Task predecessors for easier timeline adjustments

I frequently have to adjust timelines/task due dates and it can take a lot of time if it’s a large project. I currently use Smartsheet to build out timelines with predecessors so it will at least tell me what dates to enter, but I still have to do it manually. With built-in predecessors if one date shifted, the entire timeline could shift. You could also include critical path dates or hard deadlines that lock/don’t shift.

Something you can do to move every task back a number of days is:

  1. Sort the project by due date.
  2. Click the top task in the project, hold shift, then click the bottom task.
  3. With all these tasks selected, use the shortcut: Command (Mac) or Ctrl (PC) + up/down arrow to adjust all the due dates by one day.
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My thought process is as follows:

  1. I remember something to do.
  2. I remember something that needs to be done before I can do 1.
  3. The process to create a preceding task to 2 is tedious.
  4. I get a phone call.
  5. I forgot where I was in my work flow.
  6. Task get forgotten.

Therefore, the functionality to create a new task that is a predecessor to the current task would be very very useful.

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