Feature Overview Video
Dependency Field
The Dependency Field is designed to streamlining task management by keeping track of things that must come before or after the task, process or other work item. The "Predecessor" function flags tasks that need to be completed before the current task can start, ensuring a logical order of actions. In the other direction, the "Successor" function highlights tasks blocked by the current one. These tasks are next but can't begin until the current task is done.
Plan Availability | All plan types |
Permissions | Workspace Admins and Solution Managers: Can create, modify, delete, and manage Depedency fields in their solutions. |
Related Reading |
What Is the Dependency Field?
The Dependency Field simplifies workflow coordination by tracking tasks that must precede or follow others. It supports:
Predecessors: Tasks that need to be completed before the current task can start.
Successors: Tasks that depend on the completion of the current task.
This ensures tasks are executed in the proper sequence, enhancing project flow and efficiency.
Note. You can only add a single Dependency field per Table.
Adding a Dependency Field
From Grid View
Open your table in Grid View.
Click the + menu icon after the last column header or access the Column Menu by clicking on a column header's dropdown icon and selecting "Add Field to the Right."
Select "Dependency" and configure the field in the settings window.
From Record View
Open a record in Record View.
Click the + icon next to an existing field to add a Dependency field below it.
Configure the field in the modal that appears.
When to Use Dependencies
The Dependency Field is useful in scenarios where task sequencing is crucial. Example use cases include:
Project Planning: Ensure tasks are completed in the correct sequence.
Product Development: Manage dependencies between features, testing, and deployment.
Event Coordination: Plan tasks like catering and setup to meet deadlines.
Software Development: Avoid integration issues by tracking coding, testing, and deployment dependencies.
Marketing Campaigns: Coordinate content creation, design, and promotions seamlessly.
Dependency Modes
The Dependency Field links to a Due Date Field which will then link to the Status Field and Assigned To Field, enabling start and end dates for Gantt charts. Key settings include:
Auto-Scheduling: Enable live scheduling based on dependencies.
Scheduling Direction: Choose between start date forward or end date backward.
Dependency Mode: Select Standard Mode for simplicity or Advanced Mode for customization.
Modes Overview
Mode | Features |
Standard | Simple Finish-to-Start relationships for straightforward task sequencing. |
Advanced | Supports additional dependency types (e.g., Start-to-Finish, Start-to-Start, Finish-to-Finish) with lead/lag adjustments. |
Dependency Types
Type | Description |
Finish-to-Start | Task B starts only after Task A finishes. |
Start-to-Finish | Task A cannot finish until Task B starts. |
Start-to-Start | Task B starts when Task A starts. |
Finish-to-Finish | Task B finishes only when Task A finishes. |
Lead and Lag Time
Lag: Adds a delay before the successor task starts. For example, a 3-day lag means Task B starts 3 days after Task A finishes.
Lead: Allows overlap between tasks. For example, a -2 day lead means Task B starts 2 days before Task A finishes.
These tools enable:
Overlapping tasks to compress project timelines.
Adding buffer time for unforeseen delays.
Field Properties
Configuration Options
Dependency Field: Links tasks to a due date.
Mode Selection: Choose Standard or Advanced mode (Advanced mode is available for Professional and Enterprise plans).
Note: Dependency fields cannot be converted into other field types.
Using Dependencies
Adding Dependencies
Add dependencies in the field interface by selecting tasks as predecessors or successors.
Use filters to locate tasks by:
Assignee
Status
Removing Dependencies
Use the three-dot menu to the right of a dependent task to remove the dependency.
Visual Indicators
Dependency fields use color coding for quick task status identification:
Green: Task complete.
Yellow: Task in progress.
Red: Blocking tasks in progress.
Using Dependencies in the View Toolbar
The Dependency field integrates with the View Toolbar, allowing you to organize and filter information effectively.
Filter
Dependencies function like Linked Record fields in filters. You can:
Select specific records linked to dependencies.
Use free-form text to match patterns in associated records' titles.
Apply "is empty" or "is not empty" filters to show tasks with or without dependencies.
Group
Group records by Dependency Field to visualize relationships between tasks.
Records with a dependency relationship are grouped together, showing tasks they are related to.
Dependent tasks may appear in multiple groups if they relate to more than one record.
Note: Dependency fields cannot be sorted directly. Instead, use fields like start date, due date, or project status for sorting.
Dependencies are also not available in the Spotlight control. Try spotlighting records by status, due date or similar fields to highlight your project status.
Advanced Dependencies
When Advanced Mode is enabled, users can configure:
Dependency Type: Specify task relationships (e.g., Finish-to-Start).
Lead/Lag: Adjust time intervals between tasks for precise scheduling.
Displaying Dependencies in SmartSuite Views
The Dependency field type does more than just provide context for Gantt Views - it can be used in a variety of View types to provide an overview of task dependency count, while also providing quick access to a list of dependent tasks. Let's take a look at the SmartSuite Views that can display Dependency field information.
Grid View
SmartSuite's Grid View is perfect to provide compact, interactive access to all of your project and task information. When a Dependency field is added to your Table you can choose to display it in a compact format embedded right within the grid.
When added to Fields to Display, you will see the predecessor and successor count for each record displayed in two pills:
Clicking any of the pills will display the tasks the individual record is waiting on or blocking, depending on the pill you choose.
Note: The Dependency Field’s Predecessor and Successor information can now be displayed independently in Grid, allowing you to edit and interact with them in the same way you would a Linked Record.
Kanban View
With the Kanban View, you can instantly visualize the progress of your project or process. Now you can add dependency information to the displayed cards to provide quick access to predecessor and successor tasks.
Just like in Grid view, clicking on the dependency pills will show you predecessor and successor records, and allow you to make adjustments to them.
Gantt View
The Gantt View allows you to visualize task workflows using the Dependency field. It helps track which tasks need to be completed before others can begin, making it easier to manage project timelines.
By using the Gantt View, project managers and teams can ensure a smooth workflow, prevent delays, and keep projects on track efficiently.
Practical Scenarios and Use Cases
Complex Project Management
Scenario: A construction project requires careful coordination of dependencies.
Solution: Use the Dependency Field to track the sequence of tasks like foundation work, framing, and inspections.
Agile Software Development
Scenario: An agile team tracks sprints with interdependent stories.
Solution: Dependency Fields ensure that tasks like code completion and QA testing follow the correct order.
Marketing Campaign Coordination
Scenario: Launching a campaign involves sequential tasks like content creation, design, and promotions.
Solution: Use the Dependency Field to align schedules and prevent bottlenecks.
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