Creating a Stage in a Project Plan or Template
Ways to Create a Plan Element
There are several ways to add a stage (plan element) to the plan.
1. Using the "+" button (Add)
Used to fully create a stage with configuration of all parameters.
2. Using the pencil icon in the top control panel or in the row
Allows you to create or edit a plan element by opening the element settings window.
3. By double-clicking a row in the table
Allows you to quickly enter the stage name. However, in this mode it is not possible to configure all parameters of the element.
4. By pasting from Excel
You can copy rows from Excel and paste them into the table. All elements will be automatically added to the standard plan.
Filling in a New Plan Item
When creating or editing a stage, the New Plan Item window opens.
General Information
In this section the main parameters of the stage are defined.
- Name – required field.
- Parent – allows you to create a hierarchy of stages. If no parent is selected, the stage will be independent. If another stage is selected as the parent, the created stage will become its substage.
- Predecessors – stages that determine when the current stage can start.
- Description – additional information about the stage.
- Duration (days) – the length of the stage.
- Shift (days) – the offset of the stage start relative to its predecessors.
- Milestone – if Yes is selected, the stage becomes a milestone in the plan. A milestone has no work or duration and is used to mark an important event or result (for example, "Contract signed" or "Stage approved").
Executors
In the Executors section all users of the QVALON system are available.
Two scenarios are possible.
Selecting a System User
If a QVALON user is selected, they will be able to receive and complete the related task or inspection (in the web version and the mobile application).
Manual Entry of an Executor
You can manually enter a first and last name and press Enter or the Add button.
This option is used when the executor:
- is not registered in the system;
- is an external participant;
- is specified formally (for example, to record responsibility).
In this case the element will appear in the plan, but no actual task or inspection will be created.
Related Actions
How project stages are converted into actual tasks and inspections (related actions) is described in a separate article.