Manage Projects › Update Task Data › Define Task Advanced Properties › Define Task Scheduling Constraints

Define Task Scheduling Constraints

You can set the task scheduling constraints that impact Autoschedule using the Advanced tab on the Task Properties dialog box. Constraining tasks allows you to indicate when a task should start or finish during autoscheduling. Scheduling constraints can override priority during Autoschedule but cannot override tasks that are locked for scheduling.

When defining task scheduling constraints, the Start constraint date indicates that the task starts at the beginning of the work day, and the Finish constraint date indicates that the task finishes at the end of the work day. Keep the following in mind when constraining tasks:

• If a task's status is "Started", the Start constraint date is read-only and you cannot edit it.
• If a task's status is "Completed", all constraint dates are read-only and you cannot edit them.
• If a task is a summary task that constrains detail tasks, you cannot add the summary task constraints.

Note: If a row in a column is gray, you cannot enter a value.

To define a task's scheduling constraints

1. From a view that displays the task detail pane, right-click the task you want to define scheduling constraints, and select Modify from the shortcut menu.

   The General tab on the Task Properties dialog box opens.

2. Click the Advanced tab.

   A list of task-related values displays.

3. In the Constraints grid, define the dates for the following constraint types, and click OK:

   Must Start On

   Defines the exact date on which the task must start. This date is always respected unless the task is locked to other dates or it causes a resource overload.

   Note: This constraint overrides the Start No Earlier Than and the Start No Later Than constraint dates.

   Start No Earlier Than

   Defines the date after which the task must start.

   Start No Later Than

   Defines the date before which the task must start.

   Must Finish On

   Defines the exact date on which the task must finish. This date is always respected unless the task is locked to other dates or it causes a resource overload.

   Note: This constraint overrides the Finish No Earlier Than and the Finish No Later Than constraint dates.

   Finish No Earlier Than

   Defines the date on or after which the task must finish.

   Finish No Later Than

   Defines the date on or before which the task must finish.

   The Task Properties dialog box closes. The task scheduling constraint is added.

More information:

Define Task Advanced Properties

Lock Tasks in Place

View Task Percent Expended Amount

Edit Multiple Tasks

Autoschedule Projects

Override Task Lock during Autoschedule