Further to a recent discussion on Planning Planet about minus lag (in a different forum), I would like to hear how different planners out there using MS Project are making sure that all start and finish dates are secured, i.e. that there are no open ends for any activity in their contractual programmes, if NOT using FS-links with a lead (negative lag).
As MS Project (at least up to version 2000) do not have the capability of using ladder-logic (both SS and FF links between the same 2 activities) I do not see any other way out than the following options:
1) Apply constraints on relevant activities, but constraints are a “No No”, so that is not a correct solution.
2) Only have FS-links with zero (and/or positive) lag between activities, but then the programme becomes extremely detailed for most larger construction projects and also for a contractual programme. Being so detailed it most probably also loose its value as a management tool as no foreman or other people working in the field want to look at the programme, thereby only becoming a programme for the people in the site office and further “up the ladder” to discuss.
3) Find relevant activities in the programme where a SS link can be applied to one activity and a FF link to another activity, but in reality this can only be done properly for a few activities.
4) Use the FS-link with a negative lag, which for me is "the lesser evil" when using MS Project.
Maybe there are some other options and/or opinions. If so, I would be glad to know.
Regards,
Bo
P.S. Please no remarks about "Stop using MS Project then" or "Real planners don’t use MS Project", etc.
As MS Project (at least up to version 2000) do not have the capability of using ladder-logic (both SS and FF links between the same 2 activities) I do not see any other way out than the following options:
1) Apply constraints on relevant activities, but constraints are a “No No”, so that is not a correct solution.
2) Only have FS-links with zero (and/or positive) lag between activities, but then the programme becomes extremely detailed for most larger construction projects and also for a contractual programme. Being so detailed it most probably also loose its value as a management tool as no foreman or other people working in the field want to look at the programme, thereby only becoming a programme for the people in the site office and further “up the ladder” to discuss.
3) Find relevant activities in the programme where a SS link can be applied to one activity and a FF link to another activity, but in reality this can only be done properly for a few activities.
4) Use the FS-link with a negative lag, which for me is "the lesser evil" when using MS Project.
Maybe there are some other options and/or opinions. If so, I would be glad to know.
Regards,
Bo
P.S. Please no remarks about "Stop using MS Project then" or "Real planners don’t use MS Project", etc.