> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.ins-pi.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.ins-pi.com/command/overview/lifecycle-stages-phases.md).

# Lifecycle Stages & Phases

The lifecycle stages, phases and lifecycle types YouDesign Command uses to describe an element from its first idea to its retirement.

A lifecycle describes the stages and phases an element, such as a business application, passes through during its whole life. Every element moves through five **stages**. Inside each stage, **phases** (also called dispositions) record the specific state, such as Planning, Active or Obsolete. An element can carry several **lifecycle types** side by side, for example an internal lifecycle and the manufacturer's lifecycle.

For how to enter dates and read the roadmap in the portal, see [Lifecycle](/command/features/lifecycle.md).

## Lifecycle stages

| Stage              | What it means                                                                    |
| ------------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Initialization** | Preparation and planning, including evaluation, review and approval.             |
| **Productive**     | The element is actively used in the enterprise.                                  |
| **Expiration**     | The sunset period. The element is being phased out and is not deployed again.    |
| **Exceptional**    | A defined waiver that allows use for a limited period.                           |
| **Non-Productive** | The element is fully removed from productive use. This stage ends the lifecycle. |

{% hint style="info" %}
**Only start dates are needed**

You enter the date each phase starts. A phase ends when the next one starts, so there are no separate end dates to maintain. Any phase in the Non-Productive stage ends the whole lifecycle.
{% endhint %}

## Lifecycle phases

Each phase describes a period within a stage. A phase change is the result of a decision, or of a natural or forced progression. For example, when a manufacturer stops producing a hardware model, its manufacturer lifecycle moves from General Available to End of Life and then to Obsolete.

The number of phases, their order and their colours can be changed by a YouDesign Command administrator.

## Lifecycle types

| Lifecycle type   | Used for                                                                                                                                                                                                               |
| ---------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Internal**     | Elements used inside your organisation. It has two variants: one for **logical objects**, such as business capabilities and information objects, and one for **transformational objects**, such as goals and projects. |
| **Usage**        | How an element is used, recorded through usage records.                                                                                                                                                                |
| **Standards**    | Whether a pattern, software product or hardware product is an approved standard. It can be applied to any CMDB or CSDM class.                                                                                          |
| **Manufacturer** | The lifecycle the manufacturer publishes for a product. Where the data is available, it can be loaded automatically.                                                                                                   |

{% hint style="info" %}
**"Active" rather than "In Production"**

For logical objects, YouDesign Command uses the phase name **Active** instead of **In Production**. "In Production" fits deployed instances of things. Most objects managed in YouDesign Command are conceptual or logical.
{% endhint %}

![YouDesign Command lifecycle stages and phases](https://414746897-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fx4mE784snR9Eb8oVrk4e%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-c16529e6fb29d67b3a1ad55d03b236391eb2c5e0%2F2697ab1-UPMX_Lifecycle_Definitions.png?alt=media)

## Default phase colours

These are the colours phases have when the application is installed. Your administrator may have changed them.

| Colour    | Phases                              |
| --------- | ----------------------------------- |
| `#BAD5DE` | Concept, Evaluating, Requested      |
| `#61B7E5` | Planning                            |
| `#2295D3` | Under Review                        |
| `#9CABA5` | Beta                                |
| `#71847C` | Limited Available                   |
| `#00E118` | Rollout                             |
| `#0CAC17` | Active, Standard, General Available |
| `#FFB401` | Expiring, End of Life               |
| `#CB958E` | Waiver, Exception, Extended Support |
| `#C00000` | Obsolete                            |
| `#08720F` | Completed                           |
| `#999999` | Canceled, Rejected                  |
| `#1F2232` | Blacklisted                         |


---

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