Task dependency is created to link tasks in order to manage them better. This relationship between tasks drives the project schedule. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions on task dependencies in Zoho Projects:

What type of task dependencies does Zoho Projects support?

Zoho Projects supports Finish To Start dependencies in tasks. 

This is the default dependency type that Zoho Projects uses. In a Finish-To-Start dependency, the dependent or successor task can’t begin until the predecessor or parent task finishes.

How can I set task dependencies?

The easiest way to create a task dependency is within the Gantt chart . Drag a line from the predecessor to the successor task to create a dependency.

Another option is to create task dependencies in the dependency view . 

The finish date of a predecessor task determines the start date of its successor task. You can set dependency between tasks from this view. You can click the Predecessors column against any particular task, enter the parent task's sequence number (Seq.No) and then click Enter to save the dependency link. 

Creating task dependencies:  

1. Select Projects from the Home page. 
2. Select your project from the list and navigate to your project. 
3. Select Tasks and choose the Dependency view. 
4. Click the PREDECESSORS column against the particular task, enter the dependent task's sequence number (Seq.No) and then click Enter to save the dependency link. 

For example, Task with Seq.No 6 can have Predecessors from Seq.No 1 to 5, if the start date of Task 6 comes after the end date of all/any Tasks 1 to 5. For multiple dependencies, enter the Seq.Nos in the 'Predecessors' column separated by comma, example 1,2,4. 

What are the dependency related things that I can perform from the Gantt chart?

• Change the estimated start and end dates of the predecessor and dependent tasks
• Set task dependencies between 2 tasks, or edit an existing one
• Remove the predecessor dependency 
• View the progress of tasks 
• Filter the tasks

Will my task's start date and end date shift based on my configured holiday and business hour settings?

Yes, your scheduled dates will be automatically shifted based on your configured holiday and business hour settings. 

What happens when I change the dates of the dependent tasks?

When you change the dates of the dependent tasks, the scheduled dates of the predecessor tasks will not be affected as it is the parent task.

What happens when I complete the predecessor task ahead of the scheduled finish date?

When you complete the predecessor task ahead of its scheduled finish date, the dependent task will not be automatically adjusted. You need to manually shift the start date of the dependent task, if required. 

Can I start a dependent task on the same date as that of its predecessor's finish date?

Yes, you can start the dependent task on the same date as that of its predecessor's finish date, provided the predecessor task's end hour duration is earlier than the dependent task's start hour duration. In Org Settings you must choose the hours option for the task duration in order to show the task duration in hours.

Task A starts on 06/16/2016 6:30 PM and ends on 06/18/2016 7:00 PM 

Task B starts on 06/18/2016 7:10 PM and ends on 06/22/2016 10:00 PM 

What happens when I extend the predecessor task beyond the scheduled finish date?

When you extend the finish date of the predecessor task beyond its scheduled date, the successor or the dependent task's start date is adjusted when you modify the end date of the predecessor task.  

Task A (Predecessor/Parent)   starting on 06/16/2016 is scheduled to end on 06/18/2016 but it extends until 06/20/2016

Task B (Successor/ Dependent)   scheduled to start on 06/19/2016  and end on 06/22/2016 will be shifted to start on 06/21/2016 and end on 06/24/2016

The dependent task's start date will be adjusted only after you manually modify the end date of its parents task.

Where can I learn more about task dependencies?

https://www.zoho.com/projects/help/task-dependency-scenario.html

https://www.zoho.com/projects/help/task-dependency.html

https://www.zoho.com/projects/help/task-dependency.html#validations

https://www.zoho.com/projects/help/gantt-view.html

Thanks.

Mughil David