Definition
Late Start (LS) and Late Finish (LF) are scheduling concepts that represent the latest possible dates that a task can begin or end without causing delays to the overall project completion date.
Key Differences
- Late Start (LS): The latest time a task can start without delaying the project’s final deadline.
- Late Finish (LF): The latest time a task can finish without pushing back subsequent tasks.
Why It Matters
- Helps identify scheduling flexibility and prioritize critical tasks.
- Used in Critical Path Method (CPM) to prevent bottlenecks.
- Allows resource optimization, ensuring tasks are not unnecessarily rushed.
Example
In software development, if a testing phase must finish by May 30, but debugging can be postponed until May 25 without delaying the project, May 25 is the Late Start date for debugging.
