DYK 5 - Soft Links and Hard Links in Task Dependency

Did You Know you can manage dependent task schedules with Zoho Projects?

In a project, some tasks are linked while others progress on their own. When a task is hard linked to another, its schedule is automatically adjusted when the predecessor moves. When it is soft linked, the schedule remains unchanged. Users can configure the link type after setting the dependency.

Let's consider an event management firm that has tasks running in sequence. Venue finalisation must be completed before guest registration opens, and guest registration before the event day agenda is planned. When the venue finalisation task is delayed, the project manager should not have to manually push every dependent task forward by adding up the delayed days. With Zoho Projects, hard link handles it. Every dependent task shifts forward automatically, keeping the sequence intact. This helps with managing task schedules even during unexpected delays.  

Now consider a team in a similar project but with fixed vendor contracts and committed delivery dates. When a predecessor task gets delayed, the vendor deadlines cannot always move with it. The project manager will need to review the task delays and decide what changes. When tasks are soft linked, the dependent task schedules remains unchanged following a rigid sequence. This allows users to stick to timelines unless manually intervened.

To configure this at the portal level, navigate to → Portal Configuration → Task and Timesheet. Scroll down to Dependency Link Type and select either Hard Link or Soft Link based on your preference. To configure this at the Project Level, navigate to → Project Configuration → Task Settings, Choose the required Project from the dropdown in the upper panel. Scroll down to Dependency Link Type to select Hard Link or Soft Link.

Dependency link type can also be configured at the task level for-individual dependencies, based on requirement.

Benefits:

1. Enables automated task rescheduling based on predecessor's timeline changes with Hard Link.
   
2. Soft link ensures that the timeline remains strict until manual updates are made.
   
3. Helps organisations maintain a consistent link type throughout the portal while flexibly managing dependencies for individual projects and tasks.
   

Do give this a try and let us know your feedback in the comments.

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