Dependency Tracking

Table of Contents

• [Overview](#overview)
• [When to Use](#when-to-use)
• [Quick Start](#quick-start)
• [Reference Guides](#reference-guides)
• [Best Practices](#best-practices)

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:

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