To begin, log in to KTern and navigate to the desired project. Follow the steps below to access and utilize the Simulation Planner effectively:

1. Navigating to the Wave Landing Page and Planner Preview
   
   
1. Once logged in, go to the Timeline under Digital Projects and click on the Simulation tab.
   
   
2. From there, you can directly click on the "Preview the new planner" button on the right.
   
   
   
   
3. This gives you a comprehensive view of all tasks across different waves, enabling quick analysis and improved decision-making.
   
   
4. From the Simulation tab, launch the wave’s landing page (Eg: Wave 0).
   
   
   
   
5. There, click on Preview the new planner button to access detailed insights into the wave’s tasks, including key parameters like status, start and end dates, duration, dependencies, and milestones. This structured view helps you stay updated on task progress and project alignment.
   
   
   
   
2. Task Table and Filters for Better Visibility
   
   
1. At the top near the KTern logo, you’ll see the project name associated with the plan. On the left, the table lists work items with columns for dependencies (predecessor and successor), task status, start and end dates, workstream type, owner, task type, role type, and milestone percentages (planned and actual).
   
   
   
   
2. Using the dropdown, you can expand tasks to different levels. For example, viewing Level 3 items alone allows you to focus on specific areas of interest while maintaining an overall project view.
   
   
   
   
3. To efficiently manage tasks, apply filters for parameters like status, task type, owner, or dates.
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. For instance, you can filter overdue tasks or switch views to focus on specific workstreams, ensuring that no critical tasks are missed.
   
   
   
   
5. To remove all the filters, click on "Reset Filters." 
   
   



3. Zoom and Fit Options for Flexible Planning
   
   
1. Utilize the Zoom In and Zoom Out icons to adjust the Gantt chart, viewing tasks by months, weeks, or days.
   
   
   
   
2. The Zoom to Fit option provides a year-wise view, split into quarters.
   
   
   
   
3. This is useful for obtaining a high-level overview while still allowing zoom into the details.
   
   
4. In the Gantt, the grey color bar denotes new items, the green color denotes items in progress, the blue color denotes completed items, and the red color denotes overdue items.


4. Adding and Managing Dependencies
   
   
1. The purpose of adding dependencies is to ensure that tasks are started or completed as planned, especially when some tasks rely on the completion of others.
   
   
2. KTern’s dependency management ensures that tasks are sequenced properly, allowing you to control the flow of the project and prevent any misalignment in task schedules.
   
   
3. Before adding dependencies, ensure you toggle on the WBS button to easily map the tasks with dependencies.
   
   
   
   
4. To add dependencies, simply enter the WBS number in the Predecessor or Successor column.
   
   
   
   
5. For example, adding a WBS in the Predecessor column automatically updates the Successor column, creating a clear task dependency visible in the Gantt chart.
   
   
   


6. You can also add multiple dependencies by separating WBS numbers with a semicolon (;). This makes linking multiple tasks easy and creates a seamless workflow.
   
   
   
   
7. You can add dependencies between tasks using either Manual Scheduling or Auto-Scheduling modes.
   
   
8. In Manual Scheduling, dates remain unchanged when dependencies are added, unless you manually adjust them.
   
   
   
   
9. In Auto-Scheduling, deselecting checkboxes will automatically adjust dates when dependencies are added. As seen in the below image, after deselecting the check box, you can view the automatic change in date. 
   
   
   
   
10. This flexibility ensures that task sequences are properly managed, preventing delays from cascading through the project.
    
    
5. Types of Dependencies
   
   KTern supports various types of task dependencies:
   
   
1. Finish-to-Start (FS): Task B starts after Task A finishes (e.g., 1.1.2FS).
   
   
   
   
2. Start-to-Start (SS): Both tasks can start simultaneously (e.g., 1.1.4SS).
   
   
   
   
3. Finish-to-Finish (FF): Task B finishes when Task A finishes (e.g., 1.2.3FF).
   
   
   
   
4. Start-to-Finish (SF): Task B finishes when Task A starts (e.g., 1.1.2SF).
   
   
   
   
5. You can also use + or - operators to adjust the duration (e.g., 1.2.3 + 3days or 1.4.6.5SF - 3months). This helps in fine-tuning timelines for better planning. After adding the dependencies, check whether you had saved it. 
   
   
   
   
6. Drawing Dependencies in Gantt View
   
   
1. Instead of manually adding dependencies, you can draw them directly in the Gantt view by enabling the Draw Dependencies option from the features dropdown. Ensure you trigger the save button after drawing the dependencies. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. This visual approach is more intuitive and speeds up the process of linking tasks.
   
   
3. If you attempt to add or draw an invalid dependency (e.g., between a parent and child task), the system will display an invalid status and block the action, as these tasks are already dependent on each other.
   
   
   
   
4. To edit and save or to delete a dependency, simply double-click the created dependency line and make the necessary changes or delete it via the pop-up box.
   
   
   
   
7. Reshuffling and Adjusting Task Levels
   
   
1. You can move tasks within the same level or shift them to a different level as a parent or child. Visual clues such as blue lines help you place tasks accurately. 
   
   
2. A thick blue line indicates that the task is being moved within the same level, while a light blue line indicates that the task will become a child. For example, let's say you need to bring RTR after EAM and move TAX under HSSE.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. This is essential for restructuring projects when necessary due to evolving priorities.
   
   
8. Monitoring the Critical Path
   
   
1. The Critical Path feature allows you to track tasks that are crucial for meeting project deadlines.
   
   
   
   
2. If a task’s completion date extends beyond the project’s timeframe, it will automatically appear on the critical path.
   
   
3. This helps you prioritize resources and ensure the timely completion of critical tasks.