---
title: "Planning an Investigation"
slug: "planning-an-investigation"
tags: ["v8.2"]
updated: 2025-04-29T21:14:42Z
published: 2025-04-29T21:14:42Z
canonical: "docs.serenityops.com/planning-an-investigation"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.serenityops.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Planning an Investigation

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

![](https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXc5tmsRHIVFBkHZ5OczzphWfOnkdR_4q8GqpzZGxPhwh3Hs4H-ZLztVsjlMjEyUWga-0reVPaZ08vrZbjKc30Jb302s3A066IGue9-GNWGk60yw5kFZmFS_9y4GXsEpDmzlmntf?key=0AljBKwI0wYz67ygMJMFFpE5)

---

## 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.

![](https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXee-S9AB2gvMH469j7UdKa1cZAhNm8q7xTBQZ_5v8dkTfqBaI7Toc1C6q0T9ltqiR9WXuQJ_RxMJe-F9kS2KnfrADQA-M9gXAHH474U6g7sOLwOfTUjsVjx5vkk9sCbNov9-QT7?key=0AljBKwI0wYz67ygMJMFFpE5)

Once the investigation record is saved and the plan has been established, the investigation can progress to the next stage in the workflow.