Guided project management, step by step
Every project follows the same proven lifecycle, whoever runs it.
Zinger walks every project lead through a proven, stage-gated lifecycle, and you define the process yourself. A typical process runs Initiate, Discovery, Plan, Execute and Close. Discovery is optional, you can have multiple execution phase gates, and you can name the phases. Best practices and templates are built in, whether the project lead is a seasoned practitioner or leading a project for the very first time.
What is the Zinger project lifecycle?
A project moves from one phase to the next through a stage gate, from initiation to closure, while Control runs across the whole lifecycle. The phases below are a typical process.
- Initiate Evaluate the opportunity and its alignment with the business strategy.
- Discovery Optional Identify alternatives which satisfy the business objectives and select the best concept.
- Plan Develop the detailed execution plan, scope, cost estimate and schedule for the selected concept and complete the scheme design.
- Execute One gate or several Develop the detailed design based on the front-end design.
- Close Evaluate the operating asset to confirm it satisfies the approved objectives and specifications. Closeout and evaluate the project.
The project charter can be prepared in Initiate or in Discovery.
Can we define our own process?
Yes. You can define your own process.
- Name the phases. The phase names are yours to choose.
- Discovery is optional. Include it or leave it out.
- Multiple execution phase gates. Execution can be one gated phase or several.
- The charter where it fits. It can be prepared in Initiate or in Discovery.
A four-phase process
A five-phase process, with Discovery
A seven-phase process, with three execution phase gates
- Construction. Construct an operating asset aligned with the approved execution plan, scope, cost estimate and schedule.
- Commissioning & Qualification. Commission, qualify and validate the constructed asset to ensure the project objectives and specifications have been met and handover can occur.
Every organisation is unique. Tailor project templates, stage gates and workflows to match the way you actually work — no matter how specific your needs are. Zinger caters for all project types, customised to your business. The platform adapts to your governance model — not the other way round.
What is a stage gate, and how do approvals work in Zinger?
A stage gate is a checkpoint between two phases: the project is reviewed, and it moves on once the gate is approved. Zinger builds governance in through smart stage-gate approvals, so every project is held to the same standard.
Zippy, the AI assistant inside Zinger, helps before the review. Ask “Is this project ready for the next stage gate?” and Zippy checks the phase and flags what's missing. It also flags any objective missing a measurable target or a date, before it ever reaches a gate review.
Who is the guided lifecycle for?
Project leads of any experience level. Zinger is a guided workflow, so a first-time project lead follows the same proven approach as an advanced practitioner, and builds project management skills and competencies along the way.
You see only what's needed at the point in the process you're at, with context-sensitive help one click away. New team members are productive on day one — no training course required.
What is built in along the way?
- Lifecycle guidance, with best practices and comprehensive templates
- Project registration, and charter and business case preparation
- Gantt functionality, with milestone planning and tracking
- Resource planning
- Easier tracking and reporting of time and money
- Change requests tracked and managed
- Report presentations auto-created from standard templates, with project reporting to PowerPoint
How do agile teams fit in?
Teams run their day-to-day on Sprintz — visual Scrum, Kanban and hybrid boards — while the project plan keeps its Gantt. Move a card and the plan knows; shift the plan and the board follows. One task, two views, zero double entry.
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See the guided lifecycle in action
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