Managing primary and parallel activities
Primary and 
parallel activities are two key concepts used within the system to manage tasks in a structured and effective manner.
How it looks
Primary activities: These are the main tasks that are critical to a project's progress. They usually have dependencies, meaning that other tasks cannot start until these primary activities are completed. They are typically represented in the workflow as the main nodes or steps in a sequence.
Parallel activities: These activities can occur simultaneously with the primary activities. They do not hold up the progress of the primary workflow and can be completed alongside primary tasks. In the system, parallel activities are often visually linked to primary activities but on a separate path, indicating that they do not impact the start or completion of the main tasks.
Step-by-step instructions
Defining primary activities: When setting up a project in RigFlow, identify the core tasks that are essential for the project’s progression. These tasks should be added as
primary activities in the system, ensuring that they are properly sequenced according to their dependencies.Adding parallel activities: Once the
primary activities are defined, assess which tasks can be performed concurrently without impacting the critical path. Add these tasks as parallel activities, linking them to the relevant primary activities but ensuring they are marked as parallel to indicate they do not interfere with the main sequence.Managing dependencies: RigFlow allows you to manage the dependencies between
primary and parallel activities. Ensure that the dependencies are correctly set so that parallel activities can proceed without waiting for the primary ones unless explicitly required.Monitoring progress: Use the system’s monitoring tools to track the progress of both
primary and parallel activities. Ensure that delays in parallel activities do not inadvertently affect the primary activities.
Examples
- Primary activity: Drilling operations in an oil rig project might be a primary activity because other tasks, like casing or cementing, depend on its completion.
- Parallel activity: While drilling is ongoing, maintenance checks or environmental assessments could be performed as parallel activities since they don’t affect the drilling process directly but need to be completed alongside the main task.
Tips and tricks
Optimize workflow: By identifying tasks that can be run in parallel, you can significantly reduce project timeframes.
Use dependencies wisely: Ensure that dependencies are logical and do not create unnecessary bottlenecks.
Regular reviews: Periodically review the progress of both primary and parallel activities to ensure that parallel tasks are not inadvertently delaying primary ones.