> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.stage3.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# The 4-Level Process Framework

> Understanding the 4-level hierarchy that organizes your business processes in Stage3: Master Process, Core Process, Blueprints, and Guides

## 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:

1. **Master Process** (The Library Section, e.g., "Non-Fiction")
2. **Core Process** (The Specific Aisle, e.g., "History")
3. **Blueprint** (The Shelf, e.g., "World War II")
4. **Guide** (The Book, e.g., "D-Day Landings")

<Info>
  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).
</Info>

## The 4 Levels Explained

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Level 1: Master Process (The Framework)" icon="sitemap" defaultOpen>
    These are the 33 high-level processes predefined by Acquira (e.g., *Environmental Scanning*, *Lead to Sale*). They are grouped into three main categories:

    <CardGroup cols={3}>
      <Card title="Strategic Planning Layer" icon="chess" color="#3b82f6">
        High-level processes that define organizational direction.
      </Card>

      <Card title="Core Value Chain" icon="gears" color="#10b981">
        Revenue-generating processes (e.g., *Market to Lead*, *Lead to Sale*).
      </Card>

      <Card title="Enabling Processes" icon="wrench" color="#8b5cf6">
        Supporting functions like HR, finance, and legal.
      </Card>
    </CardGroup>

    **Your role:** You don't create or edit Master Processes. You choose the one that best fits the process you want to build.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Level 2: Core Process (Your Process)" icon="pen-to-square">
    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

    **Example:** You select the `Hire to Retire` Master Process (Level 1), then create a Core Process named `"Remote Team Onboarding"` (Level 2).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Level 3: Blueprint (The Phases)" icon="layer-group">
    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.

    **Example:** Inside your `"Remote Team Onboarding"` Core Process, you might create Blueprints like `"Pre-Arrival"`, `"First Week"`, and `"30-Day Check-in"`.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Level 4: Guide (The Tasks)" icon="list-check">
    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

    **Example Guides for `"First Week"` Blueprint:**

    * Assign equipment
    * Schedule team introduction
    * Complete HR paperwork
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Visual Representation (Correct Hierarchy)

Here's how the levels *actually* connect:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Level 1: Master Process">
    **Hire to Retire** (One of 33 predefined processes)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Level 2: Core Process (Your Work)">
    **"Remote Team Onboarding"** (Your specific process)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Level 3: Blueprint">
    **"First Week"** (A phase you define)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Level 4: Guides">
    * Assign equipment (R: IT, A: Manager)
    * Schedule team introduction
    * Complete HR paperwork
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Why This Structure Matters

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Consistency" icon="arrows-to-circle">
    Everyone in your organization uses the same framework, making it easy to understand different departments.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Clarity" icon="lightbulb">
    Clear hierarchy shows how individual tasks connect to bigger business goals.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Standardization" icon="stamp">
    Pre-defined Level 1 ensures you're building from a best-practice foundation.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Flexibility" icon="wand-magic-sparkles">
    Levels 2, 3, and 4 let you customize everything to match how you actually work.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## What You'll Create

When you use Stage3, you will create:

1. **Core Processes** (Level 2)
2. **Blueprints** (Level 3) - by naming them when creating Guides
3. **Guides** (Level 4) - individual actionable steps
4. **Documentation** - SOPs and detailed instructions
5. **RACI assignments** - Who does what
6. **KPIs** - How you measure success

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Creating Core Processes" icon="plus" href="/processes/creating-core-process">
    Learn how to create your first core process
  </Card>

  <Card title="Understanding RACI" icon="users" href="/processes/what-is-raci">
    Learn how to assign roles and responsibilities
  </Card>
</CardGroup>