Which predecessor is driving the start date

[LindaC]

This seems like it should be simple, but I'm stumped. I have a task with
several predecessors. I would like to know which of those predecessors is
"critical" to that task - in other words, which one of them is determining
the start date of the task. I can look at each of them one by one and figure
it out, but isn't there a way I can get Project to identify it instantly for
me?

 

[Jim Aksel]

It is not that easy. However, I happen to have a custom form already
developed that does this. The form shows you the finish date, %Complete,
Lag, total float of predecessors to the task. The form was adapted from Rod
Gil's book on programming MS Project.

A suggestion has been made to MS to allow additional information in the task
details form and to allow sorting in that view. Now it is up to them.

Anyway, if you want the form - I am at jeaksel (at) yahoo (dot) com. I have
instructions on how to import it to your Global.mpt file.
--
If this post was helpful, please consider rating it.

Jim
It''s software; it''s not allowed to win.

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

 

[Dale Howard [MVP]]

LindaC --

If you are using Project 2007, you can click Project - Task Drivers. Select
the task and the Task Drivers sidepane will reveal precisely which
predecessor task is driving the Start date of the selected task. This
feature is not available in earlier versions of Microsoft Project, however.
If you are using an earlier version, then follow Jim's advice as posted.
Hope this helps.

 

[Jim Aksel]

Thanks for the reminder Dale, I have been using 2003 so much lately that this
is the type of thing that falls through the crack.
--
If this post was helpful, please consider rating it.

Jim
It''s software; it''s not allowed to win.

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

 

[Jack Dahlgren]

Not necessarily.
This would only be the case if all the predecessors to the task had one and
only one successor. If they have multiple successors it may or may not be
the one with the least free slack.

-Jack