Understanding Free and Total Slack

    Free Slack, also called float, is the amount of time a task can slip before it bumps into another task. It’s automatically calculated into your project when you schedule tasks, and you can use it as buffer time if needed when your schedule is at risk of being delayed.

     

    By default and by definition, a task with zero (0) free slack is considered a critical task. If a critical task is delayed, the project finish date is also delayed.

     

    Inspire Planner automatically calculates both Free Slack and Total Slack. Free Slack is the number of days a task can be delayed before it impacts its successor task(s). If the task does not have a successor, then it is calculated as the number of days it can be delayed before it impacts the Project Finish Date. 

     

    Total Slack is the number of days a task can be delayed before it impacts the Project Finish Date.

     

    Please note: 

    The Project Scheduling Mode must be set to "Automatic" for Free and Total Slack to calculate correctly.

     

    Both Free and Total Slack columns are hidden by default in the Inspire Project UI. To add them add them to the Project UI, follow the steps outlined below:

     

    1. Hover over any of the column headings and click on the dropdown arrow.


       
    2. Go to Columns. Then scroll through the list of fields until you locate Free Slack and Total Slack. Place a check mark beside Free Slack and Total Slack to add them to the Project UI.

      If you do not see Free Slack and/or Total Slack within the list of available fields, you will need to set the field-level security. Please visit Set Field-Level Security for Free Slack & Total Slack.


    Tags

    Project Task ListProject PlanSlack and Constraints

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