Unique Configuration
Allowed Negative Lag - set the maximum amount of lag days until a lag duration is flagged
Negative lag in CPM scheduling is generally discouraged because it can introduce confusion, distort the critical path, and compromise the integrity of project planning and management. It's important to use positive lag (which represents a delay between activities) and carefully define logical dependencies in project schedules to ensure accurate, transparent, and effective project management.
- Ambiguity and Confusion - It's often not clear whether a negative lag represents a lead time or some other form of schedule manipulation.
- Risk of Acceleration - Used to artificially compress the schedule by indicating that a successor activity can start before its predecessor has finished.
- Loss of Dependency Logic - Disrupt logic by allowing activities to overlap in a way that may not reflect the true nature of the project.
- Inaccurate Critical Path Determination
- Reduced Accountability in finishing predecessors - If one activity is allowed to start before its predecessor is complete, it can be challenging to determine responsibility for delays or issues that may arise.
- Poor Risk Management - By allowing activities to overlap prematurely, it may hide dependencies that could cause problems if not managed properly.