Project Type Status Paths

Project type status paths combine project types and project status types to control the status progression through the life cycle of a project and activity. You can define custom project status paths for each project type and business unit combination.

For example, assume that you set up a project type status path for the project type of R&D (research and development) to manage the project life cycle. The status progression for this project type is:

1. Proposed

2. Budgeted

3. Active or Closed

4. Closed

In this example, users can change an R&D project from a proposed status only to a budgeted status. In other words, you cannot approve a project until it has been budgeted. You can change an R&D project from a budgeted status to an active status if the budget is approved, or to a closed status if the budget is not approved. When the R&D project is complete, you can change the status from active to closed. This project type status path restricts users from changing a closed project to any other status. In this way, you prevent users from reopening projects that were previously closed.

Select the Use Status Path check box on the Project Types page to use a project type status path for a specific project type. Use the Project Type Status Path page to define status paths.

After the system determines if a project status and the corresponding processing status are valid changes, the system determines if the project type status path is valid.

Note:

You must coordinate the default project status for new projects with the project type status path rules that you enable for project types. For example, if the default project status for new projects is Proposed, the project type status path must include a valid path for projects in a Proposed status. You define the default project status for new projects on the Project Status Defaults page.