Interdepartmental dependencies describe how tightly a workflow is connected to other teams, systems, and processes across the organization. You see these dependencies when one team’s output becomes another team’s input, when decisions in one function shape performance in another, or when a workflow relies on shared data, shared systems, or shared operational rhythms. Some use cases operate independently. Others sit in the middle of a web of interconnected teams. This benchmark helps you understand how those connections influence the impact, complexity, and rollout strategy of a use case.
Dependencies aren’t inherently good or bad. They become powerful when they enable coordinated value, and they become risky when they introduce bottlenecks or slow adoption. Understanding these dependencies helps you design solutions that strengthen collaboration rather than create friction.
What the Benchmark Measures
This benchmark evaluates the strength, number, and nature of the dependencies between departments. It looks at shared data flows, cross‑team handoffs, decision‑making touchpoints, and the degree to which one team’s performance influences another. You’re measuring how interconnected the workflow is and how much coordination is required for the use case to deliver value.
Data sources often include process maps, value‑stream diagrams, system‑integration inventories, and interviews with leaders across functions. You can also incorporate insights from operations, IT, finance, and strategy teams to understand where dependencies create leverage and where they create constraints. These signals help you determine whether the use case requires tight cross‑team alignment or can operate independently.
Why It Matters
Interdepartmental dependencies matter because they shape both the potential impact and the complexity of a use case. When dependencies are strong, improvements in one workflow can unlock value across multiple teams. But those same dependencies require coordination, shared ownership, and clear governance. When dependencies are light, adoption moves quickly — but the impact is often contained.
For executives, this benchmark matters because it influences sequencing, resource allocation, and change‑management strategy. High‑dependency use cases require more planning but deliver broader value. Low‑dependency use cases move faster but create localized gains. Understanding these dynamics helps you build a balanced roadmap.
How Executives Should Interpret It
A strong score indicates that the use case sits at the center of multiple teams and relies on shared data, shared systems, or shared decisions. You should see tight coupling between functions, cross‑team workflows, and value that depends on coordinated execution. These use cases require structured rollout and clear ownership.
A weak score suggests that the workflow is relatively independent. You may see limited handoffs, isolated data, or decisions that don’t influence other teams. When interpreting the score, consider whether the workflow could expand into a more interconnected role or whether it is intentionally designed to remain contained. A low score doesn’t mean the use case lacks value; it means its dependencies are minimal.
Patterns Across Industries
In manufacturing, interdepartmental dependencies appear in forecasting, scheduling, and quality workflows that connect procurement, production, logistics, and finance. Logistics teams see dependencies in shipment visibility, network planning, and capacity tools that require coordination between operations, customer service, and sales.
Financial services experience dependencies in risk modeling, fraud detection, and customer‑insight workflows that influence compliance, operations, and product teams. Healthcare organizations see dependencies in patient‑flow management, clinical documentation, and scheduling tools that require coordination between clinical, administrative, and operational teams. Professional services firms encounter dependencies in resource allocation, project delivery, and knowledge‑management workflows that support sales, delivery, and finance.
Across industries, interdepartmental dependencies determine how much coordination a use case requires and how broadly its value spreads.
A clear understanding of interdepartmental dependencies gives executives the visibility needed to design rollout strategies that match the complexity of the workflow. When you know how tightly teams are connected, you can plan adoption in a way that strengthens collaboration, reduces friction, and unlocks enterprise‑wide value.