Show cross-project dependency in Gantt view
I have two projects in different folders (Let's say, Project Alpha and Project Beta). A task in Project Alpha is dependent upon a task in Project Beta. Whilst I can easily search and add the Project Beta dependency when working in Project Alpha, the dependency is not visible in the Gantt view for Project Alpha.
I am currently working around this by going to Project Beta and tagging the dependency task to make it visible to Project Alpha. This seems a rather duplicative procedure. Is there a better (simpler/quicker) way?
I am guessing that you are a user in which case there is a simpler quicker way. I make this suggestion based on the assumption that those in Project Alpha and those in Project Beta do not have the ability to see each other's projects, but you can as you are probably a manager of both projects. With that assumption in mind here is what I suggest you try.
Create a new folder that is only shared with you, you can then add both Project Alpha and Project Beta as a folder tag for both projects. This will not change how others view these two projects, just you. You will also be able to view Project Alpha and Beta in the original folders that they existed prior to the adding of the folder tag.
Now that your two projects are "subfolders' of your newly created folder. Click on the parent folder and go to the Gantt Chart view. Here you will be able to see all of the tasks in all subfolders which should include Project Alpha and Project Beta. You can then hover over task A in Project Alpha that you want to add the dependency to Task B in Project Beta by hovering over Task A, you will then see a bullseye type icon appear at the front and back of the task. Depending what kind of dependency you want to create you will click and hold on the appropriate bullseye and drag it to the beginning or end of task B, based on what kind of a dependency you want to add. This should then add the dependency you are looking for.
If you want even after the dependency is added you can then remove the folder tags from both projects and the dependency will stay intact.
Hope that helps.
-Ryan
Thanks very much for the response Ryan. The process you describe makes sense but it still leaves me with a problem that when Project Alpha users look at the Gantt view they don't see the dependency task from Project Beta. Creating a dependency across projects does not make it visible in the Gantt view of a project (unless it is also tagged).
You're right if Project Beta cannot see Project Alpha the dependency would be lost. A workaround if you want is to add Project Beta as a folder tag to that one task in Project Alpha for the task to appear in Project Beta's folder, they would then be able to see the dependent task.
One of the more important changes that we need.
Ryan Nelson, that was extremely helpful. THANKS!!!
Glad you found it helpful.