Adding task dependencies

To define a task dependency you must specify the parent task and the type of dependency. For example, you might specify that work on the dependent task cannot start until the parent task is finished.

You can also specify a lead or lag time to indicate the interval between the two tasks. For example, you would select Finish to Start to relate the start of the dependent task to the finish of the parent task. If you specify a lead time, such as two days, then the dependent task can start two days before the parent task is finished. A lag time of two days would indicate that the dependent task cannot start until two days after the parent task is finished.

Note: Task dependencies are defined for informational purposes only. For example, if the start of a task depends on the finish of another task, the system will not stop you from starting the dependent task if the parent task is not finished.
  1. Select the Dependency tab in the Activity Task dialog box.
  2. Click Add above the grid.
  3. Specify this information:
    Dependency Type
    Select one of these options:
    • Finish to Start: The dependent task cannot be started until the parent task is finished.
    • Finish to Finish: The dependent task cannot be finished until the parent task is finished.
    • Start to Finish: The dependent task cannot be finished until the parent task is started.
    • Start to Start: The dependent task cannot be started until the parent task is started.
    Depends On
    Specify the task that this task depends on.
    Lead/Lag
    Optionally, specify the lead or lag time for the task dependency. To specify a lead time, enter a negative number. To specify a lag time, enter a positive number.
    Lead/Lag
    Select the unit of measure for the lead or lag time. You can select Hours, Days, Months, or Years.
  4. Click Approve.