If the Critical filter really does show the Critical Path, this simple date constraint assignment to Task 4 should not change what we see when we apply the Critical filter. After all, the path that includes Task 1, Task 2, Task 3, and Task 4 is still the longest path through the schedule with the least amount of total slack. This is one day later than originally scheduled, as shown below. Many people believe that what we saw above means that Microsoft Project shows the Critical Path. What if we take the same schedule and apply a Start no Earlier Than date constraint to Task 4 that changes the forecasted start date of Task 4 from to. Once the Critical filter is applied, we see Task 1, Task 2, Task 3, and Task 4 in the resulting view in Microsoft Project. Is Microsoft Project really showing me the Critical Path? The Misconception If you said that the Critical Path includes Task 1, Task 2, Task 3, and Task 4, you are correct. This is the path with the longest duration and the least amount of total slack. And now let’s apply the Critical filter to see what happens… Take a look at the below sample schedule. The Critical filter shows Critical Tasks, not the Critical Path. What’s the difference? Let’s take a deeper look at this… Is This Really the Critical Path?
The Misconception about Microsoft Project and the Critical PathĪs important as the Critical Path is, it never ceases to amaze me how many people believe that Microsoft Project can show the Critical Path. Many people were incorrectly taught that Microsoft Project can show the Critical Path by simply applying the Critical filter to the schedule. We do this to prevent the project completion date from being delayed.īecause the Critical Path is the longest path though the schedule with the least amount of total slack, a delay of a task on the Critical Path typically translates to a delay in the project completion date. By actively managing the Critical Path, Project managers can increases the chances of the project finishing on time. This is the path of tasks that is typically driving the project completion date. As such, project managers should actively manage tasks on the Critical Path by ensuring these tasks start and finish on time. We will see that situation in our examples coming up. The Critical Path is a critical component of the project. And these are Critical Tasks. Many Microsoft Project instructors incorrectly teach that Microsoft Project can show the Critical Path. And today, we are going to fix this common misconception… The Critical Path Definedīy definition, the Critical Path is the longest path through the project schedule with the least amount of total slack. Notice that I did not say that the Critical Path is the path with 0 days total slack. Most real world projects actually have a Critical Path that has more than 0 days of total slack. Microsoft Project does not show the Critical Path. Instead of the Critical Path, I am going to introduce you to what Microsoft Project does show you.
In this tutorial, we are going to dive into a technical discussion about Microsoft Project and the Critical Path. In doing so, I am going to teach you that Microsoft Project does not show the Critical Path.