Understand Hard Constraints vs Soft Constraints [in under 100 words]

hard constraints vs soft contraints

Primavera P6 supports 2 types of constraints; hard constraints and soft constraints.

In Primavera P6, “Mandatory” constraints are hard constraints. Hard constraints stand out because they can break relationships. An activity that has a Mandatory Start or Finish date becomes fixed to that date. Relationships to that activity are ignored – the activity will not move even if its predecessors push it out.

All of P6’s other constraints are considered soft constraints. A soft constraint is one that P6 will try to adhere to, but relationships take priority, and may result in the constraint not being met.

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Author:
Michael is an avid project controls blogger and is the Chief Learning Officer here at Plan Academy. Michael has taught 1000s professionals how to use project controls software like Primavera P6 over the past 10 years through his online courses and tutorials. Michael is a member of AACE, the Guild of Project Controls and holds his PMP certification from PMI.