Introduction to Stages & Stage Lists

Stage lists provide a way to set different workflows for different types of documents. Whether a single or multi-step submittal process is required, stage lists allow you to move through these stages in DocBoss.

By default, DocBoss populates some default stage lists (see article for more information), but additional stage lists can be added and customized to meet your requirements.

What is a stage?

A stage is the workflow that occurs until a complete status is reached (e.g., approved, for information).  A document may require multiple revisions/submissions, but once a complete status is received from the target (e.g., customer), the stage is considered complete.

The completion of a stage will either (1) prompt the start of the next stage (if applicable), or (2) set the card as completed.  

Each stage contains a stage abbreviation (e.g., IFA) and a stage name (e.g., Issued for Approval). In addition, a target (e.g., customer) is identified for each stage.

What is a stage list? 

A stage list is a sequence of one or more individual stages that reflects the larger document lifecycle. A stage list allow a single document to be tracked through a series of separate workflows; once a stage is completed, the document will automatically move to the next stage.

A common scenario is as follows:

1. A document is issued for customer approval (IFA) - Document return expected

2. Once approved by the customer, the document is issued for construction (IFC) to the sub-supplier - No document return expected
3. Finally, once IFC is complete, the document is issued as built (IAB) to the customer - No document return expected