Deliverable
A deliverable is a tangible or intangible output that a service provider produces and hands over to the client as part of a project engagement. Deliverables can be physical items, digital assets, documents, software, or completed services. In project management, deliverables are the measurable outcomes that define what the project will produce. They are typically listed in the scope of work or statement of work and serve as the basis for evaluating whether the project has been completed successfully. Deliverables are classified as either internal (produced for the project team, such as a project plan) or external (produced for the client, such as a finished website). Each deliverable should have a clear description, format specification, due date, and acceptance criteria. Well-defined deliverables reduce ambiguity, align expectations, and give both parties objective criteria for determining when work is complete. In milestone-based payment structures, deliverables are often the triggers that unlock each payment installment.
Example
A content agency lists its deliverables as 12 blog posts, a content calendar, and an editorial style guide, with each item specified in the scope of work along with word counts and delivery dates.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between a deliverable and a task?
- A task is an activity performed during the project, while a deliverable is the output that results from completing one or more tasks. For example, conducting user interviews is a task, while the research report summarizing the findings is the deliverable.
- How should deliverables be described in a proposal?
- Each deliverable should include a clear name, a brief description of what it is, the format it will be delivered in, and any relevant specifications such as dimensions, word count, or file type. This level of detail prevents disagreements about what was promised versus what was delivered.
- What happens if a deliverable does not meet the client's expectations?
- The contract should include acceptance criteria and a revision process. Typically, the client reviews the deliverable and either accepts it or requests revisions within a defined number of rounds. If acceptance criteria were agreed upon in advance, they provide an objective standard for resolving disputes.