and publish your project to Project Online. And during task planning, you will have all four dependency types available, as well as Lag time and Lead time. Hope this helps.
The initial post was about Project for the Web, which is a web-based project management tool, and the response from ZsofiH seemed to be related to that. However, the reply you received is talking about Project Online and Microsoft Project Professional, which are separate tools.

Here's the breakdown:

Project for the Web: This is a web-based project management tool that may not have all the advanced features of Microsoft Project Professional. It can be used for managing task dependencies, but the features and interface can change over time. For the most accurate information, you should refer to the most current documentation or consult your organization's administrator.

Project Online and Microsoft Project Professional: These are desktop and web-based project management tools from Microsoft. To use them together, you need to connect your desktop app (Microsoft Project Professional) to your Project Online system. Once connected, you can perform task, resource, and assignment planning in Microsoft Project and then publish your project to Project Online. This setup provides more advanced features, including various dependency types, Lag time, and Lead time.

In summary, if you're using Project for the Web, the first response is relevant. If you're working with Project Online and Microsoft Project Professional, the second response provides guidance on how to set up and use those tools. It's important to use the correct tool based on your project management needs and the capabilities your organization provides.

Our company has MS Project E3 online and we're using a trial for training in creating a project, but we can't see Lag and Lead time options.

We can't install the desktop version either.
Please advise.

@TrujilloVIG 12/26/23 removed original reply as it wasn't relevant to this thread.

Oceanofgadgets and Mr. Howard explained this is a functionality included in Project, which makes sense, since it was shown in the Project training I'm taking.
TrujilloVIG --

The Microsoft Project desktop application includes Lag time and Lead time with task dependencies. The Project for the Web application, which I believe you are using, DOES NOT yet offer Lag time and Lead time. Does that help? Let us know. Thanks!
Alright, that brings more clarity to the issue.
We need to install the desktop version to have those features, correct?
So, what does the admin. needs to do for enabling the users to install the desktop app?
Your admin will need to purchase Project Plan 3 licenses for each PM. Hope this helps.