Set constraints | InLoox 9 for Outlook


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When you set constraints in a project plan, you essentially set time restrictions. Constraints put project phases within a specific time frame and can be set for milestones, activities and summary activities. Constraints on planning elements limit the flexibility of the project plan: the project planner or project manager cannot move planning elements along the timeline freely but need to plan within the timely constraints. Learn more about constraints here.

Before you set constraints, you should have established dependencies between your planning elements.

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Set constraints on activities and summary activities


After you have created planning elements and established dependencies automatically or manually, follow these steps:

  1. Double-click the planning element you want to edit or click on the planning element once and then on Edit in the Ribbon. 

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Now you can edit the planning element in the side panel on the right.

  1. In the section Time Frame you have the field Constraint where you can now set the restriction for this planning element.
  2. Select the type of constraint you want to set (e.g. Start on a certain date) and select the date and time in the calendar. The different types of constraints are explained here.

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Set constraints on milestones


In contrast to activities, milestones do not have a duration; nevertheless, you can constrain a milestone’s start or end date and/or time. This is done the same way as with activities. 

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Overview: Types of constraints


You can set different kinds of constraints on planning activities.

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HINWEIS Constraints on single planning elements influence the whole project plan. It may be that you are not able to move planning elements freely along the timeline, due to constraints set on planning elements. If this is the case, InLoox alerts you to possible constraint violations with the symbol “constraint violation” InLoox planning in the planning list next to those planning elements that are affected.

TIPP For better overview, it is advisable to show the field Constraint and/or the field with the symbol InLoox Planning in the planning list. 

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Remove constraint


You can remove constraints by either: 

Clicking on the undo-symbol InLoox Planung in the tool bar, if you want to remove the constraint you have just created.

Or:

By clicking on the planning element the constraint of which you want to remove and then clicking on Remove Constraint in the ribbon in the tab Edit. Alternatively, you can also use the short cut CTRL+ALT+R. 

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