Dependency Layers

Creating categories of dependencies

Edit Dependency Layers

Accessing this panel:

  • Using the Edit Dependency Rules panel, select Edit Layers.

  • Using the Dependencies panel, click Edit Layers.

You can use the Dependency Layers dialog to implement 'layers' of dependencies within the same project.

Different layers can be created for different categories of dependencies in order to make it easier to identify specific types of links during the sequencing and scheduling process. The layer information will also be transferred to the EPS schedule file where it can be used to create additional filters

This is particularly useful if you wish to create, and then apply, different dependency default settings without having to create projects or minor projects. Say, for example, you wanted to create a specific set of dependencies when progressing your underground development from one stope to another, which may differ from the dependencies implicit with the task to progress drive development away from a decline. Layers can be used to independently define a distinct category of dependencies.

Layers can be independently activated/deactivated, hidden/shown, and colored. Each can also be configured to include a custom relationship between predecessor and successor activities (start-finish, finish-finish, etc.). Activity delays can also be set independently for each layer.

 

Dependency layers can be imported or imported using portable .xml files.

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Dependencies can be imported directly from one project to another, providing the layer names match between those projects.

 

The layer information will also be transferred to the EPS schedule file where it can be used to create additional filters, for example.
 

Field Details

The Layers table contains the following columns:

Name: enter a useful description for your dependency layer, e.g. "Stope to Stope", "Manual Drive Progression", "Dr to Muck" etc. Note that a <Default> row will always be shown, although the details of this layer (including its Description) can be edited.

Schedule: enabled by default, this check box determines whether the selected dependency layer will be used to create a resulting sequence. If disabled, the layer dependencies will not be considered.

Colour: use this drop-down list to select a color to be used to differentiate the selected dependency layer from another. Note that if a color is selected for a particular layer, it will not be available to other layers - ensuring every layer has a distinct color.

Default Type: determine the relationship between activities that are assigned to the selected dependency layer. You can set one of the following dependency types:

  • Finish-Start (FS): the default, the preceding activity will be completed before the next starts.

  • Finish-Finish (FF): the preceding and current activity will finish at the same time.

  • Start-Start (SS): the preceding and current activity will start at the same time

  • Start-Finish (SF): the current activity will be sequenced to finish as the preceding one starts.

  • Percent-Overlap (PO): this is a variant of the [Finish-Start] type; the current activity will start when there is a specified % of the preceding activity yet to complete.

Default Lag: to stipulate a delay (in minutes (m) hours (h), days (d), months (mo) or years(y)) between activities, enter a Quantity and appropriate time Unit from the drop-down list.

Count: this read-only field shows the number of dependencies currently associated with the layer. It is automatically adjusted if dependencies are edited.

Note: This screen includes table grids that support multiple row selection.

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The Dependencies PanelEdit Dependency RulesEdit FiltersTransfer Data to EPS