Once a proposal is approved, a project can be created. A newly created project is set to have a status of Active. The project manager or other authorized users can assign tasks and deliverables for the various phases of that project. In the case of a Six Sigma project, the Master Black Belt or Champion typically controls when the project phase is advanced (E.g. Advanced from a "Define" to a "Measure" phase in a DMAIC project).
Users complete tasks, download templates and upload completed tools, add notes, resolve issues and perform other activities that all contribute to the conclusion of each phase. Once all the phases are completed, the project is closed. A closed project is considered to move into a realization period where the majority of costs and savings are incurred, and tracked. After the period of realization, a project is considered completed.
Project Status
The current status of a project is indicated using various icons in the Project Status column on the Project List page.
Active projects are displayed with a 
(1-Red), 
(2-Yellow) or 
(3-Green) icons. Place your mouse over the icon to read the mouse-over text.
- Project is active and it is past due. This icon is displayed when the Project Planned Close Date is less that today's date.
- Project is active and is due on mm/dd/yy. This icon is displayed when the Project Planned Close Date is within 7 days. (Seven days is the default - this number is configurable for each initiative. Alerts are raised based on this number)
- Project is active and is on schedule. This icon is displayed when the Project Planned Close Date is more than 7 days away. (Seven days is the default - this number is configurable for each initiative)
indicates that the project is on hold.
indicates that the project has been closed and is in realization.
indicates that the project is past its realization stage and is completed.
indicates that the project has been canceled.
Notes:
- Projects can be put on hold and can be made active again.
- Projects that are canceled cannot be made active.
- Once a project is closed (i.e., in realization), it cannot be canceled or put on hold.
Phase Status
The current phase for the project is displayed in the Phase column. The indicator icons follow the same scheme as those described above.
- Phase is active and it is past due. This icon is displayed when the Phase end date is less that today's date. - Phase is active and is due on mm/dd/yy. This icon is displayed when the date on which the phase is supposed to end is within 7 days. (Seven days is the default - this number is configurable for each initiative. Alerts are raised based on this number) - Phase is active and is on schedule. This icon is displayed when the Phase end date is more than 7 days away. (Seven days is the default - this number is configurable for each initiative)