How to Assign Constraints in Primavera P6 – Project Management Software

by Eastwood Harris | May 24, 2013 | Primavera P6 Version 8.2

Assigning Constraints in Primavera P6 Version 8.2

When setting constraints sometimes the constraint time will not be set at the start or finish of the activity calendar but set at 00:00 or some other irrelevant time. Therefore when setting constraints you should always display the time by selecting Edit, User Preferences …, Dates tab to ensure the constraint time is compatible with the activity calendar.

Number of Constraints per Activity

Two constraints are permitted against each activity. They are titled Primary and Secondary Constraint. After the Primary has been set, a Secondary may be set only when the combination is logical and therefore a reduced list of constraints is available from the Secondary Constraint list after the Primary has been set.

Setting a Primary Constraint Using the Activity Details Form

To assign a constraint using the Activity Details form:

• Select the activity requiring a constraint,
• Open the Status tab on the Activity Details form,
• Select the Primary Constraint type from the Date drop down list to the right of Primary:

Setting a Secondary Constraint Using the Activity Details Form

To assign a constraint using the Activity Details form:

• Select the activity requiring a constraint,
• Open the Status tab on the Activity Details form,
• Select the Secondary Constraint type from the Date drop down list to the right of Secondary:

The picture above shows that after a Primary Start On or After constraint is set there are only two Secondary Constraints available. After a constraint is set the date will have an asterisk “*” next to it.

• Start Constraints will have the “*” next to the Start Date, and
• Finish Constraints will have the “*” next to the Finish Date.
• Unlike P3 and SureTrak one does not have to display the Late Dates to see a Late Constraint “*”.

Expected Finish Constraint

This constraint is set in the dates Status area above the Constraints area and will only work if the Tools, Schedule…, , Use Expected Finish dates check box is checked.

Paul Harris writes training manuals for MS Project and Primavera P6 and Delivers Project Management Training Courses Throughout Australia and the world.  His books are available on Amazon and Kindle.