[OR] [P2] [S2] [MII] [C12] Standard Templates and Data Structures

[P2] [S2] Chapter 12

Standard Templates and Data Structures

Introduction

A successful interconnection and interdependency mapping initiative depends not only on methodology and tools, but also on the consistency and structure of the data collected. Without standard templates and well-defined data structures, mapping efforts can quickly become fragmented, inconsistent, and difficult to analyse.

Standardisation ensures that:

• Data is comparable across business units
• Outputs are scalable and reusable
• Mapping can support impact tolerance, scenario testing, and recovery planning

This chapter introduces the core templates and data structures required to support operational resilience mapping, focusing on:

• Dependency Mapping Table
• Process & Resource Mapping Table

These templates form the foundation for capturing, analysing, and maintaining interconnection data across Critical Business Services (CBS).

Purpose of the Chapter

The purpose of this chapter is to:

• Define standard data structures for interconnection mapping
• Provide detailed guidance on core mapping templates
• Ensure consistency in data capture across the organisation
• Enable mapping outputs to be analysed, validated, and integrated into resilience activities

Importance of Standard Templates

Ensuring Consistency

Standard templates ensure that all business units:

• Use the same definitions
• Capture the same types of data
• Follow a structured approach

This eliminates:

• Variability in data quality
• Misinterpretation of dependencies
• Duplication of effort

Enabling Aggregation and Analysis

Consistent data structures allow organisations to:

• Aggregate mapping data across CBS
• Identify systemic risks
• Perform cross-service analysis

Supporting Regulatory Compliance

Regulators expect organisations to:

• Demonstrate structured mapping
• Provide clear evidence of dependencies
• Maintain up-to-date documentation

Standard templates provide:

• Audit-ready documentation
• Traceability and transparency

Dependency Mapping Table

Overview

The Dependency Mapping Table captures the relationships between CBS components and their dependencies. It provides a structured way to document:

• What the dependency is
• How it supports the service
• How it connects to other components

Core Fields

Sub-CBS Code

• Unique identifier for each sub-component of a CBS
• Ensures traceability and consistency

Dependency Type

• Classification of the dependency
• Typical categories:
• People
• Process
• Technology
• Third Party
• Facilities
• Data

Dependency Detail

• Description of the specific dependency
• Example:
• “Core Banking System”
• “Authentication Service”
• “Vendor XYZ Cloud Platform”

Connectivity

• Description of how the dependency interacts with the CBS
• Includes:
• Data flow
• System integration
• Process linkage
• Communication flow

Sample Structure

Key Considerations

• Ensure clear and consistent naming conventions
• Avoid overly generic descriptions
• Capture both internal and external dependencies
• Maintain alignment with CBS definitions

Process & Resource Mapping Table

Overview

The Process & Resource Mapping Table provides a detailed breakdown of the components required to execute each sub-CBS. It focuses on identifying:

• Processes
• Supporting resources
• Operational dependencies

Core Fields

Processes

• End-to-end activities required to deliver the sub-CBS
• Includes:
• Workflow steps
• Decision points
• Manual and automated tasks

People

• Roles responsible for executing processes
• Includes:
• Operational staff
• SMEs
• Support teams

Technology

• Systems and infrastructure supporting the processes
• Includes:
• Applications
• Databases
• Networks
• Cloud platforms

Third Parties

• External vendors supporting the processes
• Includes:
• Outsourcing providers
• SaaS vendors
• Payment networks
• Infrastructure providers

Sample Structure

Key Considerations

• Ensure end-to-end process coverage
• Capture all relevant resource categories
• Avoid duplication across entries
• Align with dependency mapping outputs

Integration Between Templates

Complementary Roles

The two templates serve different but complementary purposes:

Linking Data Structures

Both templates should be linked through:

• Sub-CBS Code
• CBS hierarchy
• Common data definitions

This ensures:

• Consistency across datasets
• Ability to trace dependencies to resources
• Integrated analysis capability

Enabling End-to-End Visibility

When integrated, these templates provide:

• A complete view of service delivery
• Clear mapping of dependencies and resources
• A foundation for identifying vulnerabilities

Data Governance and Quality

Importance of Data Quality

The value of mapping depends on:

• Accuracy
• Completeness
• Timeliness

Poor data quality leads to:

• Incorrect risk assessments
• Ineffective resilience strategies

Governance Practices

Organisations should:

• Define data ownership for each CBS
• Establish data standards and definitions
• Implement validation and review processes
• Align with change management processes

Continuous Maintenance

Templates must be:

• Regularly updated
• Reviewed during major changes
• Integrated into operational workflows

Standard templates and data structures are essential for transforming interconnection mapping into a consistent, scalable, and actionable capability.

The Dependency Mapping Table provides visibility into relationships and interconnections, while the Process & Resource Mapping Table captures the operational building blocks of CBS. Together, they form a comprehensive framework for understanding how services are delivered and where dependencies exist.

By adopting standardised templates, organisations can:

• Ensure consistency across business units
• Enable meaningful analysis and insights
• Support regulatory compliance and audit requirements
• Strengthen their overall operational resilience capability

In the next chapter, we will explore how to integrate mapping outputs into the broader operational resilience framework, ensuring that interconnection mapping directly supports impact tolerance, scenario testing, and continuous improvement.