Ticket status definitions template (agency workflows)

A small set of status definitions that keeps boards readable across projects: what each status means and the entry/exit rules.

Templates Workflow Agency delivery

Statuses drift when they’re vibes-based. The solution is short definitions and simple rules.

Use this template to standardise boards across projects so “Done” and “Blocked” mean the same thing everywhere.

Board view — Boards stay useful when statuses stay legible.

The template

Backlog

Meaning: Approved work that is not started.
Entry: Request is clear enough to estimate/plan.
Exit: Pulled into “In progress” with an owner.

In progress

Meaning: Someone is actively working on it now.
Entry: Owner assigned; next step defined.
Exit: Ready for review / QA.

Blocked

Meaning: Work cannot proceed due to a specific blocker.
Entry: Blocker is written as a sentence + named owner to unblock.
Exit: Blocker removed; move back to “In progress”.

Review / QA

Meaning: Work is done but needs checking.
Entry: Implementation complete; acceptance criteria met.
Exit: Approved; move to “Done”.

Done

Meaning: Delivered and communicated.
Entry: Released/merged/shipped; client updated if needed.
Exit: None.

If you want these statuses to start consistent across projects without endless configuration, build around a ticket-first workflow and templates (this is where Jira-style systems shine). See: Jira alternative for agencies.