Advanced Project Planning with Microsoft Planner: Dependencies and Critical Path in Timeline View
Advanced Task Dependencies
Finish-to-Start (FS): Task 3 starts after Task 2 finishes (default dependency).
Finish to Start
Finish-to-Finish (FF): Task 3 finishes when Task 2 finishes.
Finish to Finish
Start-to-Start (SS): Task 3 starts when Task 2 starts.
Start to Start
Start-to-Finish (SF): Task 3 finishes when Task 2 starts.
Start to Finish
Lead and Lag Times: Lead time allows a task to start before its predecessor finishes, enabling overlap, while lag time introduces a delay between tasks.
Steps to Set Up Dependencies:
Create Tasks: Begin by listing all tasks within your plan.
Link Tasks: On a task row, under the ‘Depends on‘ or ‘Dependents (after)’ column, click on the cell to choose the task the current task is dependent on followed by type of dependency (FS, SS, FF, SF).
Add Lead and Lag Times: You can also add lead and lag times through the same menu in days, hours, minutes, weeks or months.
Viewing Critical Path on Timeline
Book Venue: 3/5 – 3/10
Write Invitation list: 3/5 – 3/15
Send Invitation: 3/10 – 3/20
Steps to View Critical Path in Microsoft Planner:
Navigate to the Timeline view.
Toggle on the critical path filter to highlight critical tasks in red.
Adding critical path
Ready to start using it all?
Dependencies, Critical Path and ability to view them both in Timeline View in Microsoft Planner are more than a feature; they’re a strategic tool that empowers you to tackle complex projects with confidence. If you currently use Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Teams, explore the new Planner app in Teams, and try the premium capabilities from within the Planner app by simply clicking on the diamond icon within the app where you can begin your free 30-day trail of these advanced capabilities or proceed with requesting a premium license. If you already have a Project license you’re already equipped with access to the new Planner’s premium capabilities corresponding to the license you have.
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Resources
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