Getting Started: Dependencies Overview

This article is designed to help you understand how our system handles dependencies, ensuring that your projects are well-managed, timelines are accurate, and resources are efficiently allocated.

Overview of dependency management

Importance of Dependency Management

Dependencies dictate the order in which tasks must be completed, ensuring a smooth workflow and preventing delays.

Dependency management is crucial for successful project management. Without it, it’s very difficult to effectively estimate project timelines or manage changes.

Types of Dependencies

Our software manages four key types of dependencies, each with a specific pattern and purpose:

  • Finish to Start (FS): Task B cannot start until Task A is finished.
  • Finish to Finish (FF): Task B cannot finish until Task A is also finished.
  • Start to Start (SS): Task B cannot start until Task A has started.
  • Start to Finish (SF): Task B cannot finish until Task A has started.

Managing Dependencies Across Project Artifacts

Cross-Artifact Dependencies

Proceve’s software allows dependencies to exist between any set of project artifacts, whether it’s a diagram, requirement, task, test, or issue. For example:

  • Task A, which is to implement Requirement B, cannot begin until Requirement B is fully defined. This would be considered Finish to Start (FS).

A test case cannot be written until the related requirement is defined, and a test cannot be executed until the implementation task is completed

Example of Dependency Management in a Project

Consider a project with several tasks and requirements. Here’s how dependency management works within our software:

  • Task A (Implement Requirement B): Dependent on the completion of Requirement B.
  • Test Case C for Requirement B: Cannot be written until Requirement B is defined.
  • Execute Test C: Dependent on the completion of the test case C and task A that implements Requirement B.

Impact of Dependency Management on Project Timelines

Automatic Rescheduling
Our software automatically reschedules tasks when dependencies shift, or an artifact gets delayed.

For example, if Requirement B is delayed, the system adjusts the timeline for all dependent tasks, ensuring that your project timeline remains accurate, and effective.

Accurate Estimation
By managing dependencies, our software helps you provide more accurate project estimates, minimizing the risk of delays and issues.