What Is a RACI Chart?

Are bottlenecks forming at your company, but you don’t know how to fix it? It could be that key decision makers have too much on their plate. Luckily, we have a quick and easy way to solve these issues through RACI charts.

Often bottlenecks are formed at firms and agencies from mere decision making. RACI charts or matrixes are used as project management tools to keep projects moving forward by outlining the roles and responsibilities expected during a project. RACI, which stands for Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed, is a way for firms to understand who does the work, who is accountable for it, who needs to be consulted to find the proper information, and who needs to be kept informed.

If you have thoughts about implementing RACI charts into your project management, here is some important information for you to know:

Understanding the Roles

Projects are made up of a series of tasks. The purpose of a RACI chart is to break down each task and assign roles for each one, so each person knows who is responsible for handling which task in each project. Here is a breakdown of each role:

Responsible – The member for each task that is responsible for completing the task.

Accountable – Delegates tasks to those designated as responsible. This person also approves the completed work. In some instances, the accountable person may also be flagged as responsible, in which case the same person must do the work and approve it when it is complete.

Consulted – The individuals or departments who are subject matter experts. These individuals answer questions, provide clarification, and help guide those who are responsible for completing the task.

Informed – The person higher up who needs to know what’s happening, is provided with general progress reports, but is not involved in the weeds of the project.

When Exactly Should I Use a RACI Chart?

RACI charts are ideal for projects that require large teams for their completion. These charts help provide those assigned to a clear view of the path needed to complete the project successfully. 

The type of project may also determine the necessity of a RACI chart. If the success of a project hinges on functional boundaries being crossed, a RACI chart helps to ensure those involved are on the same page and no work gets inadvertently duplicated.

How to Get Started

Set up a RACI chart by following these simple steps:

1. Identify the roles or the people working on the project. You can choose to refer to individuals by name or job title.

2. Identify the tasks or deliverables by breaking the project down into individual tasks.

3. Assign workers to one of the four roles: Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, or Informed

4. Review the chart with the entire team to confirm roles are properly assigned and receive feedback.

5. Review with project stakeholders.

RACI charts provide team members with a plan that can be followed to complete a project. When all team members understand their roles, it helps to ensure the project will be completed accurately, on time and on budget.Need help designing a RACI chart for your business? Contact Lone Rock Point today!