The purpose of this article is to explain the difference between a Provider and a Receiver within the context of project dependency management.
When managing dependencies across projects, programs, business units, and suppliers, it’s essential to clearly define who is responsible for delivering an outcome (the Provider) and who depends on that outcome to continue their work (the Receiver).
This distinction ensures that accountability, timelines, and expectations are well understood by all parties, helping to improve coordination, reduce delays, and maintain clear lines of responsibility throughout the delivery lifecycle.
Key Definitions
Dependency
A relationship where one activity or deliverable (the Receiver) cannot proceed or complete until another (the Provider) delivers something required.
Provider
The project, team, or entity responsible for delivering an output, deliverable, milestone, or piece of information that another party requires.
Receiver
The project, team, or entity that relies on the Provider’s output to progress with its own activities or deliverables.
Understanding the Relationship
Think of a dependency as a “handshake” between two parties:
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The Provider offers something — e.g., a deliverable, approval, resource, or input.
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The Receiver waits for or relies on that offer to complete their work.
This ensures clarity in accountability — both sides understand who owes what to whom, and when.
Best Practices
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Engage both parties early: Ensure the Provider and Receiver agree on expectations and timelines.
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Document the dependency clearly: Use standard naming conventions (e.g., “Supplier X delivery of cables to Project Delta – 30 June”).
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Regularly review and update: Track progress in weekly or monthly governance meetings.
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Escalate early: If a Provider is unable to meet the due date, communicate with the Receiver immediately to manage impacts.