Finish-to-Finish (FF) in Microsoft Project
What is Finish-to-Finish (FF)?
FF stands for Finish-to-Finish.
A Finish-to-Finish relationship means that two tasks are linked by their finish dates.
In simple terms:
The successor task cannot finish until the predecessor task finishes.
The tasks may start at different times, but their completion is connected.
Simple Example
| Predecessor Task | Relationship | Successor Task |
|---|---|---|
| Testing | FF | Documentation |
Explanation
Testing begins first.
Documentation may begin later.
Documentation cannot be completed until Testing is completed.
This ensures that the final documentation includes the latest testing results.
Construction Example
Quality Inspection and Quality Report
| Predecessor Task | Relationship | Successor Task |
|---|---|---|
| Final Inspection | FF | Quality Report |
Explanation
The Quality Report cannot be finalized until the Final Inspection is completed.
If the inspection is delayed, the report must also remain unfinished.
Construction Project Example
Painting Work and Handover Checklist
| Predecessor Task | Relationship | Successor Task |
|---|---|---|
| Painting Work | FF | Client Handover Checklist |
Explanation
The Client Handover Checklist cannot be completed until all painting work has been completed and verified.
When Should You Use FF?
Use Finish-to-Finish when:
Two activities must finish together.
One task depends on the completion of another task.
Reports depend on final project results.
Inspections depend on completed work.
Documentation depends on completed testing.
Comparison of Task Relationships
| Type | Full Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| FS | Finish-to-Start | Task B starts after Task A finishes |
| SS | Start-to-Start | Task B starts when Task A starts |
| FF | Finish-to-Finish | Task B finishes when Task A finishes |
| SF | Start-to-Finish | Task B finishes when Task A starts |
Why is FF Important?
Using Finish-to-Finish relationships helps:
Keep project deliverables synchronized.
Prevent reports from being completed too early.
Ensure inspections and approvals are based on finished work.
Improve schedule accuracy.
Reduce coordination errors.
Common Uses in Construction Projects
Engineering
Design Review → FF → Design Approval
Quality Control
Inspection → FF → Inspection Report
Procurement
Material Delivery → FF → Delivery Documentation
Site Management
Construction Work → FF → Progress Report
Project Closeout
Final Inspection → FF → Project Completion Report
Key Lesson
Finish-to-Finish (FF) means:
Tasks may start at different times, but they must finish together.
A good way to remember it is:
FF = Finish Together
This relationship is commonly used for inspections, reports, documentation, approvals, and project closeout activities where completion must stay aligned with the completion of another task.