Dependencies in SPM

[jackbartlett]

Good morning all, 

I have trying to work out the most effective and efficient way to view, manage and anlyse dependencies (not logical i.e. predecessors or successors) for a portfolio of Programmes and Projects within SPM. I am aware there is the functionality to link dependent projects using external dependencies, which we have adopted. My query is more aimed at dependencies that do not have a logical link like resource dependencies. The company I work for has quite a basic set of modules and has yet to integrate the Alignment planner workspace. 

My idea was to ustilise the 'show as external dependency' tick box on a task to enable filtering in reports, use the notes section to provide updates and 'tags' to detail the dependency type. I would then be able to generate reports and dashboards to view and communicate dependencies for a programme or project. 

My question is - How is everyone else doing it? Are there any out of the box features that I havent considered and what learning from experience can you share please? 

[PaulaaO]

would you be able to share an actual example of such dependency without a logical link?

[jackbartlett]

The problem I am having is around resource dependenices (where numerous teams are reliant on the same team within the company at similar times). Also, external dependencies (inbound or outbound) on suppliers where the schedule is not held within SPM. 

Essentially I want to be able to replicate a dependency spreadsheet but using SPM. is there a way to do this within SPM? 

[PaulaaO]

that is an interesting use case; do you use RIDAC (Risk, Issues, Decisions and so on) at all? you could raise such records and link them to the project or project tasks and use Category options (and configure them as needed) for reporting purposes. 

[jackbartlett]

That is a potential solution that has crossed my mind. I wasnt so keen on the cross over and using say the risk area to raise a dependency. We could get a custom tab built in, but i was exhausting options and if there was something out there someone else is doing that works?