🔍 What Is a Planned Start Date?
The Planned Start Date is the date an activity is currently scheduled to begin, based on the logic of the schedule. It is not manually entered—Planera calculates it using the Critical Path Method (CPM), taking into account:
Predecessor and successor logic
Activity durations
Applied constraints
These dates show what should happen, assuming the schedule logic is followed as defined.
⚙️ How Is It Calculated?
The Planned Start Date is recalculated every time you click the “Schedule” button. Planera evaluates:
Dependencies (predecessors, successors)
Durations of activities
Constraints (see below)
🎯 Constraints Supported in Planera
You can guide or influence the CPM engine using two types of constraints:
Start On – forces an activity to begin on a specific date
As Late As Possible (ALAP) – pushes an activity to occur as late as the schedule allows without affecting successors
Constraints give you more control when logic alone isn’t enough, but use them sparingly to preserve schedule flexibility.
✋ Can You Manually Edit Planned Start?
No—Planned Start is not directly editable because it’s logic-driven. However, you can influence it through several methods:
✅ Ways to Adjust a Planned Start Date:
Adjust Logic: Change dependencies or reorder tasks
Add a Lag: Introduce a delay between a predecessor and its successor
Insert a Delay Activity: Model real-world delays explicitly
Apply a “Start On” Constraint: Fix the activity’s start date when necessary
🛠 Tip: After making changes, always run “Schedule” to update the plan.
📘 Best Practices
Use constraints thoughtfully; excessive use may hide delays or reduce schedule flexibility
If an activity’s Planned Start falls before your current Data Date and it hasn't started:
Enter an Actual Start, or
Adjust logic or apply a constraint to shift it forward
🧠 Summary Table
Date Type | Editable? | Driven By | Primary Use |
Planned Start/Finish | ❌ | Logic, durations, + constraints | Baseline planning |
Expected Finish | ✅ | Data Date + Remaining Duration OR Direct Entry of Expected Finish | Forecasting in-progress activities |
Actual Start/Finish | ✅ | Manual entry or field reporting | Historical record & reporting |