The SSI Dependency Tracer is split window task pane that shows a list of the predecessors and successors of any task selected in the schedule. Unlike similar views like the built in MS Project Task Form or Task Details Form, the SSI Dependency Tracer allows users to see more information about predecessors and successor tasks, including the unique ID, Driving Slack, start and finish dates, and optionally up to three additional MS Project fields that can be chosen by the user. The Dependency Tracer contains buttons that allow users to conduct step-by-step dependency analysis. By default, the Dependency Tracer is docked to the bottom of Microsoft Project when opened, but users can undock and move the Dependency Tracer wherever they like, and even re-dock it to another side of Microsoft Project.
Currently Selected Task
This table will show the details of the currently selected task. This task is used as the focus task for the predecessor and successor tables. Users have the ability to alter the Duration, Type, % Complete,Constraint Type & Constraint Date of the currently selected task from the Dependency Tracer user interface.
These tables will list either the predecessor or successor tasks that belong to the selected (focus) task. The table on the left side of the Dependency Tracer shows the predecessor tasks, the table on the right shows the successor tasks. By default, these tables will show the Unique ID, Name, Dependency Type, Lag duration, Driving Slack, Start, and Finish of the predecessor/successor tasks. Users can double click on any of these dependency tasks to instantly jump to (select) the double-clicked task in Microsoft Project.
Dependency Types and Lag Times
Users can adjust the Dependency Type and Lag duration of any dependency in the table. These adjustments will be made in once the user has clicked the Accept Changes button
The Driving Slack Column
A driving slack value of zero means that dependency is driving the selected task to its current dates if its a predecessor or the dependency task’s current dates are being driven by the selected task if the dependency task is a successor. The table is always sorted in ascending order by the Driving Slack value.
The Filter Button
Clicking this button will filter Microsoft Project for the dependency tasks in the table the filter button belongs to (either predecessor or successors) along with the currently selected task. This button will remove any other filters currently applied.
The Add to View Button
Clicking this button will add the dependency tasks in the table the Add to View button belongs to (either predecessor or successors) to the currently applied filter without removing the existing filters applied.
Clicking this button will discard any changes made in the Dependency Tracer. Dependency Tracer will then be reloaded with the original values from the currently selected task.
The configuration button on the top right side of the Dependency Tracer will open the Dependency Tracer Configuration form.
From the drop-down controls on this form, the user can select any additional Microsoft Project fields they wish to add to the Dependency Tracer Tables. This includes all custom Text, Number, Outline Code, Flag, etc. fields. A selection of “None” will cause no additional field to appear. When the user is satisfied with their selections, click the Save Settings button. The tables in the Dependency Tracer will then update to add additional columns for the selected fields.
