PRINCE2 management products are the 26 standard documents (templates) used to manage a project throughout its lifecycle. They are categorised into Baselines (plans and definitions), Records (registers and logs), and Reports (periodic updates).
Management Products Overview
The core templates provided in the methodology ensure consistent project control. Official templates are often available through accredited providers, this website or the official AXELOS website.
- Baselines: Used to define the project foundation (e.g., Business Case, Project Initiation Document, Plan).
- Records: Dynamic logs to track day-to-day data (e.g., Risk Register, Issue Register, Lessons Log).
- Reports: Snapshots of progress or specific events (e.g., Highlight Report, Checkpoint Report, Exception Report).
Historical Timeline of Templates & Methodology
The evolution of these products reflects a shift from rigid, IT-specific documents to flexible, industry-agnostic templates.
The Pre-PRINCE Era (1975 – 1988)
- 1975: PROMPT II (Project Resource Organisation Management and Planning Techniques) was developed by Simpact Systems Ltd.
- Key Focus: Introduced the concept of project phases (Initiation, Specification, Design) but was strictly for IT.
The PRINCE Era (1989 – 1995)
- 1989: PRINCE (PROMPT II in the CCTA Environment) launched by the UK Government’s CCTA.
- Key Focus: Added Critical Path Analysis and formal management roles, but remained IT-heavy and rigid.
The PRINCE2 Emergence (1996 – 2008)
- 1996: PRINCE2 (1st Edition) was released as a generic framework.
- Key Change: IT-specific jargon was removed to make templates applicable to any industry.
- 2002/2005: Minor updates (3rd and 4th Editions) focused on minor refinements based on user feedback.
The Revision Era (2009 – 2022)
- 2009: PRINCE2:2009 Refresh (5th Edition) introduced the seven core principles.
- Key Change: Templates were simplified and made more customisable to reduce “prowess-driven” bureaucracy.
- 2017: PRINCE2 6th Edition (formerly the 2017 Update) launched.
- Key Change: Emphasis on Tailoring and scalability for different project sizes.
The Modern Era (2023 – Present)
- 2023: PRINCE2 7th Edition was released.
- Key Change: Added a “People” element and introduced three new management approaches: Sustainability, Commercial, and Digital & Data.
Template Kits & Resources
For those seeking pre-formatted digital versions:
- PRINCE2 7th Edition Template Bundle: Comprehensive sets including MS Project MPP, Excel Gantt charts, and Word artifacts are available at Etsy and eBay.
- Specialised Packs: Focused collections like the PRINCE2 Control & Monitoring Pack can be found at WorkFlo Design.
- Individual Documents: Individual templates like the Project Initiation Document (PID) are often sold separately for specific project needs.
- PRINCE2 Templates can be purchased directly from this website including a Microsoft Project Plan in MPP format and also a Microsoft Excel Project Plan in XLS format, see below and website link.
PRINCE2 Management Products Templates Overview and Historical Timeline
PROject Templates 