Timeline + Duration Auto-populate from Project Template

Platform discussions
, ,
1

I would like to create a Project Template that has set durations and dependencies for each task. I would like to use the Timeline + Duration columns to automatically generate a schedule based on the set durations and dependencies, but it seems that Timeline only populates when you directly update Duration. Is there an automation I can create to trigger the cascade of Timeline entries based on Duration or based on a status update?

1 Like
2

Hello @DTHammond Welcome to the Community!

Yes, you can set up an automation to help create a project template with durations and dependencies that auto-populate the Timeline. Although the Timeline column doesn’t update automatically based solely on Duration and dependencies, you can work around this with the following approach:

  1. Set Dependencies: First, make sure each task is linked through dependencies. This allows the timeline to adjust if there’s a change in a preceding task’s dates.

  2. Automation to Trigger Timeline Based on Duration or Status:

  • To have the Timeline auto-populate based on Duration, you can create an automation that triggers when the status changes or when the task is ready to start. For example:
    • “When Status changes to [Ready/Started], set Timeline to current date + Duration.”
  • Another useful automation could be:
    • “When Date changes, adjust all dependent items by the same number of days.” This will help adjust downstream timelines if an early task changes.
  1. Using the Template:
  • Once set up, save this board as a template. When you create a new project from the template, you only need to update the start date, and the dependencies and durations will cascade, generating a full project schedule.

This video may also be of intrest https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVrU4A36Ffw

Let me know if this helps, or if you need guidance on specific automation recipes to implement this!

3

Hi @Clarey - I’m trying to set up the automation you suggested for adjusting the entire timeline based on populating the date on a template. I have dependencies running both upstream and downstream based on two different date timelines I plan to set. I have Duration and Dependent On columns populated for all items on the board, and I have a Timeline column. I would like to set the dates in the Timeline column for two items and have all populate. Could you assist with the recipe wording as when I fill the “When this happens” to search for date or timeline I can’t figure out the correct search phrase for how to connect the date to the Timeline field, only the Completed field?
Thanks!