See the whole process
Employees see the current stage in relation to the next steps. Information stays on the CRM record.
Stage & process guidance · Progressbar for SuiteCRM 8See where things stand.
See where things stand.
Know the next step.
Make sales and service processes visible on the record. Interactive stage bars combine progress, transition rules and warnings about excessive time in a stage.
Opportunity · Project NorthIllustration
✓ Initial contactQualificationProposal
NEXT STEP
Prepare the quotation.
Check the decision-maker and budget before the next stage begins.
✓ Decision-maker recorded○ Add the budget range
◷ Example: five days in this stage · Review follow-up
Schematic illustration with example data
✓ Four display styles✓ Stage duration in view✓ Clear transition rules✓ Alternative end states
Guidance within the workflowProgress becomes visible.
Progress becomes visible.
So does the need for action.
A stage bar puts the status field in context: where is the transaction, what is missing and what comes next?
Spot stagnation
Time in stage and stage-specific thresholds make unusual delays visible. A concrete prompt supports follow-up.
Clarify prerequisites
Before a stage change, rules show which information is needed. Missing details are addressed at the right moment.
Appearance EngineThe right view
The right view
for your process.
Chevrons emphasise sequence, timelines show progression, milestones highlight steps and Classic offers a compact overview. Colours and stage icons complement the display.
One process model. Four views.
Choose a style, then click “Quotation”.
Prerequisite for the quotation
This example uses one condition. The product can require several conditions together.
Current stage: Qualification
Confirm the budget before moving to “Proposal”.
Complete the transaction:
Time in stage & follow-upNot every open transaction
Not every open transaction
needs the same attention.
Define thresholds for each stage. Initial qualification may need a different timeframe from quotation review.
Understand stage duration
Time since recorded entry into the current stage makes delays traceable. Analysis depends on the available stage history.
Write focused prompts
When a threshold is exceeded, show a warning and a call to action, such as “Please follow up by phone”. Text and an icon complement the warning colour.
Exclude end states
Completed transactions are no longer monitored as active stages according to configuration, keeping attention on open tasks.
Transition rulesA clear path
A clear path
through the prerequisites.
A rule can combine several conditions with AND. The configured transition is allowed only when all conditions are met.
Check the details
For example, require a contact, a budget value or a completed qualification field. Available conditions depend on the supported data model.
Explain blocked transitions
A blocked transition identifies the unmet criteria. Employees can see what to add rather than receiving a generic error message.
Test rules in advance
The configuration preview supports testing blocked and permitted transitions before a stage bar is deployed.
Rules and supported editing paths are checked during setup. A visible block in the bar alone does not establish enforcement for API calls, imports or other editing routes.
Alternative end statesOne process.
One process.
Several possible outcomes.
Successful, cancelled and neutral end states should be clearly recognisable.
Negotiation completed
✓ Won× Lost○ Closed with a neutral outcome
Examples of configurable end states. Hidden dropdown values must remain consistently mapped; changing their display does not delete existing values.
More than a sales pipelineUse it wherever
Use it wherever
your team works with statuses.
The bar is configured for a suitable module and dropdown field. Existing status values are the starting point.
| Area of use | Example process |
|---|---|
| Leads | New · Assigned · In progress · Converted or disqualified |
| Opportunities | Initial contact · Qualification · Quotation · Negotiation · Won or lost |
| Quotations | Draft · Under review · Sent · Accepted |
| Customer service | New · Under analysis · Waiting for a response · Resolved |
| Projects | Planning · Implementation · Review · Acceptance |
| Custom modules | Suitable dropdown fields and statuses after reviewing the module structure |
These workflows are examples, not prescribed defaults. Supported modules, fields and views are checked for your SuiteCRM version.
Guided configurationFour steps
Four steps
to the right stage bar.
Process owners handle setup. Employees then use the bar directly on the record.
Choose the module and field
Under Processes & Interface → Stage & Process Guidance, select the supported module and status field.
Design stages and appearance
Define order, visibility, end states, style, colours and icons to suit the process.
Set rules and duration thresholds
Configure transition conditions, thresholds and clear warning messages.
Review and deploy
Test the display and blocked transitions. Coordinate display conditions for multiple bars before deploying the configuration.
Frequently asked questions
Good to know.
Answers about setup and everyday use.
Do we need to replace our dropdown fields?
Configuration builds on suitable existing dropdown fields. Status values, order and hidden values are mapped and reviewed before use.
Can employees change stages directly in the bar?
Click-to-change is intended for supported views and authorised users. The conditions configured for the transition must be met.
What happens when a transition is blocked?
The stage stays unchanged. A message identifies the missing prerequisite. Try this in the website demo using the missing budget range.
Can different teams use different stage bars?
Multiple configurations for one module can be assigned using suitable display conditions. Which bar applies in each context must be unambiguous.
How does this differ from the Workflow Engine?
Stage guidance supports orientation and status changes on the record. The Workflow Engine models broader automation, such as tasks, messages and scheduled follow-up actions.
Are all modules and editing paths covered automatically?
No; a universal promise would be too broad. The module, field type, view, permissions and alternative editing paths must be reviewed for the installed version.
Connected in the processBring guidance, automation
Bring guidance, automation
and design together.
The right addition to your workflow.
Help & documentation
Stage guidance documentation
Progress bars, transition rules and time in stage — in the QOON Knowledge Base.
See Progressbar
in your SuiteCRM?
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