What is a RAID Log and How do I Use One

Key Takeaways

• A RAID log is a simple tool that helps you track project problems and how to react to them.
• Keeping it updated makes it easier to spot problems before they derail a project.
• Not all project challenges are the same. Some are predictable, while others need immediate attention. A RAID log helps you sort them out.
• A RAID log only works if you actually use it. Keep it updated and bring it to team discussions.

What is a RAID Log?

In project management, one fact is universal: deadlines shift, priorities change, and problems pop up out of nowhere. Trying to keep track of everything in your head (or scattered across emails and sticky notes) just makes things harder.

A RAID acronym is a simple way to keep tabs on the four biggest things that can mess with your project:

• Risks – What could go wrong?
• Assumptions or actions – What are we taking for granted?
• Issues – What’s already going wrong?
• Dependencies or decisions – What are we waiting on?

Instead of waiting for problems to erupt, a RAID log helps you get ahead of them. In this guide, we’ll walk you through creating, maintaining, and using one. Whether project management is your full-time gig or just one of the many hats you wear, this type of tracker makes your life much easier.

Why it is Important

There are a couple of reasons, but primarily, it will minimize headaches for you down the road.

• Fewer unpleasant surprises: It lets you spot risks and dependencies early, preventing them from affecting your timeline.
• Clearer communication: Everyone knows what’s happening and what to expect. If there is a problem, anyone on the team can help to address it.
• Less confusion, more action: Instead of searching through emails or Slack messages, you can track key risks and decisions in one place.
• Better decision-making: If you know what could go wrong, you can plan for it when you’re calm instead of reacting in a panic.

It’s a living document that helps you keep project plans running smoothly.

RAID Tracker Components

This type of log organizes four key things that impact your project. Let’s break them down.

1. Risks

Every project has potential issues. A risk could be anything from a tight deadline to a key project team member leaving midway.

How to track risks in your RAID log across the project lifecycle:

• Describe the potential risk and be specific.
• Assess the potential impact and ask whether this risk will slow down the process, increase costs, or ruin project success.
• Plan for a risk. Can you avoid it, reduce the chances of it happening, or have a backup plan?

2. Assumptions

Every project starts with assumptions or action items that will need to be taken. These are the things you believe to be true but haven’t confirmed. The problem is that if an assumption turns out to be wrong, it can cause delays or extra work.

Common assumptions project managers track:

• Availability of key resources: The IT team has time to support this future project.
• Budget expectations: Costs have remained stable, so the budget is sound.
• Stakeholder engagement: Leadership will approve the final proposal without changes.

When you write down assumptions during the project planning phase, you can check if they’re still valid as the project moves forward.

3. Issues

Issues are the things that have already happened and are causing problems in real time for your project

Log the problem, who is dealing with it, and the next steps you’ll take to fix the problem. If you manage risks well before they materialize into a problem, you’ll have fewer key issues.

4. Dependencies

Dependencies are project tasks or decisions outside your control that affect your workstream. If they’re delayed, your project stalls.

• Waiting on another team: Needing the design team to finish before shipping can begin.
• External dependencies: Regulatory approval needs to be signed off before launch.
• Technology constraints: The project relies on a third-party API that hasn’t been released yet.

Tracking dependencies helps spot potential bottlenecks early so you can plan around them.

How to Create a RAID Artifact

RAID becomes an effective tool when it’s clear, easy to update and uses a structured approach. Here’s how to build one without overcomplicating it.

Step 1: Identify what needs to be tracked

Start by gathering information from your team. Ask:

• How can things go sideways? (Risks)
• What assumptions are we making? (Assumptions/Actions)
• Are there any existing problems? (Issues)
• What are we waiting on? (Dependencies)

Look at past projects, stakeholder feedback, and team input to catch potential trouble spots early.

Step 2: Document clearly

Once you have your list, organize it in a way that makes sense for your team. A spreadsheet is usually enough, but some teams prefer graphics or project management tools to keep the project on track.

The goal is to make the RAID updates easy to scan — not to create a dense, unreadable document.

Step 3: Prioritize what matters

Not every risk, issue, or dependency is urgent!

Rank the potential challenges based on their likelihood of occurring and their impact on project progress. The biggest threats should be tackled first, while lower-priority items can be monitored in the background.

Best Practices

A RAID log template is only useful if it’s kept up to date and used in real discussions. Here’s how to ensure that it isn’t ignored.

Keep it updated

Make updates a routine part of your project meetings. If something is resolved, close it. If new risks appear, add them immediately. A stale RAID log doesn’t help anyone.

Involve the team

Project managers don’t see everything. Encourage team members to contribute when they spot risks, issues, or assumptions.

Keep it simple

Choose clear, direct descriptions without jargon or unnecessary details. Any project stakeholder should be able to understand them; if they are too complicated, no one will use them. Track what matters and ignore what doesn’t.

A RAID log shouldn’t become just another spreadsheet collecting dust.

Complementary Tools

A RAID log isn’t the only tool for tracking project risks and issues. And while it’s useful, it’s not always the right tool for the job. Here’s how it compares to other common project management logs.

RAID Log vs. Risk Register

A risk register focuses only on risks that we now know are potential problems that could derail a project. However, a RAID log covers more than just risks. It also tracks assumptions, issues, and dependencies…

Use a RAID log to get​​ a broader view of project challenges. Use a risk register when risks require deep analysis, like scoring them based on likelihood and impact, which requires in-depth discussions.

RAID vs. Issue Log

An issue log tracks current problems that are actively affecting the project. A RAID log includes issues, potential risks, assumptions, and dependencies.

An issue log might be the better choice if you need a dedicated space to manage only current project roadblocks. However, a RAID log works better if you want to see the full picture in one central location.

Benefits

A RAID log helps you stay ahead of problems instead of reacting to them at the last minute. Here’s why it’s worth the effort.

Proactive risk management

Spotting potential risks early gives you time to prepare instead of scrambling for a fix when things go wrong. Tracking dependencies also helps prevent bottlenecks before they cause delays.

Smarter decision-making

A RAID log makes it easier to prioritize challenges. Instead of spending energy on minor issues, you can focus on what impacts the project outcomes.

Better project communication

A clear RAID log keeps everyone on the same page. When people know what risks exist, what assumptions are being made, and what dependencies could slow things down, there’s less confusion and fewer surprises.

Common Problems

A RAID log works best when it is maintained properly. Here are some common mistakes and tips for avoiding them.

• Overcomplicating entries: Stick to the key facts – the risk, assumption, issue, or dependency, why it matters, and what’s being done about it.
• Letting it go stale: Include it in regular meetings and assign owners to each entry so updates actually happen. Close a risk that has been resolved and add new risks immediately if they arise.
• Lack of team buy-in: Encourage team members to contribute when they see risks, assumptions, issues, or dependencies that should be tracked. The more input you get, the more useful the log will be.

Tips & Tricks

Here are a few tips and tricks to get the most out of your RAID log.

• Set a schedule for updates so nothing gets forgotten.
• Store it in a shared location where the whole team can see and edit it.
• Every entry should have someone responsible for monitoring it.
• Stick to meaningful risks, assumptions, issues, and dependencies.

A RAID log is only as useful as the effort put into it. Keep it simple, keep it updated, and actually use it in project discussions.

Stay Ahead of Project Challenges

A RAID log won’t prevent every project problem, but it helps you stay in control. Instead of constantly reacting to unexpected issues, you’ll have a structured way to track and manage risks, assumptions, issues, and dependencies.

It’s a small habit that leads to better decision-making, fewer surprises, and a smoother project experience.

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