[BCM] [BIA] [ISO22301] [P5] Inter-Dependencies

Part 5: Inter‑dependencies (Aligned with ISO 22301 BCMS)

Understanding inter-dependencies is a critical step in business continuity management. Under the ISO 22301 standard, organisations are required to identify the interrelationships and dependencies between their business functions, processes, and external parties to ensure effective continuity planning (ISO 22301:2019, Clauses 4.1, 8.2.2, and 8.3).

These inter-dependencies, whether internal (between departments or processes) or external (with suppliers, partners, or regulators), can influence the impact of a disruption and affect recovery strategies.

This chapter guides the reader in completing Part 5: Inter‑dependencies of the Business Impact Analysis (BIA) by systematically documenting how each business function relies on others.

Capturing these dependencies enables organisations to analyse risk propagation, prioritise recovery actions, and ensure the continuity of critical operations, thereby fulfilling ISO 22301’s requirement for a structured, evidence-based approach to business continuity.

Objectives

The objectives of Part 5 are to:

1. Identify dependencies: Determine which internal or external units, processes, or services each business function relies upon.

2. Classify dependency type: Record whether the relationship is upstream, downstream, or mutual, and note if it is internal or external.

3. Understand functional impact: Describe the nature of the dependency and the potential effect of a disruption on the function.

4. Support recovery planning: Provide input to business continuity strategies, ensuring that mitigation measures and recovery priorities consider these interconnections.

5. Comply with ISO 22301: Maintain documented evidence of interdependencies as part of the organization’s BCMS, demonstrating due diligence in business continuity risk management.

Content & Instructions

When completing the template, the following fields should be filled for each business function:

1. Business Function and Code: Reference the function number as defined in Part 1 of the BIA.

2. Dependent Unit / External Party: Identify the internal department or external party the function depends on (vendor, regulator, partner, etc.).

3. Type of Dependency:

   • Internal or External: Specify whether the dependency is within the organization or with an external entity.

   • Upstream / Downstream / Mutual:

     • Upstream: The business function receives inputs from another unit.

     • Downstream: The business function provides outputs to another unit.

     • Mutual: Both units are interdependent.

4. Nature of Dependency: Describe how the dependency works in practice, including workflows, data flows, service interactions, or operational linkages. Include information on the frequency, criticality, and medium of interaction (digital, physical, or process-based).

ISO 22301 alignment note: Each documented dependency should be auditable and linked to critical processes, ensuring that potential disruptions can be analyzed and mitigated.

Example Entry (Illustrative):

Mapping inter-dependencies is essential for an ISO 22301-compliant BCMS. By documenting both internal and external connections, organisations gain visibility into how disruptions can cascade, allowing for more robust risk assessment and recovery planning.

This understanding supports effective resource prioritisation, enhances organisational resilience, and ensures critical functions can continue or be restored within acceptable timeframes.

The insights from Part 5 provide the foundation for developing recovery strategies (Part 4) and informing impact-over-time analysis (Part 3), creating a comprehensive view of organisational dependencies necessary for effective business continuity management.