Task Constraints
- Mariia Korolishyna
What Are Constraints?
Constraints in Gantt charts are used to define specific conditions or limitations for tasks. These conditions specify when tasks can start or finish based on certain rules, ensuring that scheduling adheres to project requirements.
Supported constraint types include:
SNET (Start No Earlier Than): The task cannot start before the specified date.
SNLT (Start No Later Than): The task must start by the specified date.
FNET (Finish No Earlier Than): The task cannot finish before the specified date.
FNLT (Finish No Later Than): The task must finish by the specified date.
MSO (Must Start On): The task must start on the specified date.
MFO (Must Finish On): The task must finish on the specified date.
How to Enable Constraints
Before using constraints in your Gantt chart, the chart manager must configure the chart to allow constraints. This setup is done in the chart configuration, Chart settings tab:
Select a Constraint Type Field where the app will store the type of constraint (e.g., SNET, SNLT).
Select a Constraint Date Field where the app will store the constraint date.
You can choose either:
A Jira Field: This allows constraints to be visible directly in Jira issue details.
Issue Property: This is specific to the Gantt Suite app and does not appear in Jira issue details. Use this option if you prefer constraints to remain exclusive to the app.
Note: Choosing "Issue Property" means that constraint data will only be accessible within the Gantt Suite app and not on the Jira issue details page. This decision should be made carefully based on your project needs.
 Constraints are configured based on Issue property
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 Constraints are configured based on custom Jira fields
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How to Use Constraints
Once constraints are enabled, users can view, set, and manage constraints using the following methods:
Viewing Constraints
Constraints can be displayed or hidden on the chart:
Refer to the toolbar at the top of the chart.
Select the "Constraints" option from the "Show" menu.
If enabled, constraints will be displayed as yellow icons on the chart alongside their respective tasks.
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Setting Constraints
Constraints can be added or modified in two ways:
Using the Table Columns:
Add the Constraint Type and Constraint Date columns to the table on the left side of the chart.
Inline edit these columns directly to set or update constraints for a task.
 Inline editing constraint type
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 Inline editing constraint date
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 Constraint is set and shown in Timeline
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Using the Context Menu:
Right-click on a task in the Gantt chart to open the context menu.
Select the "Task Constraint" option.
Choose either “Add constraint“ or “Edit constraint“ depending on your needs.
Define or modify the constraint type and date for the selected task.
 Adding task constraint from context menu
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 Selecting constraint type and constraint date
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 Constraint is set and shown in Timeline
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Adjustments Based on Constraints
If a task has a constraint and the task date is changed, the task will automatically adjust to align with the constraint.
A SNET constraint is automatically added in the following cases:
When a user moves a task that has dependencies.
When the parent of a task has dependencies.
Removing constraint
For a given task, a constraint can be removed in two different ways:
Clearing Constraint type and Constraint date column values.
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Right-click the task and select the options Task constraint > Remove constraint from the context menu.
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