> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.transform.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.transform.ai/transformations/viewing-dependency-chains.md).

# Viewing Dependency Chains

### Overview

Dependency chains show upstream blockers and downstream impact.

They support critical path reviews.

### Key Concepts

* **Chain**: ordered set of dependencies
* **Critical path signal**: small set of dependencies driving schedule risk
* **Impact**: downstream items affected by an upstream delay

### How It’s Used

Use dependency chains during planning and status reviews.

Use them when triaging blocker risk.

### Benefits

* Faster identification of root blockers
* Clearer sequencing discussions
* Better prioritization of unblock work

### Setup Steps

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Open the dependency view

1. Open a requirement or task with dependencies.
2. Open the dependency chain view, graph, or panel.
   {% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Traverse upstream and downstream

1. Review upstream items first.
2. Identify the earliest unresolved blocker.
3. Review downstream items impacted by that blocker.
   {% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Capture decisions

1. Record sequencing decisions in comments.
2. Update dependencies when sequencing changes.
   {% endstep %}
   {% endstepper %}

### Best Practices

* Keep chains short by removing weak relationships.
* Avoid using dependencies as general associations.
* Review chains during weekly governance.

### Summary

Dependency chains make sequencing visible.

They also provide a shared reference for blocker triage.


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