What is the Difference Between Lead & Lag | Simple Example

Lead and lag are the terms used to define a relationship between the tasks on a project. Both are scheduling terms used with relationships like Finish to Start, Start to Start. We will see below simple examples.

You may be interested in Download & Install Primavera P6

Lead

A Lead is the amount of time that successor activity is ahead of its predecessor activity. For example, in a construction project, it is maybe desired to start working on landscaping four weeks before the furniture purchase. This will be shown on a scheduling diagram like below.

Lead between the tasks

This type of interlinked activity sequence is known as the finish to start and is the most often used type of sequence in project scheduling. In simple words, we can say that the lead time is four weeks.

This type of interlinked activity sequence is known as the finish to start and is the most often used type of sequence in project scheduling. In simple words, we can say that the lead time is 4 weeks.

In this scenario, these 5 days’ t be before the design finishes when the development starts are called lead time.

Example for Lead

Let’s take the example of a project involving software development. We might want to start with the programming of the hardware screen where the software will run as the programming itself is dependent on technical design, including the dimensions of the screen. So both activities can definitely not start simultaneously. When we go deep into the activity plan, we know that technical design will take 20 days, but after 15 days, most activities are in the final stages. Most importantly, the information required for programming is concluded so we can start programming from thereon. Hence the overall duration of a project will be reduced.

Lag

Opposite to Lead, Lag is the amount of time successor activity is delayed from its predecessor activity.

For example, the time duration for the first activity is 2 days, and then there is a gap of 3 days before you start the next activity, so you can say that there is a lag of 3 days. It will be shown on the scheduling diagram as Finish to Start.

Let us look at the below snip, here we have to wait to start Paintwork after Plastering is finished. This wait is mandatory as Platser will take time to set or cure.

Lag between the tasks

Similarly, we can also have a case like you may start editing a book after 10 days you begin writing it. It will be shown as a start-to-start sequence as below.

Similarly, we can also have a case like you may start editing a book after 10 days you begin writing it. It will be shown as a start-to-start sequence as below.

Example for Lag

Let’s consider another example from a construction project. It is only logical to first prepare concrete and gets the foundation work completed. Only then can we start working on the rest of the construction activities. But there is one problem, as the foundation requires curing concrete for at least 3 days, the remaining work can’t be initiated. These 3 days’ time can be termed as lag, which can’t be avoided. So it is important to understand the logical dependencies of activities for precise project planning.

Wrap Up

Lead and lag both are important concepts and must be considered in project schedule development. Lead is the amount of time that successor activity is ahead of its predecessor activity. Whereas Lag is the amount of time successor activity is delayed from its predecessor activity.

FEATURED POSTS


Download Primavera P6
To download and install Primavera P6 was never that easy as nowadays. By following these steps…

Download Primavera P6

What is PMP?
What does PMP stand for? You are here as you just have heard about PMP, or you know a little already but have some …

What is PMP?

Stakeholer Engagement
A stakeholder is any individual, a group of people or an organization that can affect or be affected positively….

Stakeholer Engagement

Work Breakdown Structure
The heaviest fine is for drifting that is 20,000 for the first time, 40,000 SAR for second and 60,000 SAR for the third violation.

Work Breakdown Structure

Project Management
Project management is how you apply the knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to get the project management …

Project Management

Gantt Chart
A Gantt chart is also known as bar chart represents a project plan by making each task into a bar and …

Gantt Chart

Planning Engineer
Planning Engineer is considered the right-hand of a Project Manager as he floats the information about project…

Planning Engineer

Team Development
Dr. Bruce W. Tuckman, a psychologist published a theory in 1965 called ‘Tuckman’s Stages of Group Development’.

Team Development


Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top