Prepare a Target/Actual Comparison in 10 Minutes

Goal: A baseline is saved and the project is ready for target/actual comparison when execution starts.

What is a baseline? A baseline is a frozen copy of the current schedule at the time of release. It is the reference for comparing planned progress with actual progress later.

Prerequisites: The project is scheduled, resources are assigned, and the plan has been released.

Step 1: Save a Baseline

  1. Select Project > Baseline > Add. The Add baseline dialog opens.

Add a baseline from the menu

  1. Enter a meaningful name, for example “Baseline project start 2026-05-19”, or accept the proposed name.

Enter a baseline name

  1. Click OK.

Note

You can save several baselines, for example after an approved plan change. This documents the project development over several phases.

Step 2: Enter Actual Data

When tasks have started or are completed:

  1. Double-click a started or completed task.

  2. Go to the General tab.

General task properties for actual data

  1. Enter the completion percentage, for example 50 percent for a half-finished task or 100 percent for a completed task.

  2. Enter the actual start date if it differs from the plan.

  3. Click OK.

Step 3: Open the Target/Actual View

  1. Switch to the Variance analysis or target/actual comparison view from Start.

Open target actual comparison

  1. In the table, compare planned and actual values for each task.

  2. Highlighted values show deviations from the baseline.

Target actual comparison for date deviations Target actual comparison table

Step 4: Set the Reporting Date

  1. Open Start > Property > Project.

  2. On the General tab, enter the date in the reporting date field.

  3. Alternatively, set the reporting date marker in the upper part of the time scale.

Set the Reporting Date

Result

The baseline is saved, actual data can be entered, and deviations become visible in the target/actual comparison.

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