Mapping Services Dependencies and Systems
A service map traces one service to the people, processes, systems, data and suppliers it needs to run, so a disruption has a path to follow and an owner to call.
Line 03: Service mapping and dependencies
Mapping a service to the people, processes, technology, data and third parties it actually depends on, so a disruption has a traceable path.
The line guide
Working guides on this line
Keeping a Service Map Current
Keeping a service map current ties every service change to a map update, with an owner and a check, so the next incident follows a route that still exists.
Mapping Across a Group
Mapping across a group traces a service that spans entities, shared platforms and central teams, so a failure in one part is not mistaken for a local problem.
Mapping Backup and Recovery Dependencies
Mapping backup and recovery dependencies shows what recovery itself needs: copies, tools, people and suppliers, so restoration does not fail for want of its own support.
Mapping Data Centres and Networks
Mapping data centres and networks records where a service physically runs and how it connects, so a site or network failure has a known alternative route.
Mapping Data Flows and Data Stores
Mapping data flows and data stores follows the information a service reads, transforms and writes, including copies, so recovery knows which data is authoritative.
Mapping Dependencies After a Merger
Mapping dependencies after a merger reconciles two service maps into one, resolving duplicate systems, suppliers and owners before an incident exposes the overlap.
Mapping External Dependencies and APIs
Mapping external dependencies and APIs traces every outside interface a service calls, what it expects in return, and what it does when that interface fails.
Mapping for a Single Service First
Mapping for a single service first starts narrow, proves the method on one service, and only then extends it, instead of mapping everything all at once.
Mapping Fourth-Party Dependencies
Mapping fourth-party dependencies looks one layer beneath a direct supplier, where a hidden provider can halt a service the firm never contracted with directly.
Mapping ICT Systems and Integrations
Mapping ICT systems and integrations traces the applications, platforms and links a service runs on, so a fault in one component can be followed to its impact.
Mapping People and Teams
Mapping people and teams names who operates, supports and decides for a service, including cover, so an incident never waits for one unavailable person.
Mapping Processes and Manual Workarounds
Mapping processes and manual workarounds records how a service normally runs and what people do by hand when a system fails, including its limits and reconciliation afterwards.
Mapping Single Points of Failure
Mapping single points of failure finds the one person, system, supplier or store whose loss alone would stop a service, so it can be covered or redesigned.
Mapping Third-Party Dependencies
Mapping third-party dependencies records every supplier a service relies on, what each supplies, and how the service copes if that supplier fails or degrades.
Service Mapping Workshops
Service mapping workshops bring the people who run a service together to trace it aloud, surface hidden dependencies, and agree owners before an incident does.