Touchpoints, Checkpoints and Deliverables

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We are often asked, what the difference between a Touchpoint, a Checkpoint and a Deliverable.

Touchpoint

  • Touchpoints are used where two schedules “touch” each other, i.e. the result of a task in one schedule feeds into another schedule.

  • For instance, if Schedule A depends on the output from Schedule B that is separately managed (potentially by another Program Manager), then Schedule B makes the appropriate task/milestone a Touchpoint, and Schedule A creates a Touchpoint (milestone) with a date constraint, equal to the Finish date of Schedule B's task.

  • Touchpoints can be used to indicate a deliverable from another (separate) project, a resource is coming on board (e.g. hired or from another project), a supplier is delivering something to you on a certain date, etc.

Checkpoint

  • Checkpoints are typically used as internal checkpoints.

  • Examples are: the end of a phase review, a (significant) design review, a decision needs to be made, etc.

  • Checkpoints don't usually have date constraints, but can if needed.

Deliverable

  • Indicates a formal deliverable from the project.

  • Although Touchpoints and Checkpoints appear similar (apart from their different color and icon on the Gantt chart), Touchpoints are updated during a refresh (even if they are in the future), and checkpoints are not.

  • You can use the Milestone Reports to filter and optionally generate a report on any combination of Touchpoints, Checkpoints and Deliverables.