Dependency Risk Heatmap

Input guidance

Enter total dependencies and how many are currently blocked.

How to use this tool

1. Enter total dependencies and how many are currently blocked.
2. Score criticality, ownership clarity, and integration complexity on the 1-5 scales shown in the form.
3. Click "Assess Risk" and review blocked ratio, dependency risk index, and risk band.
4. Share the inputs with the result so owners can challenge the scoring and agree on next actions.

Formula or method

• Blocked dependency ratio carries the largest weight because active blockers are the clearest delivery risk signal.
• Ownership clarity is inverted into risk: unclear ownership increases the score.
• Criticality and integration complexity raise the score when blocked or fragile dependencies affect important paths.

Worked example

Comparing release dependency pressure

• Total dependencies: 14
• Blocked dependencies: 4
• Criticality: 4
• Ownership clarity: 2.5
• Integration complexity: 3.5

Result: The heatmap returns a moderate dependency risk band with a numeric index for comparison.

Use the score to decide which dependency owner needs escalation, then update the inputs as blockers clear.

How to interpret the result

A dependency risk score is most useful when it starts a focused ownership and mitigation discussion.

• The dependency risk index is 53.9 / 100, with a moderate risk band.
• Blocked ratio, criticality, unclear ownership, and integration complexity all contribute to the score.
• Use the result to focus owner follow-up; it is not a schedule forecast.

Common mistakes

• Counting dependencies without separating blocked, risky, and merely tracked items.
• Giving high ownership clarity when a name exists but decision authority is unclear.
• Treating the score as a forecast date instead of a risk prioritization signal.
• Sharing a risk band without the input assumptions behind it.

FAQ