Critical path is the shortest sequence of project tasks. The project cannot be completed before the critical path tasks are completed.
The path is called critical because its tasks schedule affects the project finish date. If you need to shorten the project duration, you have to shorten the critical path.
With the critical path method, you can plan tasks schedule and project finish date. The point is to determine the longest tasks sequence, considering the tasks relations and dependencies. The critical path has a zero total float, so when you change their start and end dates, project due dates also change. You need to control the critical path problems and risks, because they affect the project due dates.
To create a critical path in ELMA Projects+, click the icon in the project plan toolbar. The critical path will be highlighted red on the Gantt chart (fig. 1).
Fig. 1. Gantt chart. Critical path
As the project progresses the critical path may change – some tasks may become a part of it, when dates are changed. You should use the critical path method to estimate project finish date throughout the project when you edit the project plan.
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