It is rare to go through an entire project without any Risks, Actions, Issues or Key Decisions (R.A.I.D.). One of the most powerful tools for a project manager is the R.A.I.D. Log where you can keep track of these on a project. When you’re overseeing multiple projects, the R.A.I.D. log will help you keep details and notes organized within each project.

Risks: Keep track of things that threaten the timeline or successful delivery.

Actions: Create and assign smaller items that need to be done. These are an important part of your project management methodology. See Understand When to use a Task, User Story or Action to learn more.

Issues: Communicate problems to your team, as well as to the client.

Key Decisions: Record these in a shared place where all stakeholders can view.

With so many moving pieces, it helps to have a comprehensive R.A.I.D. log for each project. This feature will save you time and ensure your customers have a positive experience with their projects.

1. In the Delivery area, select Projects from the left navigation. A list of projects appears.
2. Select the project you want to work on.
3. Select the R.A.I.D. tab. A list of items appears.

4. To create a new item, click the + icon.

5. Use Template:. Toggle to Yes. You will be asked for a Template. Click the field and press Enter to see a list from which to choose. See Create Templates for Tasks, User Stories and Actions.

Remember that templates can only work for Action items. Therefore, if you are adding a Risk, Issue or Key Decision, you must fill in the form.

6. R.A.I.D. Item Type: Relate the item to a Project Task or User Story by clicking the bar. The selection turns blue. If you select one of these, you will be asked to select the related one. Click in the field and press Enter to see the list.

7. Name: Give the item a name.
8. Description: Describe the item if you choose. If the name is just a summary, here is where you can add more details.
9. Owner: Assign an owner to allow others to see who created the item in case there are questions or follow up. Click the field and press Enter for the list
10. Type: Select this from the drop-down list.

11. Customer Visible: Sometimes you don’t want your client to see a note that’s intended for your team. The default is yes. Toggle to No if you don’t want the customer to see this item.

Why use a R.A.I.D. Log?

Every project has its issues. Risks are issues that haven’t happened yet. Actions and Key Decisions are a regular part of managing your project. Planning for these items, as much as you can, and using a log to track them in a central place is a key component of organizing your project details. Use the R.A.I.D. log to better manage your projects to success.