> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.glidepathcpm.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) > Common questions and answers about GlidePath # Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ## General Questions ### What is GlidePath? GlidePath is a web-based project scheduling platform using Critical Path Method (CPM) for construction, data center, and industrial projects. It provides Gantt charts, task management, risk tracking, and real-time CPM calculations. ### What's different about GlidePath? GlidePath combines the power of professional scheduling tools (like MS Project or Primavera P6) with a modern, intuitive web interface. No software installation, automatic CPM calculations, and built-in collaboration. ### Can I use GlidePath on mobile? GlidePath is optimized for desktop and tablet. Limited mobile support is available for viewing (read-only on phone); full editing requires desktop. *** ## Scheduling Questions ### How do I create a summary task? Indent one or more child tasks under a parent task using **Tab** key. The parent automatically becomes a summary task with dates rolled up from children. ### Why did my dates change when I added a task? If you added a task with a dependency, CPM recalculated based on the new dependency chain. Check the critical path (red tasks) to see how the schedule shifted. ### Can I move a task without changing dependencies? If the task has predecessors or successors, moving it will respect those constraints. If you need full flexibility, temporarily remove dependencies, move the task, then re-add dependencies. ### What's the difference between float and slack? In GlidePath, **float** and **slack** are the same thing—the amount of time a task can slip without delaying the project. Green color indicates available float; red indicates zero float (critical path). ### How do I make a task happen in parallel? Create a **Start-to-Start (SS) dependency** from the predecessor to the successor task. This allows both tasks to start at roughly the same time instead of one finishing before the other starts. *** ## Dependency Questions ### Can I delete a task that has dependencies? Yes. When you delete a task with dependencies: * **Downstream dependencies** are removed (successor task is no longer linked) * **Predecessors** remain unaffected * If the task is a summary task, children are preserved and promoted ### How do I avoid circular dependencies? GlidePath prevents circular dependencies automatically. If you try to create one, you'll get an error message. Rethink your task sequence or change the relationship type. ### Can I use negative lag (lead)? Yes. Negative lag means overlap on a dependency. Example: Start-to-Start with -2-day lead means the successor can start 2 days before the predecessor finishes. *** ## Project Management Questions ### How do I compare my current schedule to the baseline? 1. Capture a baseline (Project Settings → Baselines → Capture) 2. Edit your schedule as work progresses 3. In Gantt view, enable "Show Baseline Comparison" 4. Variance columns show current vs. baseline dates ### What's the difference between a constraint and a dependency? * **Dependency:** A logical relationship (Task B can't start until Task A finishes) * **Constraint:** A hard deadline or requirement (Task must finish by March 31) Use dependencies for logical flow; use constraints only when you have hard dates. ### How do I export for stakeholders? 1. Filter Gantt chart to show only relevant tasks (critical path, specific phase) 2. Click **Export** → **PDF** 3. Select columns to include 4. Email or print PDF for distribution ### Can I assign the same person to multiple tasks? Yes. Assign the same resource to as many tasks as needed. GlidePath will flag over-allocations (>100% concurrent allocation) in Look-Ahead view so you can resolve them. *** ## Resource & Cost Questions ### What's Earned Value? Earned Value (EV) = Budgeted Cost × Progress %. It shows the value of work completed. Used to calculate Schedule Performance Index (SPI) and Cost Performance Index (CPI). ### How do I calculate SPI? Schedule Performance Index (SPI) = Earned Value / Planned Value * **SPI > 1.0** = Ahead of schedule * **SPI \< 1.0** = Behind schedule * Example: EV = $100k, PV = $120k, SPI = 0.83 (83% of planned work done) ### Can I import costs from Excel? Yes. Use the Import Template and include columns for Budgeted Cost and Actual Cost. Import the CSV/Excel file and costs are assigned to tasks. *** ## Technical Questions ### What browsers are supported? GlidePath works on Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge (recent versions). Recommend Chrome for best performance. ### How is my data backed up? GlidePath automatically saves all changes to the cloud. No manual backup needed. You can also export projects as CSV for additional backup. ### Can I import from MS Project? Yes. Export your MS Project file as .xml format, then use Import dialog → MS Project XML. Dependencies, constraints, and resources are preserved. ### Can I import from Primavera P6? Yes. Export your P6 project as .xer format, then use Import dialog → Primavera P6. Activity IDs, WBS, constraints, and calendars are preserved. *** ## Troubleshooting ### My schedule seems to have missing tasks after import Check the import results dialog. Warnings may indicate tasks that couldn't be imported (e.g., invalid date format). Review those rows in your source file and re-import. ### Why is my critical path changing? Critical path changes when you: * Add or remove dependencies * Change task durations * Apply constraints * Modify calendar (working days) This is correct behavior—CPM is recalculating based on changes. ### How do I remove a dependency? Right-click the dependency line on the Gantt chart → **Delete Dependency**, or select the task and in Task Detail Panel → Dependencies, click **Delete** next to the dependency. ### Why can't I edit certain fields? Some fields are read-only: * **Finish Date** for ASAP tasks (calculated from Start + Duration) * **Summary Task Dates** (calculated from children) * Fields may be hidden if not included in current column view *** ## Next Steps * Browse the left sidebar for detailed guides on specific topics * Contact support at [support@glidepathcpm.com](mailto:support@glidepathcpm.com) * Check [Errors and Warnings](/reference/01-errors-warnings) for troubleshooting specific errors