Overview
Phase Dependencies allows you to define relationships between project phases so that CORE automatically maintains your project schedule. Instead of manually updating the dates of individual phases when a project timeline changes, you can configure dependencies between phases and let CORE calculate the schedule for you.
When Phase Dependencies is enabled, CORE calculates phase start dates based on the Project Kickoff Date, dependency type, and lag between phases. If the project kickoff date or a predecessor phase changes, CORE automatically updates the dates of all dependent phases. This helps keep project schedules synchronized while reducing manual updates.
Phase Dependencies is available for Main projects only. You can configure dependencies from the Manage Project Duration screen on the Structure tab (Projects > Project Center > Structure > More > Manage Project Duration). Project templates support the same dependency configuration directly on the Structure tab.
Note: Projects that contain Standard phases with child phases are not supported. In such cases, CORE displays an unsupported phase hierarchy warning. See Project Phase Hierarchy for more details.
How To
Field Descriptions
| Field Name | Field Description |
| Manage Project Duration > | |
| Phase Dependencies | Allows you to either enable or disable the automatic scheduling of tasks or activities within a project, depending on the dependencies that exist between different phases of the project. When enabled, CORE automatically adjusts the schedule to reflect changes in one phase that impact subsequent phases, ensuring that the timeline remains accurate and up-to-date. This functionality is particularly useful for managing complex projects where the timing of each phase is closely linked to the completion of previous phases, helping to maintain an organized and efficient workflow. |
| Project Kickoff Date | Specifies the start date of the project, which CORE utilizes as the reference point to calculate and organize the schedule for all phases that depend on it. By establishing this initial date, CORE can accurately determine the timing and sequence of subsequent phases, ensuring that each dependent phase is scheduled appropriately in relation to the project's commencement. This helps in maintaining a coherent and logical timeline throughout the project's lifecycle. |
| Project/Phase | Displays the project hierarchy, including parent projects, phase groups, and individual phases. |
| Dependent On | Specifies the project kickoff date or predecessor phase that the selected phase depends on. |
| Dependency Type | Specifies how the selected phase is related to its dependency. Available options are Start to Start and Finish to Start. |
| Lag | Specifies the number of calendar days to wait after the dependency condition is met before the dependent phase begins. |
| Duration | Displays the number of calendar days between the Start Date and Due Date. When Phase Dependencies is disabled, updating either date automatically recalculates the duration. |
| Start Date | Displays the scheduled start date of the phase. When a dependency is assigned, CORE calculates this date automatically, and it cannot be edited directly. |
| Due Date | Displays the scheduled completion date of the phase. You can modify this date before applying the changes. |
| Review Changes | Opens the Review Changes screen, where you can review the calculated schedule before applying the changes. |
| Review Changes > | |
| Before | Displays the current date range for each phase whose schedule will change. |
| After | Displays the calculated date range after the dependency changes are applied. |
| Change | Displays the number of calendar days by which the phase schedule changes. Positive values indicate the schedule moves later, while negative values indicate it moves earlier. |
| Back | Returns to the Manage Project Duration screen without discarding the current changes. |
| Apply Changes | Applies the calculated schedule changes and updates the project dates. |
| Cancel | Closes the screen without saving any changes made during the current session. |
Manage Phase Dependencies
Use the Manage Project Duration screen to configure dependencies between project phases and automatically maintain the project schedule.
To manage phase dependencies:
- Open the Projects screen from the side menu > Projects.
- In the list view, click
on a parent project row and select View Details.
- In the Project Center view, go to the Structure tab.
- Click More > Manage Project Duration
- In the Project Duration Management screen, enable Phase Dependencies.
- Specify the Project Kickoff Date, if needed.
- For each phase, specify the dependency information. Check Field Descriptions below for details.
- Dependent On
- Dependency Type
- Lag
- Click Review Changes. Changes are not saved until you click Apply Changes. Clicking Cancel or closing the screen discards all unsaved changes.
Note: When a dependency is assigned, CORE automatically calculates the Start Date for that phase. Phases without dependencies continue to allow manual editing of the Start Date and Due Date.
While Phase Dependencies is enabled, you cannot edit the Start Date or Due Date directly from the Structure tab, the Details screen (Projects > Project Center > Settings > Details), or the Project Planner. To modify scheduled dates, use the Manage Project Duration screen.
Review and Apply Changes
Use the Review Changes screen to review the calculated schedule before updating the project.
To review and apply changes:
- In the Project Center view, go to the Structure tab.
- Click More > Manage Project Duration
- In the Project Duration Management screen, enable Phase Dependencies.
- After configuring the phase dependencies, click Review Changes.
- Review the phases whose dates will change.
- Compare the values in the Before, After, and Change columns.
- If additional changes are required, click Back to return to the previous screen.
- Click Apply Changes.
After you apply the changes, CORE updates the phase dates on the Structure tab.