Dependency Management in Product Management is the process of identifying, tracking, and coordinating the relationships and interdependencies between different components, features, or tasks within a product development lifecycle.
Synonyms: Interdependency Management, Dependency Tracking, Dependency Coordination, Product Dependencies
Effective dependency management is crucial in product management as it helps teams:
By managing dependencies proactively, product managers can deliver high-quality products on time and within budget.
Product managers use dependency management throughout the product development process:
Tools like Gantt charts, network diagrams, and project management software are often employed to visualize and track dependencies.
Feature Dependencies: A mobile app's payment feature depends on the user authentication system being completed first.
Resource Dependencies: The design team needs to finish the UI mockups before the development team can start coding.
External Dependencies: A product launch date depends on receiving regulatory approval by a specific date.
Technical Dependencies: A new software feature requires an update to the underlying database structure.
What are the main types of dependencies in product management?: The main types include task dependencies, resource dependencies, feature dependencies, and external dependencies.
How can product managers identify dependencies?: Product managers can identify dependencies through cross-functional team meetings, product backlog reviews, and by using tools like dependency matrices.
What are the risks of poor dependency management?: Poor dependency management can lead to project delays, increased costs, quality issues, and team frustration.
How often should dependencies be reviewed?: Dependencies should be reviewed regularly, typically during sprint planning sessions and product roadmap updates.