Clear visualization of which team members are responsible for given deliverables is critical to project success. Check out these six RACI matrix alternatives as you begin to plan. Which fits your project best?
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RACI Recap
A RACI chart, or RACI matrix, is a responsibility assignment tool that visually defines roles and responsibilities within a project lifecycle.
The vertical axis of the chart represents individual tasks or aspects of the project, whereas the horizontal axis represents individuals. Each square within the chart is filled based on the responsibilities of each party relative to specific tasks: responsible, accountable, consulted, and informed.
Project managers rely on a wide range of tools to support project needs, and the RACI matrix is one of the most common project management tools. Yet, you might find that it falls short when it comes to defining roles, responsibilities, project scope, or other essential details and tasks.
Read more: What is a RACI Matrix?
RASCI
Responsible • Accountable • Support • Consulted • Informed
One of the top choices in RACI alternatives is a RASCI matrix, a work responsibility chart that’s built in the in the same way as a RACI chart is, but with the added category of “support”.
While it may not seem like much of a difference, the additional category adds another layer of engagement for teams who may be working with multiple departments across the organization or external supporting contractors.
DACI
Driver • Approver • Consulted • Informed
The DACI model is designed as an alternative to the RACI model that provides teams insights about roles and responsibilities while placing more emphasis on drivers and decision-makers in the team dynamic.
This model works especially well for teams that have multiple leaders within the project dynamic, such as a portfolio manager, program manager, and project manager or teams working with numerous external stakeholders.
RAPID
Recommend • Agree • Perform • Input • Decide
The RAPID model, unlike the previous alternatives, is designed as a decision-making tool rather than a responsibility-focused one.
RAPID is helpful for teams that need to come to a consensus about project decisions. In this model, instead of assigning roles or responsibilities, teams work through a prescribed decision-making process to reach a consensus: recommend, agree, perform, input, and decide.
Gantt Chart
One of the most notable alternatives to RACI is a Gantt chart. While both charts enable teams to visualize responsibilities, a Gantt chart ties individuals to direct tasks and deliverables while highlighting task dependencies and timelines. Gantt charts are a useful tool for teams that need to visualize multiple project metrics in one chart.
Interested in trying a Gantt chart software?
Work Breakdown Structure
A work breakdown structure is a project management term that refers to a diagram that helps teams break down large, task-heavy projects into smaller portions of work to keep things organized and ensure that all essential tasks are completed. While this type of diagram does not tie the tasks to any specific team member, it makes it easier to digest the totality of work that will be completed throughout the project lifecycle.
Read more: Work Breakdown Structure Basics
Project Dashboard
Project dashboards are a powerful tool typically included in project management software that provides analytical overviews of one or more projects. Where a RACI matrix provides information about team responsibilities, a project dashboard gives teams information about the project itself in an unbiased manner, from detailed stats on remaining work to budget tracking. What’s more, this data is highly customizable, making it a flexible tool for teams of all shapes and sizes.
Interested in trying out dashboard capabilities in a project management solution? Give ClickUp a try.
Read more: RACI vs DACI
