Planning Dependencies

With a time-based dependency, the successor B is also moved if the predecessor A is moved. For example, if the planning of A is postponed by one day, the planning of B is automatically postponed by one day. If the duration of A is shortened by one day, B is automatically shifted to one day earlier.

This planning method, also known as Gantt planning, generally assumes that everything will be completed in the specified time. In Octaved Flow, a warning is displayed if A is not completed by the time B is supposed to start. In this case, you must reschedule. If A is completed earlier than planned, the duration of A can be shortened so that B starts one day earlier.

In the case of a trigger, there is no time planning. In this case, the successor B should start at or from the point in time at which the predecessor A is done.

In Octaved Flow, both planning methods can also be combined. For example, a work package C can be time-based dependent on a work package A and logically dependent on B at the same time. For C to be started, three conditions must be met: 1) The planning period of C must have started, i.e. today must be in the planning period. 2) A must be done. 3) B must be done.

Extended information on relevant predecessors

Only relevant predecessors are taken into account when calculating the planning status for time-based dependencies. Relevant predecessors are those with the dependency type End-Start with offset 0 or positive offset. Predecessors with the dependency type Start-Start, End-End and End-Start with a negative offset are not taken into account. It is therefore irrelevant for the display of Predecessor done and therefore also for the planning status in this case whether they are done or not.

Why is this the case? With a Start-Start relationship, you can only speak of a dependency to a limited extent. Both start at the same time. During planning, the dependent element is also moved when the (so-called) predecessor is moved, but during realization, you cannot speak of a dependency if both start at the same time.

With a negative offset, the successor B should start before the end date of the predecessor A is reached. In the time in which the two overlap, it is irrelevant whether A is completed or not. Therefore, this is also not relevant for the calculation of the planning status.

Triggers are always relevant and are always taken into account when calculating the planning status.