Definition
Slack, also called Float, is the amount of time a task can be delayed without affecting the project’s overall completion date. It plays a crucial role in Critical Path Method (CPM) scheduling, where tasks are mapped based on their dependencies.
There are two main types of slack:
- Total Slack – The time a task can be delayed without impacting the project deadline.
- Free Slack – The time a task can be delayed without affecting its immediate successor.
For example, if a report submission task has a total slack of 3 days, it can be delayed for up to three days without affecting the next phase. Proper slack management ensures that projects stay on track and prevent bottlenecks or scheduling conflicts.
