Understanding Dependency Types
Buildern supports four dependency types in the Gantt Chart:
1. Finish-to-Start (FS) - The most common dependency type.
The successor task starts only after the predecessor task is completed.
Example:
Framing must finish before drywall installation begins.
2. Finish-to-Finish (FF) - The successor task cannot finish until the predecessor task finishes.
Example:
Final inspection cannot finish before construction work is completed.
3.Start-to-Start (SS) - The successor task starts once the predecessor task starts.
Example:
Site supervision begins when construction work begins.
4.Start-to-Finish (SF) - The successor task cannot finish until the predecessor task starts.
This is less commonly used in construction scheduling.
How to Add Dependencies When Creating or Editing a Task
You can define dependencies directly from the task creation or editing panel.
Step 1: Open the Gantt Chart
Navigate to your project.
Go to the Schedule module.
Select the Gantt Chart view.
The arrows between tasks represent existing dependencies.
Step 2: Configure Dependencies
In the Dependencies section:
Select the predecessor task.
Choose the dependency type (FS, FF, SS, SF).
Set the lag (if needed).
How to Edit or Remove an Existing Dependency
To modify a dependency:
Open the task in edit mode.
Go to the Dependencies section.
Update the dependency type or lag.
Remove the dependency if it is no longer required.
You can also delete a dependency directly from the Gantt Chart by removing the connection line between tasks.
Understanding Lag in Practice
Lag defines the delay (or overlap) between tasks.
Positive lag (+3 days) → The successor starts 3 days after the dependency condition is met.
Negative lag (-3 days) → The successor starts 3 days before the dependency condition is met (overlapping tasks).
Example:
If you create a Finish-to-Start dependency with a lag of +3 days:
Task B starts 3 days after Task A finishes. q
If you set lag to -3 days:
Task B starts 3 days before Task A finishes.
ℹ️ Note:If a task has dependencies, its start or end date is automatically calculated based on the dependency type.
If the predecessor task changes, the successor task will automatically adjust.
Adding Dependencies Using Drag-and-Drop (Moving Feature)
Buildern’s Gantt Chart allows you to create dependencies visually without opening the edit panel.
Step 1: Hover Over a Task
Move your cursor over a task bar in the Gantt Chart. Two connection points (dots) will appear:
One at the start
One at the end
Step 2: Create the Connection
Click and hold the start or end dot.
Drag it to another task.
Release the mouse to create the dependency.
The system will automatically create the appropriate relationship based on where you connect the tasks.
Step 3: Adjust Lag Visually
After linking tasks, you can:
Drag the successor task forward or backward on the timeline
This visually adjusts the lag between tasks
Simply release the mouse when the timing is correct.
💡 Tip: Dependencies directly affect the project’s critical path.
Incorrect or unnecessary dependencies may create artificial delays or hide scheduling risks.Review dependencies carefully to ensure your schedule reflects real workflow logic.
Up next, we’ll show you how to take your project management even further.
Happy Building!