If words of command are not clear and distinct, if orders are not thoroughly understood, the general is to blame. But if his orders are clear, and the soldiers nevertheless disobey, then it is the fault of their officers. [SUN TZU]
Almost 4 years ago I was educated in a very often used Business Process Management tool called ARIS – I was educated by one of the best teachers in Denmark. One of the first days she mentioned a FLA (Five-letter acronym) called RASCI, and my instant thought was ‘Ooh no! Who uses that and for what?’ — Some years later now, I regret that thought, and bitterly…! I expect to use weeks cleaning up now my mistakes in ARIS!
So if you don´t understand RASCI – your BPM project won´t succeed!
But what is RASCI? Is it just another consultant word? No! It will support the citation by Sun Tzu in the header – by securing that orders are clear and distinct.
RASCI is:
- R = Responsible
- A = Accountable
- S = Support
- C = Consult
- I = Inform
R: Is the person or role that is responsible for preforming the task/function to achieve the task.
A: There can only be one accountable – he or she is the person/role who approves the work that the Responsible have performed.
S: Supports the responsible role in task at hand.
C: Can be consulted while the task is underway.
I: Those who must be informed about the task.
The above seems pretty irrelevant when you start up your BPM project. But trust me – when you start using reports and portals in your BPM project, the lack of RASCI will hit you in the face…. And your manager won´t give you a raise this year!
I started out with only ‘Responsible’, and I admit my mistake…. Don´t do the same! And when the BPM teacher tells about RASCI, please listen…..
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