Task Dependencies

This guide explains how to manage task dependencies in Elairo, helping you visualize and organize how tasks relate to one another. Understanding and setting up task dependencies ensures that your team works efficiently, avoids bottlenecks, and completes projects in the correct sequence.

Understanding Task Dependencies

Task dependencies define relationships between tasks, indicating that one task cannot start or finish until another related task has reached a certain stage. Elairo offers two primary types of dependencies:

• Blocking (Finish-to-Start): This is the most common type. A blocking dependency means that a dependent task cannot start until its predecessor task is completed. This is crucial for maintaining project sequence and preventing work from beginning prematurely.

• Non-Blocking (Start-to-Start): A non-blocking dependency means that a dependent task cannot start until its predecessor task has also started. This is useful for parallel activities that need to kick off around the same time but don't strictly require the predecessor to be finished.

Why Use Task Dependencies?

• Improved Planning: Clearly visualize the order of operations for complex projects.

• Bottleneck Prevention: Identify potential delays in advance by seeing which tasks are blocked.

• Streamlined Handoffs: Ensure team members know when their work can begin.

• Accurate Project Timelines: Better estimate completion dates based on task sequence.

Setting Up Task Dependencies

You can set up dependencies when creating or editing tasks.

Adding a Dependency to a New Task

1. Navigate to the Task Board Overview or a specific project's task list.

2. Click the "+ Add Task" button or similar option to create a new task.

3. Fill in the task details (title, assignee, due date, etc.).

4. In the task details panel, locate the "Dependencies" section.

5. Click "Add Dependency."

6. A search bar will appear. Type the name of the task you want to set as a predecessor. Elairo will suggest matching tasks.

7. Select the predecessor task from the suggestions.

8. Choose the dependency type:

   • "Is blocked by" (Default): This means the current task cannot start until the selected predecessor task is completed. This creates a blocking (Finish-to-Start) dependency.

   • "Cannot start until" (Optional, check advanced options): This means the current task cannot start until the selected predecessor task has started. This creates a non-blocking (Start-to-Start) dependency.

9. Click "Save" or "Apply" to add the dependency.

10. Continue filling out the task details and then save the new task.

Editing Dependencies for an Existing Task

1. Open the task details panel for the task you wish to modify. You can do this by clicking on the task from the Task Board Overview or any task list.

2. Scroll down to the "Dependencies" section.

3. To add a new dependency: Click "Add Dependency" and follow steps 6-9 from the "Adding a Dependency to a New Task" section above.

4. To remove an existing dependency: Hover over the dependency in the list and click the "X" icon that appears.

5. To change a dependency type (e.g., from blocking to non-blocking): Click on the existing dependency. A dropdown will appear allowing you to select a different type. Note: Not all dependency types might be editable after creation; some might require removal and re-addition.

6. Click "Save Changes" at the bottom of the task details panel.

Understanding Dependency Chains

A dependency chain occurs when multiple tasks are linked sequentially. For example:

• Task A → Task B → Task C

  • Task B cannot start until Task A is completed.

  • Task C cannot start until Task B is completed.

Elairo helps you visualize these chains. When you view a task with dependencies, you'll see both its predecessors (tasks that block it) and its successors (tasks that it blocks).

Visualizing Dependencies

• Task List View: Tasks with dependencies often display an icon (e.g., a small chain link) next to their name. Hovering over this icon or opening the task details will reveal the specific dependencies.

• Task Details Panel: As described above, the "Dependencies" section clearly lists all linked tasks and their relationship type.

Tips for Best Usage

• Start with Blocking Dependencies: For most workflows, Finish-to-Start (blocking) dependencies are the most common and easiest to manage initially. Introduce Start-to-Start (non-blocking) dependencies for more advanced parallel workflows.

• Keep Chains Manageable: While dependency chains are powerful, overly long or complex chains can be hard to track. Break down large projects into smaller, more manageable tasks and sub-projects where possible.

• Regularly Review: As project plans evolve, so might your task dependencies. Regularly review and update dependencies to reflect the current state of your project.

• Communicate with Your Team: Ensure all team members understand how dependencies affect their work. If a task they are waiting on is delayed, they need to be aware.

• Integrate with Sprints: When working with Sprints & Backlogs, ensure that dependent tasks are planned for the appropriate sprints to avoid delays. If Task A is in Sprint 1 and Task B (dependent on A) is in Sprint 2, this is generally a good setup. If both are in the same sprint, monitor closely.

By effectively utilizing Elairo's task dependency features, you can bring clarity and structure to your projects, enabling your team to execute more efficiently and deliver on time.