Glossary · System coordination, integration and orchestration
RACI matrix
Also known as: RACI chart, RACI model
German: RACI-Matrix
In project and process management, a RACI matrix is a responsibility matrix that assigns, for each task or deliverable, who is Responsible (does the work), Accountable (owns the result and approves), Consulted (gives input) and Informed (is kept up to date).
- System integration
In one sentence
A RACI matrix assigns for each task who is Responsible, Accountable, Consulted and Informed.
Example
In the RACI matrix of a machine retrofit, the controls engineer is Responsible for the safety PLC program, the project manager is Accountable, the safety expert is Consulted and the documentation team is Informed.
Explained in context
Context cards connect this term with others to answer one question. Also in British English and German.
How it applies
- Project management: A RACI matrix clarifies roles at interfaces between suppliers, integrators and the operator. The usual rule is exactly one Accountable per task.
- Engineering: Use it for deliverables with shared contributions, such as interface specifications, risk assessments, validation reports and the technical documentation.
- Change: Update the matrix when the organization or the project scope changes; outdated RACI charts create a false sense of clarity.
- Documentation: Technical writers should appear in the matrix explicitly. "Informed" is often not enough: for safety information, instructions and release notes, the documentation team usually needs to be Consulted or Responsible, with engineering Accountable for technical correctness.
RACI matrix vs. responsibility matrix
A Responsibility matrix is the general form of assigning roles to tasks. RACI is the most common variant with four fixed roles. Variants add roles, such as RASCI (Supportive) or RACI-VS (Verifier, Signatory).