The planning stage is the first and one of the most critical steps in the lifecycle of an investigation. During this phase, investigators lay the foundation for a thorough and effective analysis. A well-prepared investigation plan ensures clarity, accountability, and alignment among all involved stakeholders.
Investigation details
During this stage, the assigned user or team can complete key investigation details including:
Short description and full description
Problem definition
Associated establishment
Expected start and due dates
Assignment group and/or individual assignees
Investigation Tasks
While in the Planning stage, users can begin defining the Investigation Plan, which consists of tasks or action items to be completed as part of the investigation. These tasks function like a project plan or checklist and may include:
Gathering evidence
Conducting interviews
Reviewing documentation
Performing analyses
Tasks can be assigned to different users or groups and include due dates to support timely completion.
Once the investigation record is saved and the plan has been established, the investigation can progress to the next stage in the workflow.