Find out how to assign constraints in Primavera P6.

1. Project Management Software

2. Assigning Constraints in Primavera P6
Version 8.2

3. When setting constraints sometimes the constraint
time will not be set at the start or finish of the
activity calendar but set at 00:00 or some other
irrelevant time. Therefore when setting constraints
you should always display the time by
selecting Edit, User Preferences …,Dates tab to
ensure the constraint time is compatible with the
activity calendar.

4. Number of Constraints per Activity
Two constraints are permitted against each activity.
They are titled Primary and Secondary Constraint. After
the Primary has been set, a Secondary may be set only
when the combination is logical and therefore a reduced
list of constraints is available from the Secondary
Constraint list after the Primary has been set.

5. Setting a Primary Constraint Using the Activity
Details Form
To assign a constraint using the Activity Details form:
 Select the activity requiring a constraint,
 Open the Status tab on the Activity Details form,
 Select the Primary Constraint type from
the Date drop down list to the right of Primary:

6. Setting a Secondary Constraint Using the Activity
Details Form
To assign a constraint using the Activity Details form:
 Select the activity requiring a constraint,
 Open the Status tab on the Activity Details form,
 Select the Secondary Constraint type from
the Date drop down list to the right of Secondary:

7. The picture above shows that after a Primary Start On
or After constraint is set there are only two Secondary
Constraints available. After a constraint is set the date will
have an asterisk “*” next to it.
 Start Constraints will have the “*” next to the Start
Date, and
 Finish Constraints will have the “*” next to the Finish
Date.
 Unlike P3 and SureTrak one does not have to display
the Late Dates to see a Late Constraint “*”.

8. Expected Finish Constraint
This constraint is set in the dates Status area above
the Constraints area and will only work if the
Tools, Schedule…, , Use Expected Finish dates check
box is checked.
Paul Harris writes training manuals for MS
Project and Primavera P6 and Delivers Project
Management Training Courses Throughout
Australia and the world. His books are available
on Amazon and Kindle.