This article refers to the Stage Gate Process from release 23.2 onwards.

A stage gate process is a project management method used to evaluate and approve the stages of an initiative, with the intent to reduce risk and improve the chances of success.

The process involves defining distinct stages of an initiative, evaluating each stage to determine whether it meets certain criteria, and placing a gate to progress to the next stage once it has been approved.

Each stage typically represents a different level of accountability and resolution and increases in complexity as they are progressed. Below is an example of a stage gate process:

 

Stage Name	Description
Identify	Define the goals, timeline, and risks of the initiative
Validate	Define the expectations of costs and benefits
Plan	Confirm and re-iterate the success goals
Execute	Enact work on the initiative based on the plan
Realize	Review the initiative's performance against its goals

 

Each of these stages are separated by a gate. The gate provides an opportunity for stakeholders to review all of the activity for the current stage and either provide their approval or reject the stage. An approval might involve one person or it can involve a stepped process of approvals. The gates provide a layer of accountability for initiatives.