Constraints

[b10319]

I am a newbie to MSP and am struggling with building my first schedule. For
starters, don't I want to avoid using constraints as much as possible and
build my schedule just using predecessors? That way, if I change a start
date for example, all the dates throughout my project will adjust in a ripple
effect based on the durations I have indicated and I will end up with a new
completion date?

 

[JulieS]

Hello b10319,

Well, for a self-described "newbie" you have already learned one of the
best lessons -- yes, you do want to avoid using constraints as much as
possible and build a dynamic schedule using predecessors and successors.

Do you have a question or did you just want confirmation of your
understanding?

I hope this helps. Let us know how you get along.

Julie
Project MVP

Visit http://project.mvps.org/ for the FAQs and additional information
about Microsoft Project

 

[b10319]

As a matter of fact, I do have a question. I was trying to set up my schedule
as I described but I am running into a little snag that I don't know how to
get around. All the "durations" are in "days" but I have a task that needs
to ENDat 5:00 pm that needs to be a predecessor to a task that needs to BEGIN
at 5:00 pm. I can't figure out how to get MSP to let me do that. Instead,
it is throwing the subsequent task into the next day.

Thanks for your help,

Brian

 

[JulieS]

Hello Brian,

MS Project can only schedule your tasks during working time as defined
in the project calendar. Unless you have modified either the standard
calendar or are using a modified calendar as the project calendar, the
working hours are 08:00 to 5:00 pm. In the scenario you describe I
assume the "5:00 pm ending task" is set as the predecessor in a finish
to start relationship with the "5:00 pm begin task". The problem is
that the working time ends at 5:00 pm so the next working time is 8:00
am the next day.

You'll need to either change the project calendar (Tool > Change Working
time) or if there are only some tasks which can carry on after 5:00 pm
you'll need to create a new calendar and assign the calendar as a task
calendar.

I hope this helps. Let us know how you get along.

Julie
Project MVP

Visit http://project.mvps.org/ for the FAQs and additional information
about Microsoft Project

 

[b10319]

Ahhhh, that is definitely at least part of the problem because I am using the
"Standard" calendar and I have it set from 8:00am - 5:00pm. I'll try playing
around with that.

Thanks so much for your help!

 

[JulieS]

You're most welcome Brian and thanks for the feedback. Do post back if
you have further questions.

Julie
Project MVP