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

1

Open the dependency view

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

2

Traverse upstream and downstream

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

3

Capture decisions

1. Record sequencing decisions in comments.
2. Update dependencies when sequencing changes.

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.