PSA Tutorial 4 of 8

Turn a signed proposal into a staffed project

Send a proposal for e-signature, move the deal to won, and set up the resulting project - using the same client and scope data throughout, with nothing re-typed.

Uses: Proposals, Deals/Pipeline, ProjectsOutcome: first proposal signed and its project set up
1

Build the proposal

Why it matters: starting from a template rather than a blank document is what saves the 4–6 hours firms typically spend rebuilding scope and fees from scratch.
  1. From the deal, click New Proposal.
  2. Choose a Proposal Template and a Design Template to control the visual layout.
  3. Adjust scope, line items, and terms for this specific client.
What you'll see: a formatted, client-ready proposal document tied to the deal.
2

Send it for e-signature

Why it matters: a signed proposal is the client's binding acceptance of scope and terms - it's the reference point everything downstream should match.
  1. Send the proposal - the client receives a signed action link.
  2. The client reviews and signs (or declines with a comment) via that link - no login required.
Unlike Estimates, an accepted Proposal does not automatically generate an invoice - if you need that behavior, use an Estimate instead, or generate the invoice manually once the project is set up.
What you'll see: the proposal status updates to accepted (or declined), with the client's signature on record.
3

Move the deal to won

Why it matters: moving the deal's stage is what actually triggers project creation - the proposal being signed is a signal, but the deal stage is the mechanism.
  1. Open the deal on your pipeline board.
  2. Drag it to your firm's "Won" stage (pipeline stages are configurable, so use whatever your firm calls this).
What you'll see: the deal moves to the won stage, and a corresponding project is created in the Work module using the deal and client's existing details.
4

Set up and staff the project

Why it matters: the project exists now, but it still needs milestones and a team before work can start.
  1. Open the newly created project and confirm the client and scope details carried over correctly.
  2. Add milestones matching what was scoped in the proposal.
  3. Assign team members - check the Resource Utilization dashboard first to confirm real capacity before committing anyone.
What you'll see: a fully staffed project, ready for milestone billing and time tracking to begin.

Tutorial complete

You've taken a proposal from signature to a staffed, running project. Next, set up how that project's ongoing work gets billed.

Next: Setting Up Project Milestones and Billing

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