Dependency Tracking
Table of Contents
Overview
Dependency tracking ensures visibility of task relationships, identifies blocking issues early, and enables better resource planning and risk mitigation.
When to Use
- Multi-team projects and programs
- Complex technical integrations
- Cross-organizational initiatives
- Identifying critical path items
- Resource allocation planning
- Preventing schedule delays
- Onboarding new team members
Quick Start
Minimal working example:
# Dependency mapping and tracking
class DependencyTracker:
DEPENDENCY_TYPES = {
'Finish-to-Start': 'Task B cannot start until Task A is complete',
'Start-to-Start': 'Task B cannot start until Task A starts',
'Finish-to-Finish': 'Task B cannot finish until Task A is complete',
'Start-to-Finish': 'Task B cannot finish until Task A starts'
}
def __init__(self):
self.tasks = []
self.dependencies = []
self.critical_path = []
def create_dependency_map(self, tasks):
"""Create visual dependency network"""
dependency_graph = {
'nodes': [],
'edges': [],
'critical_items': []
}
for task in tasks:
dependency_graph['nodes'].append({
// ... (see reference guides for full implementation)Reference Guides
Detailed implementations in the references/ directory:
| Guide | Contents |
|---|---|
| Dependency Mapping | Dependency Mapping |
| Dependency Management Board | Dependency Management Board |
| Dependency Resolution | Dependency Resolution |
| Dependency Dashboard Metrics | Dependency Dashboard Metrics |
Best Practices
✅ DO
- Map dependencies early in planning
- Update dependency tracking weekly
- Identify and monitor critical path items
- Proactively communicate blockers
- Have contingency plans for key dependencies
- Break complex dependencies into smaller pieces
- Track external dependencies separately
- Escalate blocked critical path items immediately
- Remove unnecessary dependencies
- Build in buffer time for risky dependencies
❌ DON'T
- Ignore external dependencies
- Leave circular dependencies unresolved
- Assume dependencies will "work out"
- Skip daily monitoring of critical path
- Communicate issues only in status meetings
- Create too many dependencies (couples systems)
- Forget to document dependency rationale
- Avoid escalating blocked critical work
- Plan at 100% utilization (no buffer for dependencies)
- Treat all dependencies as equal priority