What is the 4-Level Framework?
Stage3 uses a 4-level hierarchy to organize all your business processes. This structure helps you understand how everything in your business connects, from high-level strategy down to daily tasks. Think of it like organizing a library:- Master Process (The Library Section, e.g., “Non-Fiction”)
- Core Process (The Specific Aisle, e.g., “History”)
- Blueprint (The Shelf, e.g., “World War II”)
- Guide (The Book, e.g., “D-Day Landings”)
The framework provides the high-level structure (Level 1). You’ll focus on creating Core Processes (Level 2), Blueprints (Level 3), and Guides (Level 4).
The 4 Levels Explained
Level 1: Master Process (The Framework)
Level 1: Master Process (The Framework)
These are the 33 high-level processes predefined by Acquira (e.g., Environmental Scanning, Lead to Sale). They are grouped into three main categories:Your role: You don’t create or edit Master Processes. You choose the one that best fits the process you want to build.
Strategic Planning Layer
High-level processes that define organizational direction.
Core Value Chain
Revenue-generating processes (e.g., Market to Lead, Lead to Sale).
Enabling Processes
Supporting functions like HR, finance, and legal.
Level 2: Core Process (Your Process)
Level 2: Core Process (Your Process)
This is the specific process you create inside a Master Process. You give it a name (e.g., “Sales Funnel Q4”) and a version.This is where you:
- Create processes specific to your business
- Document your Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
- Build your RACI matrix
- View the process flow
Hire to Retire Master Process (Level 1), then create a Core Process named "Remote Team Onboarding" (Level 2).Level 3: Blueprint (The Phases)
Level 3: Blueprint (The Phases)
Blueprints are the phases or stages within your Core Process. They are used to group related Guides.
- They are created automatically when you add a Guide and type in a new Blueprint name.
- Each Blueprint gets a unique color for visual organization.
"Remote Team Onboarding" Core Process, you might create Blueprints like "Pre-Arrival", "First Week", and "30-Day Check-in".Level 4: Guide (The Tasks)
Level 4: Guide (The Tasks)
Guides are the individual actionable steps that make up your Core Process. These are the actual steps your team performs.This is where you:
- Define the task (e.g., “Send Welcome Email”)
- Assign RACI (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed)
- Create step-by-step instructions or SOPs
- Add Forms to capture structured data
"First Week" Blueprint:- Assign equipment
- Schedule team introduction
- Complete HR paperwork
Visual Representation (Correct Hierarchy)
Here’s how the levels actually connect:1
Level 1: Master Process
Hire to Retire (One of 33 predefined processes)
2
Level 2: Core Process (Your Work)
“Remote Team Onboarding” (Your specific process)
3
Level 3: Blueprint
“First Week” (A phase you define)
4
Level 4: Guides
- Assign equipment (R: IT, A: Manager)
- Schedule team introduction
- Complete HR paperwork
Why This Structure Matters
Consistency
Everyone in your organization uses the same framework, making it easy to understand different departments.
Clarity
Clear hierarchy shows how individual tasks connect to bigger business goals.
Standardization
Pre-defined Level 1 ensures you’re building from a best-practice foundation.
Flexibility
Levels 2, 3, and 4 let you customize everything to match how you actually work.
What You’ll Create
When you use Stage3, you will create:- Core Processes (Level 2)
- Blueprints (Level 3) - by naming them when creating Guides
- Guides (Level 4) - individual actionable steps
- Documentation - SOPs and detailed instructions
- RACI assignments - Who does what
- KPIs - How you measure success