---
title: [OR] [P2] [S2] [MII] [C8] Step 5 – Map Interconnections and Interdependencies
description: [OR] [P2] [S2] [MII] [C8] Step 5 – Map Interconnections and Interdependencies
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%5BC8%5D%20Step%205%20%E2%80%93%20Map%20Interconnections%20and%20Interdependencies.jpg
---
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###### From Complexity to Clarity: Mapping Interconnections and Interdependencies for Operational Resilience
# \[OR\] \[P2\] \[S2\] \[MII\] \[C8\] Step 5 – Map Interconnections and Interdependencies
Having identified Critical Business Services (CBS), mapped processes and resources, and established the necessary data inputs, the next critical step is to **map interconnections and interdependencies**.
This step transforms static lists of components into a **dynamic, end-to-end view of how services are actually delivered**.
Mapping interconnections and interdependencies provides organisations with the ability to:
- Understand how components interact
- Identify where dependencies exist
- Assess how disruptions propagate across the service chain
Without this step, operational resilience efforts remain incomplete, as organisations may understand “what exists” but not **“how everything works together”**.
[](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 4, 2026
###### Operational Resilience Certified Planner-Specialist-Expert
### [](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3893111/6072e46a-8b7a-441a-9257-0c17043af1f5)
### \[P2\] \[S2\] Chapter 8
#### [](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3893111/0b279667-64c6-44b6-9618-1127feb5334f)
### **Step 5 – Map Interconnections and Interdependencies**
#### **Introduction**
Having identified Critical Business Services (CBS), mapped processes and resources, and established the necessary data inputs, the next critical step is to **map interconnections and interdependencies**.[![\[OR\] \[P2\] \[S2\] \[MII\] \[C8\] 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)
This step transforms static lists of components into a **dynamic, end-to-end view of how services are actually delivered**.
Mapping interconnections and interdependencies provides organisations with the ability to:
- Understand how components interact
- Identify where dependencies exist
- Assess how disruptions propagate across the service chain
Without this step, operational resilience efforts remain incomplete, as organisations may understand “what exists” but not **“how everything works together”**.
#### **Purpose of the Chapter**
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3893111/b5438182-f1e5-4248-bea5-2d5044665d8d)
The purpose of this chapter is to:
- Explain how to identify **internal and external dependencies**
- Provide a structured approach to mapping **connectivity between components**
- Introduce methods for assessing **dependency strength and criticality**
- Define key **types of interdependencies**
- Highlight the importance of identifying **concentration risks**
#### **Identifying Dependencies**
The first step in mapping interconnections is to identify all relevant **dependencies** supporting each CBS. These dependencies can be broadly classified into **internal** and **external**.
##### **Internal Dependencies (Within the Organisation)**
Internal dependencies refer to relationships between components within the organisation.
**Examples**
- A payment processing system dependent on an authentication service
- A customer onboarding process reliant on internal KYC systems
- Operations teams dependent on IT support for system availability
**Key Components**
- People (roles and expertise)
- Processes (workflow dependencies)
- Technology (systems and applications)
- Data (information flows)
- Facilities (locations and infrastructure)
**Mapping Considerations**
- Identify upstream and downstream relationships
- Capture cross-functional dependencies
- Highlight shared resources across multiple CBS
##### **External Dependencies (Vendors, Regulators, and Ecosystem)**
External dependencies refer to relationships with entities outside the organisation.
**Examples**
- Cloud service providers hosting critical applications
- Payment networks supporting transaction processing
- Regulatory bodies requiring reporting and compliance activities
**Key External Entities**
- Third-party vendors
- Fourth-party providers
- Market infrastructure (e.g., clearing and settlement systems)
- Regulators and supervisory systems
**Mapping Considerations**
- Identify critical vendors supporting CBS
- Understand reliance on external infrastructure
- Assess visibility into fourth-party dependencies
#### **Mapping Connectivity**
Once dependencies are identified, the next step is to map **connectivity**, which describes **how components interact with each other**.
##### **Definition of Connectivity**
Connectivity refers to:
- The **flow of information, transactions, or control** between components
- The **interaction mechanisms** linking processes, systems, and entities
##### **Types of Connectivity**
**Process Connectivity**
- Sequence of activities within a workflow
- Example: Customer request → validation → processing → confirmation
**System Connectivity**
- Integration between applications and platforms
- Example: API calls between front-end and backend systems
**Data Connectivity**
- Movement and transformation of data
- Example: Data transfer between databases and reporting systems
**Organisational Connectivity**
- Interaction between teams and functions
- Example: Coordination between operations and IT during incident response
##### **Mapping Approach**
Organisations should:
- Use **visual diagrams** (e.g., flowcharts, dependency maps)
- Capture **direction of flows** (upstream vs downstream)
- Identify **points of interaction and handoffs**
##### **Outcome**
Connectivity mapping provides:
- A clear view of how CBS are delivered
- Insight into potential **failure propagation paths**
- A foundation for scenario testing and recovery planning
#### **Assessing Dependency Strength and Criticality**
Not all dependencies are equal. Organisations must assess:
- **How critical a dependency is**
- **How strongly a component relies on another**
##### **Dependency Strength**
Dependency strength reflects the **degree of reliance** between components.
**Categories**
- **High Dependency:** Service cannot function without the component
- **Medium Dependency:** Service is degraded but still operational
- **Low Dependency:** Minimal impact if component fails
##### **Dependency Criticality**
Criticality reflects the **importance of the dependency to the CBS outcome**.
**Factors to Consider**
- Impact on customers
- Regulatory implications
- Financial consequences
- Time sensitivity
##### **Assessment Approach**
Organisations can:
- Use scoring models (e.g., High/Medium/Low)
- Define thresholds aligned with **impact tolerance**
- Integrate with risk assessment frameworks
##### **Outcome**
Assessing dependency strength and criticality enables:
- Prioritisation of resilience efforts
- Identification of high-risk dependencies
- Focused mitigation strategies
#### **Types of Interdependencies**
Understanding the **types of interdependencies** helps organisations analyse how disruptions may propagate.
##### **Sequential Dependencies**
Sequential dependencies occur when:
- One component must function before another can operate
**Example**
- Authentication must occur before transaction processing
- Data validation must occur before reporting
**Risk Implication**
- Failure in an upstream component halts downstream processes
##### **Shared Dependencies**
Shared dependencies occur when:
- Multiple services rely on the same component
**Example**
- Multiple CBS relying on a single core banking system
- Several processes dependent on the same cloud provider
**Risk Implication**
- A single failure can impact multiple CBS simultaneously
##### **Concentration Risks**
Concentration risk arises when:
- Dependencies are heavily concentrated in a single component, vendor, or location
**Examples**
- Single vendor supporting multiple critical services
- Centralised data centre hosting all applications
- Limited redundancy in key personnel
**Risk Implication**
- High impact disruption with limited recovery options
#### **Integrating Interdependency Mapping into Operational Resilience**
Mapping interconnections and interdependencies is not an isolated activity. It directly supports:
**Impact Tolerance Setting**
- Identifying critical thresholds based on dependencies
**Scenario Testing**
- Designing realistic disruption scenarios
**Recovery Planning**
- Determining recovery priorities and sequencing
**Third-Party Risk Management**
- Understanding vendor dependencies and concentration risks
#### **Practical Mapping Output Structure**
A typical interdependency mapping table may include:
| **Sub-CBS Code** | **Sub-CBS** | **Dependency Type** | **Dependency Detail** | **Connectivity** | **Dependency Strength** | **Criticality** |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
This structured output ensures consistency and usability across resilience activities.
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3893111/2dbf77a9-2b10-4a06-b39b-ac8f1611e999)
Mapping interconnections and interdependencies is a **critical step in operational resilience implementation**, transforming static resource mapping into a **dynamic, actionable understanding of service delivery**.
By identifying both **internal and external dependencies**, mapping **connectivity**, and assessing **dependency strength and criticality**, organisations gain:
- Visibility into complex service ecosystems
- Insight into how disruptions propagate
- The ability to prioritise resilience efforts effectively
Understanding key interdependency types—**sequential, shared, and concentration risks**—further enhances an organisation’s ability to anticipate and mitigate disruptions.
Ultimately, this step enables organisations to move from understanding components to understanding **how the entire system behaves under stress**, which is essential for achieving true operational resilience.
In the next chapter, we will explore **Step 6: Validate Mapping**, ensuring that all identified interconnections and interdependencies are accurate, complete, and aligned with real-world operations.
[](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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