Defining 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.

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 Planned Tasks tab in the Work Order InfoViewer.
  2. Edit the task for which you are defining a dependency.
  3. Select the Dependency tab in the task dialog box.
  4. Click Add above the grid.
  5. Specify this information:
    Dependency Type
    Specify the type of dependency. You can 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 dependency. Use a negative number to specify a lead time, or a positive number to specify a lag time.

    For example, if the start of the dependent task is related to the finish of the parent task, a lead time of two days indicates that the dependent task may 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.

  6. Click Approve.