> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://ask.birdie.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://ask.birdie.ai/~/revisions/imP4CTJ80lIhIX6zY2BL/admin-and-settings/initiatives.md).
# Initiatives
## Overview
The Initiatives settings page in Birdie provides tools to standardize project tracking across your organization. It allows administrators to define custom statuses and establish consistent timeframes for performance measurement and reporting.
## Viewing & Searching
The "Custom Statuses" tab displays a comprehensive list of all active initiative states. The table provides a clear view of:
* Status Label: The name assigned to the workflow stage.
* Color: The visual indicator used in dashboards and dropdowns.
* Triggers Release Date: A checkbox indicating if a status change logs a completion/release event.
* Default Tag: Identifies the starting status for new initiatives.
## Creating New Data
{% stepper %}
{% step %}
### Click the "+ Create new" button
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Fill in the form
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}
### Fields in the form
* **Status Label**, the name of the status.
* **Color,** to distinguish the status visually.
* **Triggers Release Date**, (Optional) if reaching this status signifies the initiative is finished.
## Modifying Existing Data
{% stepper %}
{% step %}
### Click the more menu ⋮
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Select Edit
### Fields in the form
* **Status Label**, the name of the status.
* **Color,** to distinguish the status visually.
* **Triggers Release Date**, (Optional) if reaching this status signifies the initiative is finished.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Save
Save the changes.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}
## Removing Data
Statuses can be removed via the three-dot menu on the right of the specific row. However, please note that system-defined statuses like "To Do" are required for platform logic and cannot be deleted.
{% hint style="warning" %}
To maintain data integrity, a status can only be removed once it is no longer assigned to any active initiatives. If you wish to delete a status, ensure all associated initiatives are first transitioned to a different state.
{% endhint %}
## Advanced & Unique Features
### Reordering
Use the drag icon (six dots) on the left side of the table to move statuses up or down. This determines their order in the initiative dropdown menu.
### Measurement Timeframe
Under the second tab, users can select the specific time interval used to compare initiative start and completion dates.
Timeframe setting is organization-wide; changing this window updates performance calculations across all reports and dashboards to ensure data consistency.
## Troubleshooting & FAQs
* "Why is the delete option missing for "To Do"?\
Solution: "To Do" is a system-required statfussf sthat serves as the default entry point for all initiatives; therefore, it cannot be removed.
* "Why did my dashboard metrics shift?"\
Solution: If the Measurement Timeframe is changed, the platform recalculates the comparison window for all initiatives, which may update your performance data.
---
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