Product launch checklist planner

What the product launch checklist planner does

A launch is a long list of small tasks. List each one with the person responsible and the due date, type today's date, and the planner shows the days left, flags what is late or due within three days and tracks the share of tasks done, so nothing slips on the way to launch day.

Who it is for

Founders, marketers and project leads launching a product, a service or a shop, and anyone coordinating a team towards a date.

How to use the workbook

1. Type today's date at the top.
2. List each task with its owner and due date.
3. Update the status as work moves.
4. Review the late and due-soon items in your weekly meeting.
5. Save a copy under a new name for each month or year, so earlier records stay as they were.

What is inside

• Task, owner, due date and status
• Days to due date from today
• Late and due-soon flags
• Percentage of tasks done at the top
• Summary by status with a chart

The workbook has these sheets: Instructions, Tasks, By status. The main table has the columns Task; Owner; Due date; Status; Days to due; Flag. Yellow cells are for you to fill in and grey cells calculate by themselves, so leave the grey cells alone. The example rows show how it works; type over them with your own entries.

Tips for getting it right

• Work backwards from the launch date.
• Give each task one owner.
• Break big tasks into steps of a few days.
• Review the list at the same time every week.

Why keep this record

Running a business on memory works until it grows. Writing the numbers down turns opinions into facts you can compare month to month, and shows early which products, customers or costs deserve attention. Even a simple workbook, used every week, usually beats a sophisticated one that is opened once a year.

Questions people ask

Do I need to know Excel formulas? No. Type into the yellow cells and the rest is worked out for you. The formulas are visible if you want to see how a figure is reached.

Can I add rows or change the layout? You can add your own columns to the right and your own notes. If you insert rows inside a table, copy the grey formula cells down so the new rows calculate too.

Will it work on my phone or in Google Sheets? Yes for viewing and typing, but dropdown lists and the charts look best in desktop Excel or LibreOffice.

Keeping it safe and up to date

A plan is only as good as the numbers you put in. Start with honest estimates, update the workbook as real figures arrive, and compare the two so your next estimate is better. Save a dated copy each month so you can see how your thinking changed.

Read how to build a cash flow forecast for the wider picture. See more business templates or ask us for a custom one.

The workbook works in Microsoft Excel, LibreOffice and Google Sheets. It is a tool to help you work out and record figures, not tax, legal or accounting advice, and it is not affiliated with the Kenya Revenue Authority. If something does not work as described, contact us and we will put it right.

Related guides, calculators and templates

• Guide: How to build a 12-month cash flow forecast for a small business
• Guide: How to price your products and services: markup, margin and break-even
• Guide: Turnover tax for small businesses in Kenya: rate, limits and when to use it
• Another template: 12-month cash flow forecast
• Another template: Annual operating budget by department
• Another template: Break-even and pricing calculator

Need something different? Request a custom template, browse all guides or see every Excel template.