Constraints

Hello Ada,

Hope you enjoyed your Microsoft Project Intro Intermediate course with Best STL.

Thank you for your question regarding constraints in MS Project.

Constraints are usually set when a task has a limiting factor such as the date on which it can start is fixed and can under no circumstances be brought forward. In this case you would set a 'Start No Earlier Than' constraint setting up the date on which the task should start. Any actions prior to this task will not be able to move it back since you have applied this constraint. Should the situation change, however, and the task can now be started earlier then simply change the constraint back to 'As Soon As Possible'.

Deadlines are simply created as reminders since they do not have any effect on MS Project calculations as do constraints.

Which one to use? If you cannot afford to allow a task to be moved back and forth by the system then use a constraint. If you only require to be reminded when a task has passed a particular date then set a deadline date.

I hope this resolves your question. If it has, please mark this question as resolved.

If you require further assistance, please reply to this post. Or perhaps you have another Microsoft Office question?

Have a great day.
Regards,

Rodney
Microsoft Office Specialist Trainer