Online Help > Project Tracking

Why am I not allowed to modify the Actual Start and Actual Finish fields?

You can enter a task’s Actual Start and Actual Finish dates in the Task - Mark on Track - Update Tasks dialog. Select the task, enter the dates in the Actual section, and apply the changes. If you can’t edit Actual Start directly in a task table, use this dialog instead. A baseline preserves the original planned dates for comparison; changing a task’s Start Date is not a substitute for recording its Actual Start.

What does % Complete field show in Project Plan 365?

The % Complete fields contain the current status of a task, expressed as the percentage of the task's duration that has been completed. You can enter percent complete, or you can have Project Plan 365 calculate it for you based on actual duration.

How do I compare planned dates with progress to date?

Save a baseline before tracking begins, record progress using fields supported by the app, and compare the current schedule with the baseline in Tracking Gantt or the Variance table. A baseline is the planned reference; it is not a substitute for entering actual progress.

What steps should I follow in order to track the progress of my project?

When you track the progress of your project, two things will help you the most:

• Create a baseline before your project gets started.
• Set the reporting/status date when applicable.
• Enter actual progress using the supported fields.
• Review task and project changes in Tracking Gantt or an appropriate report.

Tips for Project Tracking:

1. You can quickly update task status with only a single click on the Task Information. 
2. Track a project by watching how Gantt bars change as work progresses.
3. The project timeline gives you a snapshot of key tasks and milestones. Just drop it into a PowerPoint slide, print it, or email it for an instant progress report.
4. Use different reports to view the big picture of project progress.