FS: Finish-to-Start Dependency in Microsoft Project

In Microsoft Project, FS (Finish-to-Start) is a type of task dependency that indicates that a successor task cannot start until its predecessor task has finished.

Key Facts

  1. Definition: FS indicates that the finish date of the predecessor task determines the start date of the successor task.
  2. Task Dependency: FS is a type of task dependency that signifies that a task cannot start until its predecessor task has finished.
  3. Example: For instance, in a film production project, shooting a scene (predecessor task) must be completed before the editing process (successor task) can begin.
  4. Predecessors Field: In Microsoft Project, the Predecessors field is used to list the task ID numbers for the predecessor tasks on which a task depends before it can be started or finished.
  5. Dependency Types: The dependency types for predecessors in Microsoft Project include FS (finish-to-start), FF (finish-to-finish), SS (start-to-start), and SF (start-to-finish).
  6. Lag and Lead Time: Predecessors can also have lead time (negative) or lag time (positive) associated with them, indicating the delay or overlap between tasks.
  7. Linking Tasks: Tasks can be linked with finish-to-start dependencies and zero lag time using the Link Tasks command or by dragging and dropping tasks on the Gantt Chart or Network Diagram.
  8. SF Relationship: SF relationship is a type of dependency where the start of the successor task is dependent on the finish of the predecessor task.
  9. Use Cases: SF relationships can be useful in scenarios where the start of the successor task is not directly linked to the completion of the predecessor task, such as in the aviation industry where the closing of aerobridge doors is dictated by airport authorities.

Task Dependency

FS is one of the four types of task dependencies supported in Microsoft Project. The other types are Finish-to-Finish (FF), Start-to-Start (SS), and Start-to-Finish (SF).

Example

A common example of an FS dependency is in a film production project. Before the editing process (successor task) can begin, the shooting of the scene (predecessor task) must be completed.

Predecessors Field

In Microsoft Project, the Predecessors field is used to specify the predecessor tasks for a given task. The Predecessors field can contain multiple task ID numbers, each representing a predecessor task.

Dependency Types

The dependency types for predecessors in Microsoft Project are:

  • FS (Finish-to-Start)
  • FF (Finish-to-Finish)
  • SS (Start-to-Start)
  • SF (Start-to-Finish)

Lag and Lead Time

Predecessors can also have lead time (negative) or lag time (positive) associated with them. Lead time indicates that the successor task can start before the predecessor task finishes, while lag time indicates that the successor task must start after the predecessor task finishes.

Linking Tasks

Tasks can be linked with finish-to-start dependencies and zero lag time using the Link Tasks command on the Edit menu. Tasks can also be linked by dragging and dropping tasks on the Gantt Chart or Network Diagram.

SF Relationship

The SF (Start-to-Finish) relationship is a type of dependency where the start of the successor task is dependent on the finish of the predecessor task.

Use Cases

SF relationships can be useful in scenarios where the start of the successor task is not directly linked to the completion of the predecessor task. For example, in the aviation industry, the closing of aerobridge doors (successor task) is dictated by airport authorities and may not be directly linked to the completion of the boarding process (predecessor task).

Sources

  1. Microsoft Project Task Dependencies Handout
  2. Predecessors (task field)
  3. Schedule Dependencies (Links): FS, FF, SS, SF and all in between

FAQs

What does FS mean in Microsoft Project?

FS stands for Finish-to-Start, which is a type of task dependency that indicates that a successor task cannot start until its predecessor task has finished.

What are the different types of task dependencies in Microsoft Project?

The four types of task dependencies in Microsoft Project are Finish-to-Start (FS), Finish-to-Finish (FF), Start-to-Start (SS), and Start-to-Finish (SF).

How do I create an FS dependency in Microsoft Project?

To create an FS dependency in Microsoft Project, you can use the Link Tasks command on the Edit menu or drag and drop tasks on the Gantt Chart or Network Diagram.

What is the difference between FS and FF dependencies?

FS (Finish-to-Start) dependencies indicate that the successor task cannot start until the predecessor task has finished, while FF (Finish-to-Finish) dependencies indicate that the successor task cannot finish until the predecessor task has finished.

Can I add lead time or lag time to FS dependencies?

Yes, you can add lead time (negative) or lag time (positive) to FS dependencies to indicate that the successor task can start before or after the predecessor task finishes, respectively.

How do I view the predecessors of a task in Microsoft Project?

To view the predecessors of a task in Microsoft Project, you can open the Task Information dialog box for the task and click on the Predecessors tab.

Can I change the dependency type of a task in Microsoft Project?

Yes, you can change the dependency type of a task in Microsoft Project by opening the Task Information dialog box for the task and clicking on the Predecessors tab. Then, select the dependency and click on the Dependency Type drop-down menu to change the type.

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