The Scheduled Start Date (SS), also called the Planned Start Date, is the planned beginning of work on an assignment. Project Management will normally assign a start date for scheduled activities. The Scheduled Start Date is bounded by the early start date, when work on a project begins before the scheduled start date, and the late start date, when work on a project is delayed. Project Management assigns start dates based on the needs of the company. An early start delineates the earliest convenient time to begin work on a project, providing that early work does not interfere with previous commitments. By assigning Scheduled Start Dates, Project Management can effectively allocate resources according to where they are needed. Adherence to the Scheduled Start Date for a project ensures that team members will have the means at their disposal to complete projects in a timely manner, thus maximizing output. When teams or individuals must resort to late start dates, there is a greater chance of wasting resources or making mistakes to complete the project by its due date. It is imperative to take note of the Scheduled Start Date as well as the deadline for projects as Project Management assigns them.
This term is defined in the 3rd and the 4th edition of the PMBOK.