# Dependencies

Learn how to link work packages with dependencies, set lag time and find violations. Dependencies are checked, not rescheduled.

Language: en
Canonical: https://support.sitedrive.com/en/kb/dependencies

A dependency says that one piece of work must finish before another can start, for example Plumbing Rough-in before Wall Boarding. Sitedrive draws dependencies as lines and lists any that are broken. It does **not** move work automatically when you change the plan, and it does not calculate a critical path. You stay in control of the dates; dependencies help you check them.

## Before you start

-   You need editing rights to the work packages you link: **Schedule**, **Site** or **Account admin**, or **Refine**/**Refine (ltd)** for work packages you own. See [Roles and what each one can do](https://support.sitedrive.com/en/kb/roles).

## Types of dependency

All dependencies are finish-to-start.

Type

Meaning

**WP**

The whole successor waits until the whole predecessor is finished.

**Space**

Each area waits for the same area in the predecessor. Floor 3 of Boarding waits for Floor 3 of Plumbing.

**Area-Area**

A link between two specific instances, for example Painting on Floor 3 → Flooring on Floor 2.

## Add a dependency

1.  In **Gantt**, select **Show dependencies** in the toolbar.
2.  Point at the end of a bar. A connector dot appears.
3.  Drag from the dot to the bar of the work that follows.

Linking two instances creates an **Area-Area** dependency. Linking masters or sum work packages creates a **Space** dependency, or **WP** if one of them has no areas.

You can also add the **Predecessors** column (toolbar **Columns**) and pick predecessors from the list.

_Turn on Show dependencies, then drag from the dot at the end of one bar to the start of another._

## Edit or delete a dependency

1.  Click a dependency line. An editing popover opens.
2.  Optional: choose another type.
3.  Optional: type a **Lag time (h)** in hours to require a gap between the two.

To delete a dependency, select the line and press Delete (Mac: Backspace).

The type of an **Area-Area** dependency can't be changed. Delete it and draw a new one.

## Find violations

A red dependency line means the work starts too early relative to the dependency, including its lag.

1.  Open **Dependency options** (the arrow next to **Show dependencies**).
2.  Select **Show violations (N)**, where N is the number of broken dependencies.
3.  The **Dependency violations** list shows the dependencies that are violated.

![Dependency options menu open in the Gantt toolbar showing Show violations](https://support.sitedrive.com/media/help/guide/dependencies/02-dependency-options.webp)

## Good to know

-   Moving a predecessor never moves its successors. Check the violations list after big changes.
-   Lag is in hours only, from 0 up to one year. Negative lag (lead time) is not supported.
-   You can draw dependencies only in Gantt. Lines are also shown in Takt, but not in Line of balance.

## Related

-   [Moving and editing work](https://support.sitedrive.com/en/kb/moving-and-editing-work)
-   [Gantt](https://support.sitedrive.com/en/kb/gantt)
-   [Takt planning](https://support.sitedrive.com/en/kb/takt-planning)