Creating Links Between Tasks

Having defined of what tasks your project will consist, you should create the sequence of their realization by means of linking related or dependent tasks between themselves. For instance, some tasks are to be completed before other tasks have to be carried out. Some tasks can depend on the fact when other task starts.

Types of Task Links

There are four types of links between tasks in ConceptDraw Project.

  1. The link of the Finish-to-start -type or, in abbreviated form, FS is the most widespread type of links between tasks where the task B cannot start unless the task A finishes.
  2. The link of the Start-to-start - type or, in abbreviated form, SS defines the link between tasks where the task B cannot start unless the task A starts.
  3. The link of the Finish-to-Finish - type or, in abbreviated form, FF defines the link between tasks where the task B cannot finish unless the task A finishes.
  4. The link of the Start-to-Finish - type or, in abbreviated form, SS defines the link between tasks where the task B cannot finish unless the task A starts.

Creating Task Links

There are two variants of assigning links between tasks in ConceptDraw Project:

  1. Using the Project Assistant.
  2. Using the Gantt's chart.

Note: Assigning links between tasks by means of the Project Assistant see in the Project Assistant section Creating Links Between Tasks.

To assign links between tasks using the Gantt's chart:

1. Click the Gantt Chart button in the lower left corner of the Main Program Window.

The Gantt's chart window appears. You will the Program Task table (list) on the left and the Gantt's chart on the right.

2. Create links between tasks using your mouse.

Example: To assign a link between tasks 7 and 8 in the project position the mouse cursor to the right or to the left edge of the timeline of task 7 which should, in your opinion, be linked with task 8. You press the right button of the mouse and keeping the key pressed move the cursor to the timeline of task 8. A small square will appear.

Keeping the cursor on the small square, we release the mouse key. A link line between tasks 7 and 8 is built on the screen.

While easily creating a link its type depends on the fact from what timeline edge you have begun creating your link and to what edge of the other timeline you have moved this link. However the link type can be easily modified.

3. The best way to change the link type is to take advantage of the project Assistant.

a) Select GotoAssistant in the Tools menu of the main window.

b) When the Project Information box appears, click the Activities and Tasks button.
You will see the Creating a list of activities and tasks box.

c) Double-click the Next button and you are in the Creating Links Between Tasks box.

The Finish to Start link type between task 7 and task 8 is displayed in the message box.

d) Click the scroll-bar control of the Link Type list drop-down box.

The Link Type list displays 4 link types. No Link means that there is no link between selected tasks. The rest in the list lets assign a new link type. So, clicking the Finish to Start line you can change the old Finish to Start link for a new Start to Start link.

The result of your operation will be saved in the project and displayed.