Project Plan Backward Scheduling / Planning

Jason Klotz

Implementing backward scheduling in Smartsheet would significantly enhance its utility for project managers who work with fixed deadlines and need to calculate start dates based on a target completion date. Backward scheduling allows users to plan by defining end goals and identifying the necessary steps and timelines to reach that goal. This feature is invaluable in ensuring that teams can prioritize tasks efficiently, account for dependencies, and prevent delays that could impact the overall project delivery. Adding backward scheduling would position Smartsheet as a more versatile and competitive project management tool, better equipped to meet the needs of industries that rely on strict timelines, such as manufacturing, construction, and event planning.

ChristianFinke

Hi @Jason Klotz

Adding backward scheduling to Smartsheet would be a great enhancement, especially for projects with fixed deadlines. It would simplify setting a target end date and calculating start dates based on dependencies, helping with task prioritization and preventing delays.

While Smartsheet doesn’t currently support backward scheduling, you can work around it. Set your project’s end date on the final task, enable dependencies in Project Settings, and work backward by setting predecessors for each task. Smartsheet will then adjust dates based on dependencies and durations, though manual adjustments may be needed if the end date changes. For strict backward scheduling, some users integrate Smartsheet with MS Project or use its API.

We'd be happy to assist with this if you have any further questions or interest.