Yes, Planview supports workflows to manage projects and tasks through various stages. This functionality is integral to its project portfolio management (PPM) and work management capabilities, allowing users to automate and standardize the movement of tasks, projects, or deliverables across their lifecycle.
Workflow Features in Planview
1. Stage-Gate Process
• Planview enables defining stage-gate workflows where tasks or projects move through a series of predefined stages (e.g., Idea → Initiation → Planning → Execution → Closure).
• Users can assign criteria, approvals, or dependencies that must be met before progressing to the next stage.
2. Configurable Workflows
• Planview allows custom workflow configurations, tailored to specific use cases like IT projects, product development, or agile initiatives.
• Admins can design workflows with steps, roles, and conditions for transitioning between stages.
3. Conditional Workflow Transitions
• Workflows can include conditional logic for moving items based on:
• Status updates
• Resource availability
• Financial thresholds
• Completion of prerequisites (e.g., approvals or tasks)
4. Workflow Automation
• Planview supports automated triggers, such as:
• Automatically transitioning tasks when dependencies are completed.
• Sending notifications or alerts when an item moves to a new stage.
• Integration with other tools (e.g., Jira, Slack) ensures workflow automation is seamless.
5. Approval Processes
• Users can define approval workflows, where stakeholders or managers must review and approve tasks before they can move to the next stage.
• These approvals can include multi-step reviews, ensuring compliance and alignment with organizational goals.
6. Visualization of Workflows
• Workflows are visually represented through Kanban boards, Gantt charts, or timeline views.
• Users can monitor the progress of tasks or projects as they move through the stages in real time.
Use Case Example: Workflow for IT Project Management
1. Stage 1: Idea Submission
• Team member submits an idea or proposal.
• Workflow triggers a review by the PMO (Project Management Office).
2. Stage 2: Feasibility Assessment
• If approved, the project moves to a feasibility study.
• Tasks are assigned to analyze technical and financial viability.
3. Stage 3: Planning
• After feasibility approval, a project plan is created with assigned resources and schedules.
4. Stage 4: Execution
• Tasks and deliverables are tracked with dependencies and milestones.
• Workflow automates alerts for overdue tasks or completed stages.
5. Stage 5: Closure
• Deliverables are reviewed, feedback is documented, and the project is archived.
Best Practices for Using Workflows in Planview
1. Standardize Processes: Define common workflows for recurring project types to ensure consistency.
2. Leverage Conditional Logic: Use rules to automate approvals and task progression based on defined criteria.
3. Train Teams: Ensure team members understand how to use workflows effectively and keep tasks updated.
4. Monitor Performance: Use Planview’s reporting tools to track bottlenecks or delays within workflows.
5. Integrate with Other Tools: Sync Planview workflows with tools like Jira or ServiceNow for end-to-end process visibility.
Let me know if you’d like a detailed guide on configuring workflows in Planview or specific use cases!