Project Lifecycle
Projects in Valiro move through stages: Discovery → Planning → Execution → Closeout. This isn’t bureaucracy—it’s a way to keep everyone on the same page about where things stand.
The stages
Section titled “The stages”Discovery is where projects start. You’re figuring out what needs to be done: initial assessments, scoping, talking to the client, understanding requirements. The project exists but the work hasn’t really begun.
Planning means you’re preparing to do the work. Creating work packages, defining tasks, assigning people, ordering materials, setting up schedules. When planning is done, you’re ready to start.
Execution is where the actual work happens. Tasks get completed, progress gets tracked, issues get handled. Most of a project’s life is spent here.
Closeout wraps things up. Final inspections, client sign-offs, documentation, invoicing, lessons learned. When closeout is done, the project can be archived.
Changing status
Section titled “Changing status”To move a project to a new stage, open the project and change its status. Most projects move forward in order, but you can also:
- Put a project On Hold if it needs to pause (waiting for permits, client decision, etc.)
- Mark it Cancelled if it’s not going to happen
Cancelled projects keep their data—nothing gets deleted.
When to move forward
Section titled “When to move forward”Discovery → Planning: You understand the scope. The project is approved to proceed.
Planning → Execution: Work packages and tasks are set up. Resources are assigned. You’re ready to start.
Execution → Closeout: The work is done. Time to wrap up.
Closeout → Archive: Everything is finalized. Client signed off. Invoiced. Done.
Don’t overthink it. The stage should reflect reality. If work is happening, you’re in Execution. If you’re still figuring things out, you’re in Discovery.
Work packages have status too
Section titled “Work packages have status too”Work packages move through their own lifecycle: Not Started → In Progress → Completed (or Cancelled).
Keep these updated. They roll up to show overall project progress. A project with 3 of 5 work packages completed shows 60% progress.
Update status regularly. If a project has been in Planning for three months but work started six weeks ago, the status is lying. Fix it.
Use On Hold appropriately. If you’re waiting for something external (permits, client decision, weather), On Hold makes that visible. Don’t use it to hide projects you forgot about.
Document why things change. When you move a project to a new stage or put it on hold, add a note. Future-you will appreciate knowing why.
Related: Creating Projects starts projects in Discovery. Work Packages for organizing the work. Dashboard shows projects by stage.