# Gates and Stages

You can use the Stage-Gate model within aqua's Project Planning module. It allows you to add specific stages to your plan and the corresponding gates to be passed through. In order to add a stage, you open an existing project plan and press the ![](http://aquawiki.andagon.com/pictures/drex_gates_and_stages_rich_client_custom.png) button. 

Now you are able to add a new stage by clicking on the arrow below the ![](http://aquawiki.andagon.com/pictures/drex_gates_and_stages_rich_client_custom_2.png) button and select '*New Stage*'

<figure><img src="http://aquawiki.andagon.com/pictures/drex_gates_and_stages_rich_client_custom_3.png" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

A new stage will be added to your plan. Status is automatically set to 'Planned'. The status of a stage can differ between '*Planned*', ' *In Progress*' or '*Completed*'.&#x20;

<figure><img src="http://aquawiki.andagon.com/pictures/drex_gates_and_stages_rich_client_custom_4.png" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

To add a new gate, you can proceed as described before, with the difference that you select 'New Gate' after clicking the New button.&#x20;

<figure><img src="http://aquawiki.andagon.com/pictures/drex_gates_and_stages_rich_client_custom_5.png" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

A new gate will be added.

<figure><img src="http://aquawiki.andagon.com/pictures/drex_gates_and_stages_rich_client_custom_6.png" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

As you can see, stages and gates are highlighted differently in the table view as well as in the Gantt chart. A gate can have different checkpoints that need to be passed in order to pass the gate. To do so, right-click the gate and select edit. A window will open, where you have the possibility to add Checks. &#x20;

<figure><img src="http://aquawiki.andagon.com/pictures/drex_gates_and_stages_rich_client_custom_7.png" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

To add a checkpoint, press '*Add*'. A new line will appear where you are able to give a name to the checkpoint. The checkbox allows setting it to done later on. The status of the gate will remain *Failed* until every checkpoint is marked as done. &#x20;

<figure><img src="http://aquawiki.andagon.com/pictures/drex_gates_and_stages_rich_client_custom_8.png" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Using the *Stage Gate Model* tab, you can also mark existing tasks as gate or stage. The task will then be marked accordingly in table and Gantt chart. &#x20;

<figure><img src="http://aquawiki.andagon.com/pictures/drex_gates_and_stages_rich_client_custom_9.png" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>


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