An external dependency in project management is a link between a task in a project and something outside of the project that changes the start or end date of the task. This kind of dependency is also called a cross-functional dependency or an inter-project dependency.
Dependencies on the outside world are usually caused by things like legal standards, the presence of suppliers or vendors, third-party software or hardware, or other projects or programs. For example, a software development project may rely on a third-party provider putting out a new operating system before the software can be tried and put into use.
Different types of relationships, such as finish-to-start (FS), start-to-start (SS), finish-to-finish (FF), and start-to-finish (SF), can be used in a project plan to show external ties. They can also be shown with arrow diagrams or network diagrams, which show how jobs fit together and how they depend on each other.
In project management, it’s important to keep track of external relationships because delays caused by outside factors can have a big effect on the project’s plan and budget. It is important to identify, record, and share external variables early in the project planning phase to ensure that they are taken into account when creating the project timeline and controlling project risks. Regular contact with external partners, like providers or vendors, can also help to reduce the impact of external factors on the project.
Usage
It is used in project planning / schedule management
