Task dependencies

Tasks5 min read

Dependencies control how one task's dates relate to another. Draw links on the Gantt, or edit Predecessors in the task sheet.

Gantt: drag a link from one bar end to another

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When to use this

Use a link when one piece of work must wait on another, or must start or finish together.

Do not link everything. Spare links make Auto schedule noisy and hard to undo.

Link types

Type	Meaning	Typical use
FS (Finish → Start)	Successor starts when the predecessor finishes	Default handoff between trades
SS (Start → Start)	Both start together	Parallel work from the same kickoff
FF (Finish → Finish)	Both finish together	Coordinated completion
SF (Start → Finish)	Successor finishes when the predecessor starts	Rare sequencing

On the Gantt, drag from the start or end handle of a bar to another bar. Which ends you connect sets the type.

In the task sheet, Predecessors reads as "This task starts / finishes after / before [other task]". That sentence is the same four types.

Lag and lead

Lag is extra delay after the link logic. Lead is overlap (negative lag).

Example	Meaning
FS + 2 days	Start two working days after the predecessor finishes
FS − 1 day	Start one working day before the predecessor finishes

Set lag in Predecessors on the task sheet, or on the Gantt link editor. Working days follow Settings → Preferences.

RFI gates

A task can wait on an RFI, not only on another task.

• Add the RFI under Predecessors.
• Gate: is closed or is answered.
• RFI links are finish-to-start. The task can move when the gate is satisfied.

On the Gantt, blocked bars can show an RFI indicator. Overlay Show RFIs if you want RFI rows on the chart.

Editing links

1. Open the successor task from List, Gantt, or Calendar.
2. Find Predecessors.
3. Change start/finish, after/before, lag, or delete the link.

You can also click a Gantt connector to edit or remove it.

Warning

A loop (A depends on B and B on A) breaks scheduling. Remove one link if dates jump or Auto schedule does nothing useful.

Auto schedule

After you add or change links, use Auto schedule on the Gantt so successors pick up new dates. Some bars stay put if they have actual dates or a constraint such as must start on. See Gantt chart.

Task types and templates

Task types are labels (for example first fix, inspection). They are not dependencies. Manage them under Settings.

Library task templates can create tasks and links in one apply. Import them from the Tasks toolbar (Import → Template), or build them under Library → Templates.