Constraints in predecessors in SmartSheet ?

FrankW

Hi,

I want to create the gantt with schedue as below:

Task A

   Subtask A1    Oct 15 to Oct 19

   Subtask A2    Oct 15 to Oct 19

   Subtask A3    Oct 22 to Oct 26

   Subtask A4    Oct 29 to Nov 2

 

Predecessors of A3 = Subtask A1 and Subtask A2

Predecessors of A4 = Subtask A1 and Subtask A2

Subtask A3 and Subtask A4 are assigned to the same resource and the resource is expected to start with A3 first and A4 later.

However, SmartSheet does not support this input and result an error when I amend the start date of Subtask A4 to Oct 29.

Is this is the "constraint" of Smartsheet on this? And why?

Thanks and regards

Frank 

 

Isaac Jose

Hi Frank,

Thanks for posting! Based on the screenshot, it looks like you're trying to manually change the start date of a task that has predecessors. Since predecessors are meant to automate your dates, manually changing the Start Date will result in the error you are seeing. The workaround to manually adjust the Start Date of a task with predecessors is to utilize Lag Time in your Predecessors column. Information about using Lag Time can be found here (https://www.smartsheet.com/blog/support-tip-lag-days-project-plan)

Using Lag Time, you can manually adjust the Start Date of your task. However, based on your description, it sounds like task A3 must always come before task A4 since it's assigned to the same resource. In this case, I recommend setting task A3 as the predecessor for task A4. Information about using Dependencies and Predecessors can be found here (https://help.smartsheet.com/articles/765727-enabling-dependencies-using-predecessors)

More information about Smartsheet and Project Management can be found here (https://help.smartsheet.com/topics/project-management-gantt-charts). If you have further questions, I recommend submitting a support ticket through our Web Form at https://help.smartsheet.com/contact to ensure that the next available technical support specialist can assist. This way you'll receive the quickest possible support from our team.

 

Kind regards,

 

Isaac J

Smartsheet Technical Support

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