Constraint Type (task field)

Data Type    Enumerated

Entry Type    Entered

Description    The Constraint Type field provides choices for the type of constraint you can apply for scheduling a task. The options are:

• As Late As Possible (default in a project scheduled from the finish date)

• As Soon As Possible (default in a project scheduled from the start date)

• Finish No Earlier Than

• Finish No Later Than

• Must Start On

• Must Finish On

• Start No Earlier Than

• Start No Later Than

Best Uses    Add the Constraint Type field to a task view when you want to view, filter, or edit the type of constraints set for tasks. Date constraints increase the complexity of your schedule and reduce the flexibility of scheduling options. Because of this, use a date constraint only if starting or finishing a task by a specific time is important to the completion of the task or the outcome of the project.

Example    You are reviewing the dates in your schedule and making adjustments. To more closely examine why certain tasks are scheduled as they are, you add the Constraint Type field to the Task Sheet view to review and change the constraint types as needed.

Remarks    All the constraints except As Soon As Possible and As Late As Possible require a date, which you enter in the Constraint Date field when scheduling a task. If you enter a date in the Start field, Microsoft Office Project assigns the Start No Earlier Than constraint, and enters your date in the Constraint Date field. If you enter a date in the Finish field, Microsoft Office Project assigns the Finish No Later Than constraint, and enters your date in the Constraint Date field.

If you want to note a deadline date without setting a constraint, you can use the Deadline field. Setting a deadline does not affect how tasks are scheduled. However, if the task's finish date is scheduled for later than the deadline date, an indicator (red diamond with an exclamation point) appears in the indicators column. You can set a deadline with the Deadline field on the Advanced tab in the Task Information dialog box.