Microsoft Project - Linking Tasks

Linking Tasks

When entering tasks initially they all start on the same day. The finish date is dependent on the durations entered against each one. Rarely on a project do all the tasks start on the same day, they are more likely to dependent on one task finishing before the next task can start. To carry this out the tasks have to be linked. There are many ways of linking tasks- the method that you use is the one that you find most convenient.

The button

Select the two tasks to be linked and click on the link button

If several tasks in consecutive cells all follow on from one another in sequence they can all be selected before the click on the link button.

If the tasks to be linked are not next to each other (i.e. non-contiguous) - select the first task as normal and hold down the ctrl key when selecting the other tasks to be linked. Once all the tasks to be linked have been selected let go of the ctrl key before clicking on the link button.

Mouse

Point to the first task and get the four headed arrow, then drag to the task that the original task is succeeded by. - this will bring up a description box showing which task is linked to which - once the information in that box is correct let go of the mouse button.

Entry in the table -­‐ predecessors column.

In the predecessors column type in the id number of the task that precedes the current task. If there are multiple predecessors, separate them by commas.

The Different types of Link

The links that have been generated so far have all been of the standard type. This is not always the case. There are four different types of link that can be generated.

1.              Finish to Start (FS)

This is the standard type of relationship where one task finishes and the second task starts. If the first task does not finish when required it will cause a delay as to when the second task can start.

2.              Start to Start (SS)

The start to start relationship sets it up so that the starting point of the second task is dependent upon the starting point of the first task, and if that is postponed for any reason the second task will also be delayed automatically.

3.              Finish to Finish (FF)

The finish to finish relationship has the two tasks finishing together and the second task cannot finish until the first task finishes.

4.              Start to Finish (SF)

The relationship of this type of link is slightly more complex. The starting point of the first task is controlling the finishing point of the next task. (notice the direction of the link line)

Setting the different types of relationship

Changing the type of link cannot be done when setting up the link using the link button.

Mouse

Once the link has been established. Double click on the link line. The dialogue box below will appear on the screen

From the drop down next to the Type box select the type of link required.

Entry in the table - predecessors column

When entering the id number in the predecessor column follow the number with the two character code for the type of link required. When a simple finish to start link is required the code is not required as it is automatically assumed.

The Task Information Dialog Box

When the preceding task information is entered into this dialogue box the information on the type of link can be altered in the next column along - again choosing from a drop down menu.