Lead time in Zoho Projects is a negative time buffer on a task dependency that allows the successor task to start before the predecessor is fully finished. It represents schedule compression where tasks overlap intentionally to reduce total project duration.
If writing a user manual can begin when development is 80% done (2 days before completion), you can set a -2 day lead time on the Start dependency. This brings the manual writing start earlier without waiting for development to be fully complete.
Lead time introduces risk because the successor starts based on work that is not yet finished. If the predecessor is delayed beyond the lead time buffer, the successor may need to be suspended. Use lead time carefully and only when the overlap is genuinely feasible.
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