Edit Dependency Layers

To access this screen:

Using the Edit Dependency Rules panel, select Edit Layers.
Using the Dependencies panel, click Edit Layers.
Display the Project Settings toolbar and select Edit Dependency 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 DTS 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.

Note: Dependencies can be imported from another project, providing the layer names match between those projects.

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

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

Creating Dependency Layers

To create and configure a dependency layer:

Display the Dependency Layers screen.
Click "+" to add a new record to the table below.
Enter a dependency layer Name.

Pick a useful name, for example, "Stope to Stope", "Manual Drive Progression", "Dr to Muck" and so on. Note that a <Default> row is always shown, although the details of this layer (including its Description) can be edited. Dependencies not explicitly assigned to a layer are on this Default layer.
Choose if the dependency layer is associated with scheduling:
- If Schedule is checked, the selected dependency layer will be used to create a resulting sequence.
  
  If Schedule is unchecked, the layer dependencies are not considered when a schedule is generated.
Select a Colour to differentiate the selected dependency layer from another. Note that if a colour is selected for a particular layer, it will not be available to other layers - ensuring every layer has a distinct colour.
Choose a Default Type. This determines 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.
Specify a Default Lag, if required, 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.
Review the Count, a read-only field shows the number of dependencies currently associated with the layer. It is automatically adjusted if dependencies are edited.