Scheduling constraints are limitations that control the start and end dates of tasks or activities in a project schedule.
Project managers must accommodate these constraints when developing project schedules. These constraints influence the project’s critical path.
A date constraint requires a task or project phase start or end on a specific date.
Here are a few examples:
Fixed Start or End Dates – a task must start or end on a specific date
Start No Earlier Than – a task must start after a specific date
Finish No Later Than – A task must finish before a specific date
Start or Finish On This Date – A task must start or finish on a specific date
Activity duration – a task must be completed within a specific time period
Task Order – task must be completed in a specific order
Lag Variables – pauses or delays between tasks
Here are a few additional constraints that may impact scheduling:
Key Resource Availability – a task requires a specific resource or skill set
Shifts – may limit resource availability or hours worked
Staff Availability – personal time off such as vacations, holidays, or sick