RACI matrix
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
A RACI matrix is a form of form of responsibility assignment matrix (RAM) that can be used to help systematically manage a process or project. RACI is an acronym that stands for Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed.
[edit] Assigning roles
These designations can be given to individuals involved in a process:
- Responsible: The person in charge of the process.
- Accountable: The person the responsible person reports to and who must sign off on decisions. NB: Occasionally A is taken to mean 'Assists', that is, someone who assists the responsible person.
- Consulted: People who will be involved in discussions about the process.
- Informed: People who will need to be told about the process.
There can only be one responsible person and one accountable person, but there may be several people who are consulted or informed.
[edit] Clarifying assignments
The correct assignment for individuals can be recorded in the form of a RACI matrix, which gives clarity about the involvement of individuals and helps avoid confusion, duplication, wasted effort and omissions. A RACI matrix can provide more specific information about roles and responsibilities than might be possible with a simple tick-box responsibilities matrix.
This can be particularly useful on design and construction projects where there are a great number of different tasks to be performed by a large number of individuals and organisations who may never have worked together before. Knowing who is responsible for each task, who needs to be consulted and who needs to be informed can be complex, but this is essential to the successful running of the project.
For example, in defining project team roles for the production of Building Information Modelling (BIM) information, PAS 1192-2 suggests that RACI indicators might be used to define project delivery team roles, responsibilities and authority for information delivery post contract-award.
A RACI matrix might form part of a BIM execution plan or a Project Execution Plan (PEP) which sets out the strategy for managing a project. It describes who does what and how, defining the policies, procedures and priorities that will be adopted. RACI indicators are also commonly used in project management software.
NB: Other versions of RACI include:
- RACI supplemented with the letter S to form RASCI (or sometimes RACIS), where S is for 'Support' referring to someone motivating and supporting the team.
- The addition of the letter O in the form CAIRO, where O is 'Out of the loop', referring to someone who is not part of the process.
- CAIROS, where the 'Support' role is added to CAIRO.
- RACI-VS, where V is a 'Verifier', verifying the outcome against requirements, and S is the 'Signatory' signing off on the verifiers decision.
- DACI, where D is the 'Driver'.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- BIM.
- Design responsibility matrix.
- Master information delivery plan.
- Project execution plan.
- Projectisation.
- Project roles table.
- Stakeholder matrix
[edit] External references
- GreyCampus, RACI Matrix: How does it help project managers?
- Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RACI Chart).
- Toolshero, RACI Matrix.
Featured articles and news
A threat to the creativity that makes London special.
How can digital twins boost profitability within construction?
A brief description of a smart construction dashboard, collecting as-built data, as a s site changes forming an accurate digital twin.
Unlocking surplus public defence land and more to speed up the delivery of housing.
The Planning and Infrastructure bill oulined
With reactions from IHBC and others on its potential impacts.
Farnborough College Unveils its Half-house for Sustainable Construction Training.
Spring Statement 2025 with reactions from industry
Confirming previously announced funding, and welfare changes amid adjusted growth forecast.
Scottish Government responds to Grenfell report
As fund for unsafe cladding assessments is launched.
CLC and BSR process map for HRB approvals
One of the initial outputs of their weekly BSR meetings.
Architects Academy at an insulation manufacturing facility
Programme of technical engagement for aspiring designers.
Building Safety Levy technical consultation response
Details of the planned levy now due in 2026.
Great British Energy install solar on school and NHS sites
200 schools and 200 NHS sites to get solar systems, as first project of the newly formed government initiative.
600 million for 60,000 more skilled construction workers
Announced by Treasury ahead of the Spring Statement.
The restoration of the novelist’s birthplace in Eastwood.
Life Critical Fire Safety External Wall System LCFS EWS
Breaking down what is meant by this now often used term.
PAC report on the Remediation of Dangerous Cladding
Recommendations on workforce, transparency, support, insurance, funding, fraud and mismanagement.
New towns, expanded settlements and housing delivery
Modular inquiry asks if new towns and expanded settlements are an effective means of delivering housing.