Operating model

Plan → Architect → Prompt → Build → Review → Deploy → Iterate

This lifecycle keeps agentic projects fast without sacrificing governance. Every stage has a specific output and an explicit handoff.

Visual lifecycle diagram

Think of this as a loop, not a straight line. Every deployment creates feedback that should restart planning with better context.

01
Plan
02
Architect
03
Prompt
04
Build
05
Review
06
Deploy
07
Iterate

After Iterate, feed learnings back into Plan.

Stage-by-stage outputs

Plan

Step 1

Define the business outcome and measurable success criteria.

Required deliverable

Scope brief with one target metric and one failure threshold

Architect

Step 2

Map agents, tools, permissions, and data boundaries.

Required deliverable

System diagram with ownership and guardrail contracts

Prompt

Step 3

Design reusable prompt specs per role and edge-case behavior.

Required deliverable

Versioned prompt pack with evaluation fixtures

Build

Step 4

Implement workflows, memory adapters, and runtime controls.

Required deliverable

Working pipeline with instrumentation hooks

Review

Step 5

Run QA, policy checks, and human sign-off checkpoints.

Required deliverable

Approval log plus rollback playbook

Deploy

Step 6

Release safely with monitoring and alert thresholds enabled.

Required deliverable

Production release with SLO and incident triggers

Iterate

Step 7

Improve prompts, flows, and economics from live feedback.

Required deliverable

Weekly optimization backlog tied to business impact

FAQ

Use this lifecycle together with the framework comparison and tooling ecosystem guide to turn strategy into a shippable roadmap.

Where do most teams break in this lifecycle?

Most failures happen between Build and Review when teams skip explicit validation criteria. Review gates are what protect production velocity.

How long should one full lifecycle run take?

A focused pilot can complete one full loop in one to three weeks, depending on integration complexity and compliance needs.

Can this lifecycle work for solo operators?

Yes. The stages still apply, but one person may hold multiple roles. The important part is preserving stage boundaries and measurement rigor.

How do teams keep this lifecycle measurable over time?

Track one primary business KPI, one quality KPI, and one cost KPI for each loop, then review trend drift during every Iterate stage.

CTA

Want this lifecycle mapped to your team?

We can convert your current workflow into a stage-based operating system with measurable checkpoints and delivery velocity targets.

Book a lifecycle workshop Review architecture proof

Stage-by-stage outputs

Plan

Step 1

Define the business outcome and measurable success criteria.

Required deliverable

Scope brief with one target metric and one failure threshold

Architect

Step 2

Map agents, tools, permissions, and data boundaries.

Required deliverable

System diagram with ownership and guardrail contracts

Prompt

Step 3

Design reusable prompt specs per role and edge-case behavior.

Required deliverable

Versioned prompt pack with evaluation fixtures

Build

Step 4

Implement workflows, memory adapters, and runtime controls.

Required deliverable

Working pipeline with instrumentation hooks

Review

Step 5

Run QA, policy checks, and human sign-off checkpoints.

Required deliverable

Approval log plus rollback playbook

Deploy

Step 6

Release safely with monitoring and alert thresholds enabled.

Required deliverable

Production release with SLO and incident triggers

Iterate

Step 7

Improve prompts, flows, and economics from live feedback.

Required deliverable

Weekly optimization backlog tied to business impact

FAQ

Use this lifecycle together with the framework comparison and tooling ecosystem guide to turn strategy into a shippable roadmap.

Where do most teams break in this lifecycle?

Most failures happen between Build and Review when teams skip explicit validation criteria. Review gates are what protect production velocity.

How long should one full lifecycle run take?

A focused pilot can complete one full loop in one to three weeks, depending on integration complexity and compliance needs.

Can this lifecycle work for solo operators?

Yes. The stages still apply, but one person may hold multiple roles. The important part is preserving stage boundaries and measurement rigor.

How do teams keep this lifecycle measurable over time?

Track one primary business KPI, one quality KPI, and one cost KPI for each loop, then review trend drift during every Iterate stage.

CTA

Want this lifecycle mapped to your team?

We can convert your current workflow into a stage-based operating system with measurable checkpoints and delivery velocity targets.

Book a lifecycle workshop Review architecture proof