Task dependencies

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Introduction

Managing projects efficiently often involves controlling the sequence in which tasks are executed. In Odoo, Task Dependencies allow you to define relationships between tasks to ensure that a task (the successor) only starts after another (the predecessor) is completed.

This is especially useful in workflows where tasks are interconnected—for example, “Design” must be completed before “Development” can begin. Odoo automatically enforces these relationships, helping teams follow the correct order of execution and avoid premature starts.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Enable Task Dependencies

Go to Project ‣ Configuration ‣ Settings.
Enable the checkbox for Task Dependencies.
Click Save.

2. Create Task Dependencies (From Task Form)

Open the task you want to block (the successor task).
Go to the Blocked by
Click Add a line, then choose the predecessor task (the one that must be completed first).
Click View to open the predecessor task.
To see successor tasks from a predecessor, click the Blocked Tasks smart button.

3. Create Task Dependencies (From Gantt View)

Open the Gantt view in your project.
Hover over the predecessor
Click one of the small dots around the task bar.
Drag and drop the dot onto the successor
An arrow appears showing the dependency.

4. Behavior of Dependent Tasks

The successor task is automatically set to Waiting
It cannot be moved to In Progress until the predecessor task is marked as Approved, Cancelled, or Done.

5. Remove a Task Dependency

From Task Form: Go to the Blocked by tab and click the 🗙 (Remove)
From Gantt View: Hover over the arrow and click the 🗙 (Red X) that appears at the center.

Tips

Use Gantt view for quick, visual management of dependencies.

Don’t over-depend on tasks—keep only critical dependencies to maintain flexibility.
Update status regularly to allow successor tasks to progress.
Communicate clearly with team members about task blocking and sequencing.
Combine with milestones to track progress in phases.

Key Benefits

Enforces Logical Workflow: Prevents starting dependent tasks too early.
Project Clarity: Teams can visually see what is blocking progress.
Better Planning: Enables accurate forecasting and resource allocation.
Minimizes Errors: Reduces risks from tasks being executed out of sequence.
Integrated Views: Gantt view provides drag-and-drop task linking for quick updates.

Task dependencies

Introduction

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Enable Task Dependencies

2. Create Task Dependencies (From Task Form)

3. Create Task Dependencies (From Gantt View)

4. Behavior of Dependent Tasks

5. Remove a Task Dependency

Tips

Key Benefits

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