Capture and Control Project Risks, Assumptions, Issues, and Dependencies in One Professional Template
Effective project governance starts with visibility. A RAID log is a powerful tool that helps project managers and stakeholders keep track of the most critical components that can impact delivery—Risks, Assumptions, Issues, and Dependencies. The Project RAID Log Template in Excel brings all four elements together in a structured, easy-to-use format backed by a visual summary dashboard.
Perfect for complex projects, client-facing work, or internal initiatives, this Excel file helps teams maintain control, accountability, and clarity at every stage.
Worksheet Overview – Breakdown of Each RAID Component
This RAID log template includes six worksheets:
- Summary – At-a-Glance Project Health
The Summary sheet provides a visual dashboard with counts, statuses, and summaries pulled from each RAID tab. It includes:
- Total number of risks, assumptions, issues, and dependencies
- High-priority items
- Status breakdown (Open, In Progress, Closed)
- Quick links or cell references to drill down
Ideal for executive updates or weekly PMO reporting.
- Risks – Identify and Evaluate Project Threats
The Risks worksheet captures each risk entry with fields such as:
- Risk ID and Description
- Impact and Likelihood Levels
- Owner and Mitigation Plan
- Target Review Date
- Status (Open, Mitigated, Escalated, Closed)
This enables you to manage threats before they become blockers.
- Assumptions – Document What You’re Relying On
The Assumptions tab lets you record the factors you’re treating as true but unproven, including:
- Assumption Description
- Owner and Justification
- Potential Impact if Invalid
- Review Date
This ensures that everyone understands what success depends on.
- Issues – Manage Active Project Concerns
This tracker helps you log, prioritize, and resolve project issues efficiently. It includes:
- Issue ID and Date Raised
- Severity and Assigned Owner
- Action Taken and Resolution Date
- Status (To Do, In Progress, Resolved)
Helps ensure transparency and traceability throughout the project lifecycle.
- Dependencies – Stay Ahead of Project Interlocks
Capture inter-team or external dependencies using fields like:
- Dependency Description
- Impacted Tasks
- Due Date and Responsible Party
- Status (Pending, Resolved)
Great for identifying schedule risk or resource delays.
- Hidden – Backend Sheet
The Hidden worksheet is likely used for dropdown data, formulas, or dashboard logic. It supports automation and protects the integrity of calculations or lists.
Use Cases for RAID Logs in Project Management
The Project RAID Log Template is suited for:
- PMO reporting: Consolidate key risks and issues in weekly status reports
- IT and software projects: Track scope assumptions, integration dependencies, and technical issues
- Construction or engineering: Monitor logistics, subcontractor dependencies, and risk mitigation
- Change initiatives: Document business risks, rollout challenges, and interdepartmental assumptions
- Consulting and client delivery: Maintain a client-facing RAID log for shared visibility
This format is widely used in PRINCE2, PMP, and Agile-hybrid methodologies.
Benefits of Using a RAID Log Template in Excel
Compared to scattered notes or separate documents, this structured RAID log:
- Centralizes all risk-related data in one file
- Encourages proactive mitigation and review cycles
- Supports escalation paths and audit trails
- Enhances communication with stakeholders
- Automates updates into a summary dashboard
It helps you stay ahead of project uncertainty with organized clarity.
Download and Take Control of Your Project’s Unknowns
The Project RAID Log Template is your go-to tool for managing project risks, documenting assumptions, resolving issues, and staying ahead of critical dependencies.
Download now and bring transparency, structure, and confidence to your project management process.
Explore more governance and project tracking tools in our Excel Template Library for status reporting, RAID logs, and milestone tracking.
