Cross-sheet predecessor without using cross-sheet reference

Rob Smodlaka

In sheet 1 there is a date 1 which is a predecessor (SF type) for last task in sheet 2, so that date 1 is later than any task in sheet 2. When I use a cross-sheet reference to import the date 1 into sheet 2 and then simply use it as a SF predecessor, it does two things that I need to avoid: it erases the critical path for the entire project in sheet 2 and it extends the duration of the entire project in sheet 2 since date 1 is later than any task in sheet 2 (but is now part of sheet 2). So I need a way to create this predecessor relationship between sheets WITHOUT using the cross-sheet reference. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

jmyzk_cloudsmart_jp

Hi @Rob Smodlaka

I'm not sure if I understand your requirement correctly, but here is my workaround so that "Last task of Sheet 2's finish to Start date of first task of Sheet 1"

https://app.smartsheet.com/b/publish?EQBCT=37eabb1b7f334065b3eb3b5439000cc8

You can simulate a cross-sheet predecessor using a milestone and a buffer task, even though Smartsheet doesn't support native cross-sheet dependencies.

Here’s how I’ve handled a similar case:

1. In Sheet 1, create a cell link to bring in the Finish (or Start) date from Sheet 2.
2. Create a milestone task in Sheet 1 with:
   • Start Date = linked date
   • Duration = 0
   • This milestone acts as a stand-in for the external dependency.
3. Add a "Wait" task with a 2-day duration, and set it as a Finish-to-Start (FS) successor of the milestone (e.g., Predecessors = Milestone Row#FS).
4. Then, make your actual task depend on the “Wait” task.

https://app.smartsheet.com/b/publish?EQBCT=e2ab126b03084080968fad6ec843057b

This way:

• The linked date dynamically updates.
• The milestone feeds into your local task structure using normal predecessor logic.
• You can add buffer time or conditions as needed.
• The critical path in Sheet 1 stays intact and accurate within that sheet.

https://app.smartsheet.com/b/publish?EQBCT=3c30fa934007404bb79474cc1b3f7416

If I change the duration of Task 3 in Sheet 2 from 1 day to 7 days, after refreshing, all succeeding tasks are updated, including the one in Sheet 1.

It’s not a true cross-sheet dependency, but it gets the job done with full automation and visibility.

Rob Smodlaka

Hello @jmyzk_cloudsmart_jp, thank you very much for the quick response. It sounds like I didn't explain my requirement correctly, sorry. Hopefully the screenshot below helps.

A sheet 1 task start is the finish for sheet 2 last task (with a few days lag). Coincidentally, the sheet 1 task has a 10-day duration. It is this sheet 1 task that is driving the sheet 2 last task timing and indirectly the entire sheet 2 project. However, if I import the sheet 1 task into sheet 2 and use an 8SF-lag predecessor for row 7, the critical path (in red below) for sheet 2 is lost due to the SF relationship. So it is the sheet 2 critical path visibility that is the issue for me. Also I need to maintain the sheet 2 project duration (30 days) but outdenting the sheet 1 task would solve that in the case below. I hope this clarifies the requirement and that there is a workaround for this. Thanks again in advance.