Definition

There are different types of dates in the Project System. In order to distinguish between planning and execution in all p h a ses of a project, it is necessary to clearly define different types of dates.

Use

The following types of dates are av ailab le in the Project System:

Basic and Forecast Dates

Basic dates are the dates that have a binding character for time scheduling and for other related areas such as capacity planning.

Forecast dates are dates that you expect ba sed on more detailed planning or on changes during the course of the project. Forecast dates have no influence on reservations, purchase requisitions, or current capacity requirements.

You can enter basic and forecast dates for WBS elements and activities. In networks, you can also forecast values for the work as well as for the dates.

You are free to decide which type of date you use for planning and scheduling. You can schedule a network using the forecast dates, for example, or you can copy the forecast dates into the basic dates in the WBS or activity and then use them as the basis for further planning.

Actual dates:

Actual dates provide you with information on the state of the project. You enter them manually in the WBS elements or the system calculates them using confirmation data.

Scheduled Dates

Scheduled dates are the start and finish dates of activities calculated by the system in scheduling. For WBS elements the scheduled dates are determined from the scheduled dates of the activities that are assigned to the WBS element.

Earliest and Latest Dates

Earliest and latest dates are calculated in network scheduling and tell you the earliest or latest data that an activity must start or finish on.

Constraints

Time constraints prescribe the start and/or finish dates of the activity. When you schedule a network, the system takes the constraints on the start and finish dates and times that you specified into account.

In the graphic you can see which types of dates are supported by which project object.