MSP 2000 Predecessor Link Issue

K

Kate

Successor task dates do not move appropriately with FS
link to other tasks. Is there a max # of predecessing
tasks?
 
J

John

Kate,
There are a couple of things that will keep successor tasks from moving.
First, the calculation option must be set to automatic. Second, if the
successor task has a constraint (e.g. Start-no-later-than) AND the
"tasks will always honor their constraint date" option under
Tools/Options/Schedule is checked (true is the default). Note that a
constraint will be set, unbeknownst to the user, if Start or Finish
dates are entered manually.

As far as the max number of predecessors (or successors), there is no
limit for either Project 98 or Project 2000. (I assume the same is true
for Project 2002.)

John
 
K

Kate

John -
Thanks. Follow-up ?: If a user does set the start/finish
date for some reason, how can that constraint which is not
noted anywhere (thus unbeknownst to the user) be cleared?
Clearing cell contents doesn't do it.
Thx,
K.
 
J

Jack D.

The constraint can be cleared a number of ways.
Double clicking on the task will bring up the task dialog box. On the
advanced tab there is a setting for constraint type.
The constraints are noted by a little icon (looks like a little calendar) in
the first column (the indicator column)
If that column is not shown you can display it by going to the insert menu,
select column and then insert the indicator column.
Another way to quickly view and change constraints is to insert the
"constraint type" column. It will show the type of constraint and allow you
to easily change it for one or more tasks. Setting a task to "As soon as
possible" means that no constraint is being used.

-Jack
John -
Thanks. Follow-up ?: If a user does set the start/finish
date for some reason, how can that constraint which is not
noted anywhere (thus unbeknownst to the user) be cleared?
Clearing cell contents doesn't do it.
Thx,
K.



--
Please try to keep replies in this group. I do check e-mail, but only
infrequently. For Macros and other things check http://masamiki.com/project

-Jack Dahlgren, Project MVP


+++++++++++++++++++
 
F

Frank

Hmmm, I took a look at Kate's schedule and auto calc is on
the successor doesn't have a constraint. We are both
baffled by MSP's behaviour (not the first time, sure it
won't be the last).

Also, when you said that if someone manually enters a date
project will set a constraint unbeknownst to the user
you're just saying project will interpret the manually
entry of the date as your intention to establish a
constraint and accommodate you. It will still appear on
the task details/dialog, right? Wee're not seeing
anything other than than the normal As Soon As Possible
Contraint Type.

Any other ideas?
 
J

Jan De Messemaeker

Hi Frank,

Just incidentally, did you have an MS project course?
Either your teacher made a mess of it (no jokes on my name please...) or you
are trying to understand a rather complex software by looking at its
behaviour... courageous.

This being said, it is not obvious to see from here whet you did say
originally (wrong is such a nasty word). Do not hesitate to send me the
file, I am sure I can fin dthe solution then
Do cut the .nospam in my address.

Greetings,
--
Jan De Messemaeker
Microsoft Project Most Valuable Professional
Project Management Consultancy
Prom+ade BVBA
32-495-300 620
 
J

Jack D.

Jim said:
If the successor task is ASAP and calculation is Automatic check for an
Actual Start in the successor task. That would hold it in place too...

Jim
www.criticaltools.com


As would a link to the summary task which contains this subtask.
Sometimes this catches people.

--
Please try to keep replies in this group. I do check e-mail, but only
infrequently. For Macros and other things check http://masamiki.com/project

-Jack Dahlgren, Project MVP


+++++++++++++++++++
 
F

Frank

That was it, an Actual Start had been mistakenly entered
in the successor task. Once that was cleared, the F-S
worked as planned.

Thanks for the help Jim. John and Jack D, appreciate your
suggestions too.

Frank
 

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