Finish-to-Start (FS)

Finish-to-Start is the most widely used relationship in CPM scheduling because it represents a straightforward, linear flow of work. In an FS relationship, the successor activity is not allowed to begin until the predecessor has fully finished. This maintains clean, sequential handoffs and ensures that dependent tasks occur in the correct order without overlap.

FS links are essential when one task provides a deliverable, condition, or physical prerequisite for the next. They help keep the schedule stable, predictable, and easier to monitor during updates.

Example:
Foundation pouring (predecessor) must be completed, and cured to the required level, before framing walls (successor) can begin.