Is there a way to reflect delays in a Project Plan without losing the original dates?

Tarra Cunningham

Looking for the best way to reflect delays in the Project Plan without losing the original dates, instead of just adjusting due dates?  We would like to figure out a way to show that something is late, or the date by which it was completed.

Amanda Alv

Hi,

The way that we decided to do this, is by adding a third column. We have the standard Start and Finish (we call this one either the "Actual Finish" or "Edited Due Date") columns that use dependencies and duration, and then a third for the "Original Due Date". I copy the date from the "Finish" column into the "Original Due Date" column, and then lock it. That way there can be no adjustments to the original due date and we can see how far out we are moving by updating the "Finish" column.

This will allow for dependencies to update as needed based on actual completion dates, without losing that initial date.

I'm sure there are other ways as well, but after a lot of trials, this is where we landed. Hope that helps some!

Amanda Alv

Hi,

The way that we decided to do this, is by adding a third column. We have the standard Start and Finish (we call this one either the "Actual Finish" or "Edited Due Date") columns that use dependencies and duration, and then a third for the "Original Due Date". I copy the date from the "Finish" column into the "Original Due Date" column, and then lock it. That way there can be no adjustments to the original due date and we can see how far out we are moving by updating the "Finish" column.

This will allow for dependencies to update as needed based on actual completion dates, without losing that initial date.

I'm sure there are other ways as well, but after a lot of trials, this is where we landed. Hope that helps some!