What Is a Project Milestone?
A project milestone is a significant event or achievement that marks a point of progress in a project timeline. Project managers and teams often use milestones to measure and evaluate a project’s development.
Milestones and deliverables are related but not identical concepts in project management. A project deliverable is an output produced as a result of project work. A deliverable might also be a milestone if its completion signifies a significant point in a project’s progress. However, not all milestones are deliverables. Some milestones may represent the achievement of certain conditions or decisions that do not involve the delivery of a product. Similarly, not all deliverables are milestones, as they do not all signify major progress points.
If you want to learn more about identifying, setting, tracking, and sharing milestones, see this definitive guide to project milestones. To learn more about project deliverables, see this helpful guide to defining project deliverables.
Project Milestone Examples
Project milestones mark the achievement of key goals and objectives. To identify major milestones, start with the five phases of a project lifecycle: initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closeout.
The end of each phase marks a transition point that is critical for project stakeholders to assess progress, evaluate the quality of work completed, and make informed decisions about the next steps.
Learn more in this project manager’s guide to the project lifecycle.
There are also plenty of project milestones that can occur within each project phase. Here are a few examples:
- Completion of Initial Design Draft: The project team has completed the first version of the project’s design and it is ready for review.
- Completed Prototype Development: The team has finished developing a functional prototype or model.
- Obtained Regulatory Approval: The team has secured the necessary regulatory approvals or permits for the project.
- Finalized Major Vendor Contracts: All the major project vendors have finalized and signed the required contracts.
- Beta Testing Commencement: The team has commenced the beta testing of the project's product or service with a selected user group.
- Project Handover to Client or Operations Team: The team has formally handed over the completed project to the client or the operations team for ongoing management.
“I worked on open source projects and had major milestones during which all the partners had to present their software once they had developed and tested it. This happened twice per year,” says Cristiano Bellucci, Technology Vision Strategist at Fujitsu and Founder of DigitIdeas.com. “This is when a major release of the software occurred. Internally, we had minor milestones to mark the advancement of the development. These minor milestones relate to a minor version of the software. Having these minor versions of the software helped us to verify the status of the product and share it with other partners. By following such a process, we can always know if the software is ready for major releases.”
For free, downloadable resources to help you identify and track your project milestones, see this collection of project milestone templates.
Project Initiation Milestone Examples
The initiation phase is the first stage of a project, when teams define goals, assess feasibility, and develop a project plan. There are many project milestones that can occur within the initiation phase, such as these:
- Signed Project Charter: The team has received formal approval for the project and has officially commenced working on it.
- Conducted Stakeholder Meeting: The project manager (PM) has identified the key stakeholders and held an initial meeting.
- Assembled Project Team: The project manager has selected and briefed the core project team members.
- Defined Initial Project Scope: The project manager has established a preliminary definition of the project’s goals and boundaries.
- Completed Feasibility Study: The PM has assessed the project’s viability and potential risks.
- Held Project Kickoff Meeting: The team has officially begun the project by holding a meeting involving all relevant stakeholders.
- Received Budget Approval: The team has secured the necessary funding for the project.
- Drafted Project Schedule: The team has established a preliminary timeline for the project.
Project Planning Milestone Examples
The project planning phase is a critical stage during which the project manager and their team develop detailed plans, including timelines, resources, budgets, and risk management strategies. Here are several project milestones that might occur within the project planning phase:
- Finalized Resource Plan: The team has finalized the detailed allocation and scheduling of resources.
- Created Work Breakdown Structure (WBS): The team has broken down the project into smaller, manageable tasks. For more information to help you get started, you can refer to this article on WBS.
- Received Stakeholder Approval of Project Plan: The stakeholders have given final approval for the project plan.
- Finalized Communication Plan: The PM has finalized a plan detailing how the team will handle project communication.
- Developed Quality Management Plan: The team has developed standards and procedures for ensuring quality.
Project Execution Milestone Examples
During the execution phase of a project, the team puts the finalized project plan into action, developing and completing deliverables according to the established plans and schedules. The following are some examples of project execution milestones:
- Completed Kickoff Meeting: The completion of the kickoff meeting marks the official start of the project execution, when the project team, stakeholders, and possibly clients come together to align on the project’s objectives and roles.
- Reached 50 Percent Budget Expenditure: When the team reaches this milestone, it signifies the halfway point in the project’s budget, indicating an important measure of the financial progress and expenditure rate.
- Conducted Compliance Checks: The team has ensured the project’s alignment with legal and regulatory standards.
- Passed Quality Assurance Review and Received Approval: The project has passed a major quality assurance check or audit, ensuring that the project’s outputs meet the required standards and specifications.
- Completed Critical Path Activities: Completing any key task that directly impacts the project timeline usually marks a project milestone. For example, in the following critical path analysis chart, where the red line indicates the critical path, the completion of tasks A, C, G, and H would all be project milestones:
For more information on identifying critical path activities, see this guide to critical tasks in CPM.
Project Monitoring and Control Milestone Examples
The fourth project phase, monitoring and control, involves the ongoing tracking and evaluation of project progress against planned objectives and milestones to ensure timely adjustments and adherence to quality standards, budget, and timelines.
Here are some examples of milestones that might occur in the monitoring and control phase:
- Monthly Progress Reviews: The team holds regular meetings to review project progress, discuss deviations from the plan, and adjust strategies as necessary.
- Performance Indicator Milestones: The team measures key performance indicators (KPIs) and compares them to the project’s performance baseline to ensure that the project is meeting its objectives.
- Risk Management Updates: The team periodically assesses new risks and evaluates the effectiveness of risk mitigation strategies.
- Quality Control Checkpoints: Project deliverables undergo scheduled audits to ensure they meet predefined quality standards and requirements.
- Budget Reassessment Points: The team reviews and analyzes the project budget for variances between projected and actual expenditures, leading to potential adjustments.
- Project Schedule Updates: The team updates the project schedule regularly to reflect actual progress and adjust future work as necessary to keep the project on track.
Project Closeout Milestone Examples
The project closeout phase marks the completion of the project, during which the team submits final deliverables, evaluates project outcomes, and archives documentation. The following are example milestones that can occur within the project closeout phase:
- Submitted Final Deliverable: The team has completed and handed over the last project outputs.
- Received Client/Stakeholder Final Approval: The team has received official acceptance of the project outcomes.
- Prepared Project Closure Report: The team has prepared a comprehensive report detailing the project’s performance and outcomes.
- Conducted Post-Project Evaluation: Teams have conducted an assessment of the project’s successes, challenges, and lessons learned.
- Released Project Resources: The PM has released the resources and team members from the project.
- Completed Final Budget Report: The PM has completed the final financial report and accounting.
- Archived Project Documentation: The team has stored all project documents for future reference.
- Completed Team Debriefing Session: The project team has gathered to discuss experiences and provide feedback.
- Collected Client Feedback: The PM has gathered feedback from the client or end-users.
In Summary: Each project phase represents a key milestone, but there can be many milestones within each phase.
Project Milestones by Industry
Some project milestones are universal, such as finalizing a budget or completing deliverables. Others are more specific to particular industries. For instance, the completion of the beta testing phase is an important milestone particular to software development projects.
Below are some industry-specific milestone examples to help you identify milestones in any project.
Construction Project Milestone Examples
In construction projects, milestones often involve physical, tangible stages of completion, such as foundation laying and structural completions, as opposed to other projects where milestones might focus more on conceptual progress.
Here are some construction project milestone examples:
- Completed Site Preparation: The team has cleared, graded, and prepared the site for construction.
- Laid Foundation: The team has completed work on the foundation.
- Completed Structural Framework: The team has completed the structural framework.
- Finished Roofing and Exterior: The team has completed the external structure of the building, including roofing.
- Installed Internal Fittings and Fixtures: The team has installed internal fittings, fixtures, and finishes.
- Established Utility Connections: The team has connected and tested the electrical, plumbing, and other utilities.
- Secured Permit and Regulatory Approvals: The PM has secured the necessary construction permits, and the building has passed inspections.
- Received Final Inspection and Approval: The inspector has conducted the final building inspection, and the building has received approval from the relevant authorities.
- Handed over to Client: The PM officially hands over the completed building to the client.
- Completed Post-Construction Review: The PM has evaluated the construction process, adherence to the budget, and quality.
To learn more about identifying milestones in a construction project, see this starter’s guide to construction project management.
IT/Software Development Project Milestone Examples
Milestones in IT and software development projects often center around the development lifecycle, which includes six phases: planning, analysis, design, implementation, testing and integration, and maintenance.
These milestones are more focused on the iterative development and validation of software functionalities, user feedback integration, and system performance in various environments.
These are common milestones a software project manager might identify:
- Completed Requirements Gathering: The PM has completed a comprehensive collection and documentation of system requirements.
- Established Development Environment: The PM has established the necessary development and testing environments.
- Released Alpha Version: The team has released the initial version of the software for internal testing.
- Released Beta Version: The team has released the software for external testing.
- Completed System Integration Testing: The team has completed the testing of the software in its operational environment.
- Completed User Acceptance Testing (UAT): The team has received the validation of the software by end users.
- Completed Deployment/Go-Live: The official release and deployment of the software have occurred.
- Conducted Post-Deployment Review: The team has conducted the assessment of the deployment process and of initial user feedback.
Joseph Harisson, CEO of IT Companies Network
Joseph Harisson, CEO of IT Companies Network, often uses project milestones in his work on cybersecurity projects. “One example was conducting a thorough vulnerability assessment of a client’s network infrastructure,” explains Harisson. “This milestone involved identifying potential weaknesses, analyzing their impact, and recommending appropriate security measures to mitigate the risks.”
Manufacturing Project Milestone Examples
In manufacturing projects, milestones typically revolve around the product development lifecycle, from conceptual design to market launch. These milestones are critical for tracking the progress of a product from idea to tangible item.
Here are some manufacturing project milestone examples:
- Obtained Product Design Approval: The PM has obtained final approval for the product’s design.
- Created Prototype Development and Received Approval: The team has created a prototype that has successfully passed testing.
- Established Supply Chain: The PM has set up the supply chain for production.
- Established and Tested Production Line: The team has established and tested the manufacturing line for functionality.
- Completed First Production Run: The company has manufactured the first batch of products.
- Completed Market Launch: The company has introduced the product to the market.
- Completed Production Scale-Up: The company has increased production capacity to meet market demand.
Healthcare Project Milestone Examples
Healthcare projects often involve complex regulatory approvals, clinical trials, and the implementation of new medical technologies. The completion of each of these types of tasks signifies a major healthcare project milestone.
Here are some examples:
- Obtained Clinical Trial Approval: The team has obtained approval to commence clinical trials.
- Completed Phase I/II/III Clinical Trial: The team has completed various phases of clinical trials.
- Obtained Regulatory Approval: The team has obtained approval from regulatory bodies such as the FDA.
- Trained and Certified Staff: The company has trained and certified healthcare staff.
- Reached Patient Enrollment Targets: The team has acquired the necessary patient enrollment numbers for trials or treatments.
- Finalized Treatment Protocol: The PM has finalized treatment protocols and procedures.
- Implemented Healthcare Technology: The team has implemented new healthcare technologies.
- Assessed Patient Satisfaction: The PM has evaluated patient satisfaction and feedback.
Dr. Thanu Jey, Medical Director and Founder at MediBrace
“When we were working on a new health monitor, reaching a milestone meant we did something big, like finishing our first design or getting the green light from health regulators,” says Dr. Thanu Jey, Medical Director and Founder at MediBrace. “On this project, our big moments included finishing the design, getting approval to go ahead, making our first working model, starting a test run with real patients, and finally, getting our product out for everyone to buy. These steps helped us stay on track and make sure everyone knew we were making real progress.”
Banking and Finance Project Milestone Examples
Banking and finance projects often focus on the development and implementation of new financial products and systems. Milestones in these projects help ensure that financial services remain secure, efficient, and compliant with industry regulations.
Here are some banking project milestone examples:
- Received Product Development Approval: The team has developed new financial products and received approval for them.
- Received Regulatory Compliance Approval: The new services have met all regulatory requirements.
- Tested System Integration: The team has tested the new banking systems or platforms.
- Launched and Assessed Customer Pilot Program: The team has launched and assessed a pilot program for customers.
- Completed Full-Scale Product Launch: The company has introduced new banking products to the market.
- Completed Security Compliance Check: The PM has ensured that all banking operations meet security standards.
Federal Government Project Milestone Examples
Federal government projects often involve regulatory compliance, public engagement, and inter-agency collaboration. Milestones in these projects can include policy development, public consultation periods, compliance checks, and the implementation of services or infrastructure improvements.
Here are some federal government project milestone examples:
- Completed Policy Development: The team has completed the development of new policies or amendments to existing policies.
- Closed Public Consultation Period: The period for public feedback on the project or policy has ended, and the team has compiled responses.
- Passed Regulatory Compliance Check: The project has met all required regulatory and compliance standards.
- Signed Inter-Agency Collaboration Agreement: The different government agencies involved in the project have signed agreements or memorandums of understanding between them.
- Implemented Service or Infrastructure Improvements: The team has successfully implemented the new services or infrastructure improvements, and they are operational.
- Published Project Evaluation Report: The PM has published a comprehensive evaluation of the project's outcomes and impact.
In 2021, the U.S. government agency NASA launched the James Webb Telescope, which has been able to produce detailed images of outer space that were, until then, impossible to capture.
Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, Webb ERO Production Team
While the launch itself was a major milestone, many earlier milestones led to this exciting event, such as the completion of cryogenic testing, the installation of final flight mirrors, and the completion of the mirror design for the telescope’s infrared light.
Professional Services Project Milestone Examples
Professional services projects, such as consulting, legal services, or marketing campaigns, focus on client relationships, deliverable quality, and the achievement of specific client objectives.
Professional services project milestone examples include the following:
- Completed Client Onboarding: The team has onboarded the client and established a clear understanding of its needs and objectives.
- Approved Project Plan: The client has approved the detailed project plan.
- Completed Client Feedback Rounds: The team has received all rounds of feedback on deliverables and has made the necessary revisions.
- Presented Project Outcomes: The PM has presented the results and outcomes of the project to the client.
- Conducted Client Satisfaction Survey: The PM has conducted a survey to gauge the client's satisfaction with the project outcomes and the service that the team has provided.
Education Project Milestone Examples
Education projects can range from the development of curricula to the enhancement of infrastructure and the integration of technology in classrooms.
Here are some typical education project milestone examples:
- Completed Curricula Development: The team has completed the development of new curricula or significant updates to existing ones.
- Implemented Teacher Training Programs: The team has implemented training programs designed to equip teachers with new skills or methodologies.
- Completed Classroom Technology Upgrade: The team has completed upgrades to classroom technology and infrastructure in order to enhance learning.
- Completed Student Performance Assessment: The PM has conducted an assessment of student performance before and after the implementation of the project.
- Conducted Stakeholder Feedback Session: The PM has conducted feedback sessions with stakeholders — including teachers, parents, and students.
How to Create a Milestone in Smartsheet
It’s easy to mark and track project milestones in Smartsheet using pre-built, customizable templates in real time, from anywhere.
This example of a project plan template with a built-in Gantt chart tracks tasks and milestones found in the Smartsheet Template Gallery. The template includes example project information that has everything you need to track your milestones and task status throughout a project.
Follow these steps to create a milestone icon in this template:
- Enter a description of the milestone in the Task Name column.
- Set the Start Date and End Date to the date the milestone will be achieved. Note: You need to set the start and end dates to the same date to create a milestone icon.
- Set the Duration to 0. This action will create a small diamond icon on the Gantt chart that signifies a milestone.
Setting and editing tasks and milestones in this template ensures they are always visible in real time, from anywhere, to anyone with access to the sheet.
Use Smartsheet to Effectively Track Project Milestones
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