Clarifying how dependencies shape product delivery

Every product depends on a chain of actions where one step enables the next. These links between tasks are called dependencies, and they define how smoothly a project moves from idea to release. When not identified early, they become the silent cause of delays, rushed fixes, and unclear expectations.

Dependencies make teams think in sequence. Before development begins, designs must be approved. Before launch, documentation and support channels must be ready. Listing such relationships in the product specification turns vague coordination into a clear structure. It helps every contributor understand where their work fits and when to expect input from others.

By treating dependencies as part of planning rather than as problems discovered later, product managers reduce uncertainty and align schedules across teams. This transforms the specification from a static document into a living map of progress.^[1]