In This Article

Overview

Accessing Severity Matrix

Understanding Severity Levels

Configuring the Severity Matrix

Using the Severity Matrix

Best Practices

Related Articles

Overview

The Severity Matrix is an Administration feature that allows you to configure and manage the risk severity assessment framework used throughout the WiredUp system. This matrix is used to measure and visualize the severity of idea/initiative risks by combining probability and consequence ratings. The Severity Matrix provides a standardized approach to risk assessment, helping organizations consistently evaluate and prioritize risks across all ideas/initiatives. The configured matrix is displayed wherever risk assessment is required in the system, including the Risk Report, idea/initiative risk pages, and risk-related dashboards.

The feature is particularly useful for standardizing risk assessment across the organization, providing visual representation of risk levels, supporting consistent risk prioritization, and enabling effective risk management decision-making.


Note: Users need the Manage Severities permission enabled in their role under General Administration to be able to access and configure the Severity Matrix. If you cannot access this feature, please contact your system administrator to verify your permissions.


Accessing Severity Matrix

To access the Severity Matrix configuration:

  1. Navigate to the Administration module from the top navigation bar
  2. Under the Risk group, click on Severities to configure severity levels


  3. Click on Severity Matrix to configure the risk assessment matrix

Understanding Severity Levels

Before configuring the Severity Matrix, you must first define the severity levels that will be used in the matrix.

Severities Configuration

The Severities page displays all configured severity levels in a table format with the following columns:

  1. Type: The name of the severity level (e.g., Very Low, Low, Medium, High, Very High)
  2. Description: A description of what the severity level represents
  3. Position: The numerical order of the severity level (1 being the lowest, 5 being the highest)
  4. Color: The color assigned to the severity level for visual identification
  5. Delete Icon: Click the bin icon to delete a severity level
  6. Click the + Add button at the bottom of the Severities list
  7. Click on the severity level row in the table to edit an existing severity item

Configuring the Severity Matrix

The Severity Matrix defines how probability and consequence ratings combine to determine overall risk severity.

Matrix Structure

The Severity Matrix is displayed as a grid with:

  1. Vertical Axis (Probability): Lists probability levels from lowest to highest (e.g., Rare, Unlikely, Moderate, Likely, Almost certain)
  2. Horizontal Axis (Consequence): Lists consequence levels from lowest to highest (e.g., Insignificant, Minor, Significant, Major, Severe, Bad, Worse)
  3. Matrix Cells: Each cell contains a dropdown to select the appropriate severity level for that probability/consequence combination

Risk Matrix Visualization

Once configured, the Risk Matrix is displayed throughout the system with:

  • Color-Coded Cells: Each cell is colored according to the severity level's assigned color
  • Numerical Values: Some cells may display numerical values indicating the number of risks in that category
  • Toggle Control: A Risk Matrix toggle allows users to show or hide the matrix visualization
  • Axis Labels: Clear labels for Probability (vertical) and Consequence (horizontal) axes

Using the Severity Matrix

Once the Severity Matrix is configured, it is automatically used throughout the system:

In Idea/Initiative Risk Assessment

When users record risks for ideas/initiatives:

  1. They select a Consequence level (e.g., Minor, Major, Severe)
  2. They select a Probability level (e.g., Unlikely, Likely, Almost certain)
  3. The system automatically calculates the Severity based on the configured matrix
  4. The severity is displayed with the appropriate color coding

In Risk Reports

The Risk Report displays:

  • The Risk Matrix visualization showing the distribution of risks
  • Color-coded severity levels for easy identification
  • The ability to filter risks by severity level

In Risk Dashboards

Risk-related dashboards and widgets use the Severity Matrix to:

  • Visualize risk distribution across the organization
  • Highlight high-severity risks requiring attention
  • Provide consistent risk assessment across all ideas/initiatives

Best Practices

  • Define clear severity levels that align with your organization's risk management framework
  • Use consistent color coding that intuitively represents risk levels (e.g., green for low, red for high)
  • Configure the matrix logically so that higher probability and consequence combinations result in higher severity
  • Document severity definitions in the Description field to ensure consistent interpretation
  • Review and update the matrix regularly to ensure it remains aligned with organizational risk tolerance
  • Use standard severity levels (e.g., Very Low, Low, Medium, High, Very High) for consistency
  • Ensure the matrix covers all combinations of probability and consequence to avoid gaps
  • Consider industry standards when designing your severity matrix
  • Communicate changes to users when the Severity Matrix is updated

Based on the knowledge base, you may also find these related articles helpful:

  • Risk Report
  • Idea/Initiative Risk Management
  • Risk Configuration
  • Administration Settings