Timeline Generator

Purpose

Convert a dependency-tagged task list into a visual timeline with critical path analysis. Identify which tasks must complete on time for the matter to close as planned. Model delays before they happen — or calculate their programme-level impact after they do.

The what-if cascade is the central capability. When a jurisdiction delays, a regulatory determination runs long, or a counterparty goes quiet, the question is not just "is this task late" but "which of the twenty-three things downstream of this task now move, by how much, and what does the client need to know?" This skill produces that answer, along with the draft communications.

This skill consumes the structured output of matter-plan-builder and feeds its results back as updated milestone dates to status-report-drafter and scope-change-controller. It sits at the technical centre of the LPM plugin: every other skill produces or consumes timeline data; this skill owns the calculation layer.

Operating Modes

Mode 1 — Baseline build

At matter setup: build the dependency network from the matter plan, calculate the critical path and near-critical paths, produce the Gantt diagram and dependency summary. This is the timing baseline all future reporting measures against.

Input: matter-plan-builder structured export (CSV) or pasted task table with dependency tags. Minimum viable input: Task ID, Duration (working days), Predecessor(s), Dependency type (FS/FF/SS), and at least one fixed date anchor.