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Question

Actual and Schedule dates (without Timekeeping)

  • May 8, 2026
  • 3 replies
  • 47 views

Hello -

We are utilizing the plan/scheduling feature in Planview portfolios without any timekeeping involved. We are currently developing internal training for our project managers and I’m trying to outline the simplest path toward managing their schedules. We are expecting them to enter a project schedule at the start of the project and then maintain actual start and end dates for their phases and milestones as they are completed. We have relatively simple template set up that include successors and predecessors so the scheduling part of the process cascades accordingly when running the schedule.

What is confusing me is that when we enter actual finish dates on a phase, I’m expecting to see the schedule for the next phase to reflect the actual finish date. For example, if the phase finished early, then the next phase should start earlier and the whole schedule should reflect an early finish. If the phase ended late, then the whole schedule should be pushed back. Is there a way to adjust our settings so that the schedule start of one phase reflects the actual finish of the previous phase? Or is this required to be two separate entries? 

If the latter - how do you train people on these steps so it doesn’t feel so redundant???

3 replies

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  • Planview Falcons
  • May 11, 2026

@Chanda.Klinker 

I’d recommend reviewing the CSC content here:
https://success.planview.com/Planview_Portfolios/Projects_and_Work/Execute_and_Track_Progress/300_Work_Progress_and_Status/003_Understanding_the_Progressing_Engine

It’s essential that you run the Progressing Engine regularly, (weekly or monthly) so that the progress input provided by project managers in the way of Actual Start/Finish and % Complete are reflected correctly into the plan.

If any of the updates impact the critical path then the “Run Schedule” button needs to be clicked to that the system recalculates the critical path and adjusts the schedule dates for any successors.

Recommend that you ensure that all users have an effective column set in the Plan screen, showing Schedule and Actual Start and Finish Dates, Duration, Duration at Complete, Predecessors and Successors and Constraint Date


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  • Platinum Innovator
  • May 11, 2026

Just as a FYI most people we have trained struggle with Scheduled Start date changing. This confuses a lot of users as it updates to the current week when progression runs, if the original date is now in the past and a actual start has not been entered. Just something to think about when training people. 

Jennifer


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  • Planview Falcons
  • May 12, 2026

Having good column sets that include key columns like Schedule/Actual Start/Finish, and Durations, in a logic order, and setting this as the default by user role, is a key action.