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?
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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:
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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.
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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.
- 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!
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!
Hi @kLau Can I check the setting you selected for the dependencies?
Are they set on * Strict: Adjusts an item’s dates to reflect the exact time changes made based on the item that it is dependent on.
Normally as a strict dependacy I change the top date and all the timelines update based on that?
Hi @DTHammond @kLau - if you’re open to using apps, Smart Timeline + Duration could simplify this for you. It lets you automate timeline updates based on dates, duration, and dependencies, so when you set those key dates for your two items, the rest can automatically populate based on your board’s structure.
There are over 20+ ready-to-use automation recipes that can help handle scenarios like this without the manual setup guesswork.
Happy to help if you’d like to explore how it could fit your board!