---
title: [OR] [P2] [S2] [MII] [C16] Common Challenges and Pitfalls
description: [OR] [P2] [S2] [MII] [C16] Common Challenges and Pitfalls
image: https://blog.bcm-institute.org/hubfs/OR%20P2%20S2%20Mapping%20Interconnections%20and%20Interdependencies/%5BOR%5D%20%5BP2%5D%20%5BS2%5D%20%5BMII%5D%20%5BC16%5D%20Common%20Challenges%20and%20Pitfalls.jpg
---
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###### From Complexity to Clarity: Mapping Interconnections and Interdependencies for Operational Resilience
# \[OR\] \[P2\] \[S2\] \[MII\] \[C16\] Common Challenges and Pitfalls
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3893111/0b279667-64c6-44b6-9618-1127feb5334f)
Mapping interconnections and interdependencies is a foundational capability for operational resilience. However, many organisations encounter **recurring challenges and pitfalls** that limit the effectiveness of their mapping efforts. These challenges often result in outputs that are incomplete, outdated, or disconnected from real operational practices.
Recognising these pitfalls early allows organisations to **design stronger governance, improve data quality, and ensure mapping remains relevant and actionable**. This chapter highlights four of the most common challenges:
- **Incomplete mapping scope**
- **Over-reliance on static documentation**
- **Lack of cross-functional collaboration**
- **Failure to update mapping**
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3893111/dbcad25a-5ca0-4bd8-ae1b-7906de022d85)
[Moh Heng Goh](https://blog.bcm-institute.org/ebook-or/author/moh-heng-goh) May 15, 2026
###### Operational Resilience Certified Planner-Specialist-Expert
### [](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3893111/6072e46a-8b7a-441a-9257-0c17043af1f5)
### \[P2\] \[S2\] Chapter 16
#### [](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3893111/0b279667-64c6-44b6-9618-1127feb5334f)
### **Common Challenges and Pitfalls**
#### **Introduction**
Mapping interconnections and interdependencies is a foundational capability for operational resilience. However, many organisations encounter **recurring challenges and pitfalls** that limit the effectiveness of their mapping efforts. These challenges often result in outputs that are incomplete, outdated, or disconnected from real operational practices.[![\[OR\] \[P2\] \[S2\] \[MII\] \[C16\] Common Challenges and Pitfalls](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3893111/32bbd8d7-f947-42ac-9db9-b88b0b156813.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3893111/32bbd8d7-f947-42ac-9db9-b88b0b156813)
Recognising these pitfalls early allows organisations to **design stronger governance, improve data quality, and ensure mapping remains relevant and actionable**. This chapter highlights four of the most common challenges:
- **Incomplete mapping scope**
- **Over-reliance on static documentation**
- **Lack of cross-functional collaboration**
- **Failure to update mapping**
#### **Purpose of the Chapter**
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3893111/b5438182-f1e5-4248-bea5-2d5044665d8d)
The purpose of this chapter is to:
- Identify common pitfalls in interconnection mapping
- Explain their impact on operational resilience
- Provide practical guidance to avoid or mitigate these issues
- Strengthen the overall effectiveness and sustainability of mapping efforts
#### **Incomplete Mapping Scope**
##### **Nature of the Challenge**
One of the most common issues is defining a **scope that is too narrow or misaligned** with operational resilience objectives. This often occurs when organisations:
- Focus only on selected processes instead of **end-to-end Critical Business Services (CBS)**
- Exclude key dependencies (e.g., third parties, data flows, facilities)
- Limit mapping to specific departments or systems
##### **Impact**
An incomplete scope leads to:
- Missing critical dependencies
- Underestimation of risks
- Inaccurate impact tolerance and scenario design
- Ineffective recovery strategies
##### **Root Causes**
- Lack of clarity on CBS definitions
- Process-centric rather than service-centric thinking
- Time and resource constraints
- Limited stakeholder involvement
##### **Mitigation Strategies**
- Anchor mapping on **Critical Business Services (CBS)**
- Define **clear end-to-end service boundaries**
- Include both **internal and external dependencies**
- Validate scope through stakeholder workshops
#### **Over-Reliance on Static Documentation**
##### ** Nature of the Challenge**
Many organisations rely heavily on:
- Existing process documents
- System inventories
- Architecture diagrams
While these are useful starting points, they are often:
- Outdated
- Incomplete
- Not reflective of real operational practices
##### **Impact**
Over-reliance on static documentation results in:
- Inaccurate mapping outputs
- Missing informal or manual processes
- Failure to capture real-world interdependencies
##### **Root Causes**
- Assumption that documentation is current and complete
- Lack of validation with operational teams
- Limited engagement with SMEs
##### **Mitigation Strategies**
- Conduct **stakeholder validation workshops**
- Supplement documentation with **interviews and walkthroughs**
- Validate mapping against **actual operational workflows**
- Integrate mapping with **real-time data sources where possible**
#### **Lack of Cross-Functional Collaboration**
##### **Nature of the Challenge**
Operational resilience mapping requires input from multiple functions, including:
- Business operations
- Technology
- Risk management
- Third-party management
However, organisations often struggle with:
- Siloed structures
- Limited communication between teams
- Misaligned priorities
##### **Impact**
Lack of collaboration leads to:
- Fragmented and inconsistent mapping
- Missing interdependencies across functions
- Misalignment between business and technology views
- Reduced ownership and accountability
##### **Root Causes**
- Organisational silos
- Lack of clear governance and roles
- Competing priorities across departments
- Insufficient executive sponsorship
##### **Mitigation Strategies**
- Establish a **cross-functional governance structure**
- Define clear **roles and responsibilities**
- Conduct **joint validation workshops**
- Align mapping objectives with **enterprise-wide resilience goals**
#### **Failure to Update Mapping**
##### **Nature of the Challenge**
Mapping is often treated as a **one-time exercise**, rather than a **living capability**. Over time, changes in:
- Systems
- Processes
- Vendors
- Organisational structures
can render mapping outputs obsolete.
##### **Impact**
Outdated mapping leads to:
- Misalignment with current operations
- Ineffective scenario testing
- Inaccurate recovery planning
- Increased risk exposure
##### **Root Causes**
- Lack of ownership and accountability
- Absence of integration with change management
- Resource constraints
- Limited awareness of mapping importance
##### **Mitigation Strategies**
- Integrate mapping updates into **change management processes**
- Assign **ownership for maintaining mapping data**
- Conduct **periodic reviews and updates**
- Use automated tools where possible to maintain real-time accuracy
#### **Interrelationship of Challenges**
These challenges are often interconnected:
- An incomplete scope may stem from a lack of collaboration
- Static documentation issues may persist due to poor validation
- Failure to update may result from weak governance
Addressing these challenges requires a **holistic approach**, rather than isolated fixes.
##### **Building a Sustainable Mapping Capability**
To overcome these pitfalls, organisations should focus on:
**Governance**
- Clear ownership and accountability
- Executive sponsorship
**Process Integration**
- Alignment with operational resilience lifecycle
- Integration with change management and risk processes
**Data Quality**
- Standardised templates
- Regular validation and reconciliation
**Collaboration**
- Cross-functional engagement
- Continuous stakeholder involvement
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3893111/2dbf77a9-2b10-4a06-b39b-ac8f1611e999)
Mapping interconnections and interdependencies is a complex but essential activity for operational resilience. While challenges such as **incomplete scope, reliance on static documentation, lack of collaboration, and failure to update mapping** are common, they can be effectively managed through structured approaches and strong governance.
By recognising and addressing these pitfalls, organisations can ensure that their mapping efforts are:
- **Comprehensive**
- **Accurate**
- **Dynamic and up-to-date**
Ultimately, overcoming these challenges enables organisations to move from fragmented efforts to a **mature, sustainable mapping capability**, providing a solid foundation for resilience planning and execution.
In the next chapter, we will explore a **practical case study**, demonstrating how interconnection mapping can be applied in a real-world banking context to support operational resilience.
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3893111/90d1498f-0cc7-4057-bec0-aca399cc07aa)
| **C1** | **C2** | **C3** | **C4** | **C5** | **C6** |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [![\[OR\] \[P2\] \[S2\] \[MII\] \[C1\] Introduction to Interconnections and Interdependencies](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3893111/8cbaf41b-9671-404d-83b3-9a20c9fd69f7.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3893111/8cbaf41b-9671-404d-83b3-9a20c9fd69f7) | [![\[OR\] \[P2\] \[S2\] \[MII\] \[C2\] Why Mapping is Critical for Operational Resilience](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3893111/a7625fb5-1205-4fc5-97d4-4b7492c2b25f.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3893111/a7625fb5-1205-4fc5-97d4-4b7492c2b25f) | [![\[OR\] \[P2\] \[S2\] \[MII\] \[C3\] Core Components of Interconnections and Dependencies](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3893111/38a3cbd4-322a-41bd-974f-5090a2ce52aa.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3893111/38a3cbd4-322a-41bd-974f-5090a2ce52aa) | [![\[OR\] \[P2\] \[S2\] \[MII\] \[C4\] Step 1 – Define Scope of Mapping](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3893111/69cc922b-c86c-4242-b85b-315a3f941e12.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3893111/69cc922b-c86c-4242-b85b-315a3f941e12) | [![\[OR\] \[P2\] \[S2\] \[MII\] \[C5\] Step 2- Identify Data Sources](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3893111/622d0fcc-71bf-4c3b-a569-213cb48bd1db.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3893111/622d0fcc-71bf-4c3b-a569-213cb48bd1db) | [![\[OR\] \[P2\] \[S2\] \[MII\] \[C6\] Step 3 – Develop Mapping Framework](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3893111/95581d69-3824-4acd-accf-03c2cab43765.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3893111/95581d69-3824-4acd-accf-03c2cab43765) |
| **C7** | **C8** | **C9** | **C10** | **C11** | ** C12** |
| [![\[OR\] \[P2\] \[S2\] \[MII\] \[C7\] Step 4 – Map Processes and Resources](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3893111/a4ffedf2-c795-41e9-9a8b-c5e24eea7159.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3893111/a4ffedf2-c795-41e9-9a8b-c5e24eea7159) | [![\[OR\] \[P2\] \[S2\] \[MII\] \[C8\] Step 5 – Map Interconnections and Interdependencies](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3893111/10f06848-f21f-457d-aa80-ca4e3b20ce9e.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3893111/10f06848-f21f-457d-aa80-ca4e3b20ce9e) | [![\[OR\] \[P2\] \[S2\] \[MII\] \[C9\] Step 6 – Validate Mapping](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3893111/57d7a65a-a462-4919-9324-53e0bb207f3e.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3893111/57d7a65a-a462-4919-9324-53e0bb207f3e) | [![\[OR\] \[P2\] \[S2\] \[MII\] \[C10\] Step 7 – Analyse Mapping Outputs](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3893111/44bbb252-fdf5-4026-90ba-cbbdbe9c099a.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3893111/44bbb252-fdf5-4026-90ba-cbbdbe9c099a) | [![\[OR\] \[P2\] \[S2\] \[MII\] \[C11\] Mapping Tools and Techniques](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3893111/d2fab757-0d78-42dd-8553-044eead7390e.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3893111/d2fab757-0d78-42dd-8553-044eead7390e) | [![\[OR\] \[P2\] \[S2\] \[MII\] \[C12\] Standard Templates and Data Structures](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3893111/4f04214c-3a0f-4bed-b2f8-6352c6d3cda0.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3893111/4f04214c-3a0f-4bed-b2f8-6352c6d3cda0) |
| **C13** | **C14** | **C15** | **C16** | **C17** | ** C18** |
| [![\[OR\] \[P2\] \[S2\] \[MII\] \[C13\] Integration with Operational Resilience Framework](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3893111/c9628dd2-bbcb-4b54-b5b5-490066640d6d.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3893111/c9628dd2-bbcb-4b54-b5b5-490066640d6d) | [![\[OR\] \[P2\] \[S2\] \[MII\] \[C14\] Mapping Third-Party and Supply Chain Dependencies](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3893111/0c13b720-3d3e-4452-91e4-b9533260b3a4.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3893111/0c13b720-3d3e-4452-91e4-b9533260b3a4) | [![\[OR\] \[P2\] \[S2\] \[MII\] \[C15\] Mapping for Digital and Cloud Environments](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3893111/1c90de74-af6b-44d3-ae4f-26d01eac3cf7.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3893111/1c90de74-af6b-44d3-ae4f-26d01eac3cf7) | [![\[OR\] \[P2\] \[S2\] \[MII\] \[C16\] Common Challenges and Pitfalls](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3893111/32bbd8d7-f947-42ac-9db9-b88b0b156813.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3893111/32bbd8d7-f947-42ac-9db9-b88b0b156813) | [![\[OR\] \[P2\] \[S2\] \[MII\] \[C17\] Case Study – Banking Sector CBS Mapping](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3893111/5a846fed-f810-4f6b-a1d8-0c2100f0eeac.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3893111/5a846fed-f810-4f6b-a1d8-0c2100f0eeac) | [![\[OR\] \[P2\] \[S2\] \[MII\] \[C18\] Governance and Ownership of Mapping](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3893111/44ed11f0-5263-4485-98db-725a423c5fd6.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3893111/44ed11f0-5263-4485-98db-725a423c5fd6) |
| **C19** | **C20** | **C21** | **C22** | | |
| [![\[OR\] \[P2\] \[S2\] \[MII\] \[C19\] Using Mapping for Scenario Testing](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3893111/b7bf0bc8-b382-4892-821d-c7c867303f14.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3893111/b7bf0bc8-b382-4892-821d-c7c867303f14) | [![\[OR\] \[P2\] \[S2\] \[MII\] \[C20\] Maintaining and Updating Mapping](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3893111/41d34d1f-78bd-4346-845e-b0b86232cfa6.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3893111/41d34d1f-78bd-4346-845e-b0b86232cfa6) | [![\[OR\] \[P2\] \[S2\] \[MII\] \[C21\] Key Takeaways and Future Direction](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3893111/d8414f6b-4b4e-4a50-adb3-963546f13951.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3893111/d8414f6b-4b4e-4a50-adb3-963546f13951) | [![\[OR\] \[P2\] \[S2\] \[MII\] \[C22\] Back Cover](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3893111/0f96fecf-9a98-4404-8377-d37c1233df10.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3893111/0f96fecf-9a98-4404-8377-d37c1233df10) | | |
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