SmartSuite for Project Management? You NEED to use this feature...

Executive overview

Most project management tools treat dependencies as a binary — task A must finish before task B starts. SmartSuite's dependency field goes several layers deeper, with auto-scheduling, four dependency subtypes, lag time, and critical path built in.

Add the dependency field to any solution, define predecessor/successor relationships, and SmartSuite will automatically cascade schedule changes when tasks slip or accelerate.

The core insight: SmartSuite's dependency field is the only no-code PM tool that combines auto-scheduling, four dependency modes, and critical path into a single field.

Setting up the dependency field

• Add a new field to any solution and select the dependency field type
• Once added, each record shows predecessors and successors as separate sections
• Link any task to its predecessor by selecting it from the record's dependency field
• The field works in all views — Kanban, calendar, grid — not just Gantt

Gantt view and visual dependencies

• Create a Gantt view to see all dependency relationships on one timeline
• Connected tasks display a directional arrow linking predecessor to successor
• Draw new dependency links directly on the Gantt by dragging from the grey circle that appears above a task bar
• Gantt settings allow: hiding arrows, hiding task labels, showing project start/end dates

Critical path

• Enable critical path highlighting in Gantt settings
• Surfaces the sequence of tasks that directly controls the project end date
• Useful when many parallel tasks exist and you need to identify which ones block downstream work

Auto-scheduling

• Enabled by default; keep it on for active projects
• When a task's dates shift, SmartSuite automatically moves all downstream dependent tasks accordingly
• Works in both directions — delays push successors back; early completions pull them forward
• Editable by dragging task bars in Gantt view or modifying date fields directly

Backwards scheduling

• An optional sub-mode of auto-scheduling
• Works from a fixed end date backwards, using task durations to calculate required start dates
• Useful when setting up a project with a known deadline but an unknown start date
• Best kept off during active execution; turn on for initial project planning only

Four dependency modes

By default SmartSuite uses finish-to-start (task A must finish before task B starts). Enabling dependency mode unlocks four subtypes:

1. Finish-to-start — A finishes before B starts (default)
2. Finish-to-finish — A finishes before B finishes
3. Start-to-finish — A starts before B finishes
4. Start-to-start — A starts before B starts

Choose the subtype per dependency relationship, not globally. Most real projects require a mix.

Lag time

• Add lag (buffer days) to any dependency relationship
• Example: paint must dry for one day before floor work begins — set lag to 1 day
• Lag also acts as schedule buffer, absorbing minor delays without pushing the project end date

Dependency status indicators

• Completed predecessors show a green check mark on the dependent task
• Incomplete or blocked predecessors show a cautionary symbol
• Status updates automatically as predecessor tasks are marked done