Build the network

A project in Fusion Online is built around a logical network of tasks, durations, and dependencies. The most practical way to build this network is by using the Network Diagram, a visual, drag-and-drop interface that makes it easy to lay out tasks and define relationships. While tasks can also be created and linked individually outside the diagram, the Network Diagram is ideal for constructing the overall plan quickly and intuitively.

Create a network diagram

Once you’ve created a new project, follow these steps to begin building your network using the diagram:

In the Project Details view, click the Diagrams tab at the top.
Click + create new network diagram, enter a name for the diagram, and click Create.
Click the Network Diagram name to open it and begin editing.

For additional working space, click Full screen in the upper-left toolbar.

Add an endpoint

Endpoints represent final deliverables or milestones in your project. Ideally, your network should have only one endpoint, although critical intermediate milestones can also be used.

Open the Add item panel from the left toolbar.
Click and drag an Endpoint into the diagram workspace. It will appear with “(Endpoint)” in the label.
Click the pencil icon on the endpoint or double-click the item to open the task details panel.
Enter information such as Name and Duration.

Build the task network

Tasks represent the work to be done in your project. Use the diagram to add, position, and connect tasks.

To add tasks:

Open the Add item panel and drag a Task into the workspace.
Or, double-click on an empty space in the diagram to create a task.
Select a task and click the pencil icon, or double-click to open the task details panel.
Enter task information such as Name and Duration.

Keep the task details panel open and click on different tasks to edit them quickly.

Add multiple tasks to the diagram first, then edit their details to speed up the process.

Move tasks:

Click and drag a task to reposition it.
Use CTRL + Click to select and move multiple tasks.
Use the Undo button in the left toolbar if needed.

Add links between tasks

Task links define the sequence in which tasks must occur.

Hover over a task to reveal grey connector circles on all four sides.
Click and drag from a circle to a successor task to create a link.
The default link is a Finish-to-Start relationship with 0-day lag.
Click the link and choose Edit Link to modify the relationship type or lag time.

Publish the diagram

Once you’ve built your network:

Exit Full screen mode to reveal the Publish button.
Click Publish to see a summary of changes, then confirm to make the changes visible to other users.

Reschedule the project

To convert the project model into a critical chain schedule:

Go to the Project Details tab.
Click the Reschedule button (this is labeled Update Schedule for projects already in execution).
Rescheduling calculates buffer sizes, defines the critical chain, and prepares the schedule for execution.
- See Fusion scheduling basics for more on how rescheduling works.

Your project is now fully set up in Fusion Online, ready for analysis and reduction, or to launch into execution. You can continue to edit it through the Network Diagram or through other project views.