Project Release Notes Worksheet

This release notes template provides a clear structure for communicating release information from one version to the next. It prompts teams to record the Project Build ID and name, the release date, and a concise purpose statement, then capture hardware and minimum system requirements, required software, installation and configuration notes, upgrade and hardware notes, and version compatibility. It also organizes a change log with a bug fixes section and a list of new features and enhancements, helping stakeholders see resolved issues, fixed issue entries, feature updates, security updates, and any known issues or known limitations. By maintaining a consistent change history and change list, teams reduce confusion, especially when a breaking change or other breaking behavior could affect downstream processes.

Organizations can use this format across platforms and apps. For example, a Microsoft 365 deployment might document office updates on the current channel for the office suite, including Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, and OneNote. Notes may call out improved performance in large workbook handling, pivot table stability, sensitivity labels behavior, Copilot compatibility, or Excel activities tied to data connections.

A macOS application release can use the same sections to describe installation details and distribution steps. Integrations with Google Workspace can be summarized alongside known issue highlights and fixes. ERP teams connecting to Acumatica might describe a generic inquiry feed to Excel with writeback, indicating version compatibility, required credentials, and any terms and conditions applicable to data handling.

Use cases include: a SaaS vendor publishing a changelog for quarterly security updates and improvements; an add-in for Excel documenting new features and improvements with sample workbooks; an ERP connector outlining feature updates, known issues, and fixes before finance runs month-end; or an IT department summarizing feedback from pilot users and capturing a change list prior to broad distribution. Teams can also reference supplementary materials-for example, a ChatGPT worksheet used internally to summarize user feedback-within release support information.

Proposal Kit can streamline the production of these documents. Its document assembly helps standardize release notes, automated line-item quoting supports related proposal or budgeting needs, and the AI Writer can build supporting documents that align with the release narrative. With an extensive template library and ease of use, teams can produce consistent, professional notes that clearly present change history, version number details, and the information stakeholders expect.

Beyond documenting fixes and new features, a disciplined release note process supports governance, auditability, and user trust. Tying each update to a version number, release date, and clear release information creates an auditable trail that helps IT, security, and finance evaluate risk before rollout. Calling out a breaking change, known issue, or known limitations enables teams to plan mitigation, training, or rollbacks.

When updates affect Microsoft 365 on the current channel, macOS apps, or Google Workspace integrations, the same structure helps communicate impact on everyday workflows across Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, and OneNote. For ERP situations, noting how an Acumatica generic inquiry feeds Excel with writeback clarifies data pathways and any terms and conditions that govern use. Including release support information and a concise change log or changelog encourages timely feedback and smooth distribution.

For business stakeholders, this clarity shortens decision cycles. Executives can scan the change list for security updates, improvements, and fixed issue entries; operations can time deployments; and end users know what to expect, from improved performance in a workbook or pivot table to updated sensitivity labels or Copilot readiness. Use cases include staging office updates across departments, coordinating an ERP connector update before close, or preparing a controlled pilot to validate bug fixes.

Proposal Kit strengthens this process. Teams can assemble consistent release documents, reuse approved language for terms and conditions, and pair notes with supporting materials such as deployment guides, FAQs, or a ChatGPT worksheet that summarizes user feedback. Automated line-item quoting helps estimate upgrade costs or related services, while the AI Writer accelerates creation of companion documents. With an extensive template library and ease of use, Proposal Kit helps organizations present clear release information that business and technical audiences can act on.

Consider adding forward-looking signals that reduce deployment risk and support planning. Include semantic versioning with clear support windows and deprecation notices so stakeholders can anticipate when a breaking change may arrive and how to migrate. Provide an environment and compatibility matrix that lists supported operating systems, office suite builds, Microsoft 365 current channel specifics, and macOS versions.

Expand installation and upgrade notes with rollback and backup guidance, capacity baselines, and performance impacts on CPU, memory, and disk so IT can size hardware accurately. Link each item in the change log to internal tickets so resolved issues and each fixed issue can be traced, and capture a short impact assessment for feature updates, security updates, and improvements.

Strengthen governance by adding cross-functional sign-offs from security, support, and training, plus a distribution plan that stages rollouts in rings and outlines MDM or software portal delivery. For productivity ecosystems, note how changes affect Excel activities, pivot table behavior, and add-ins across Outlook, PowerPoint, Visio, and OneNote. For ERP integrations, document data flow, sensitivity labels applied to exported workbook content, writeback permissions, and any known limitations in Acumatica generic inquiry refresh schedules.

Maintain a living known issue log with workarounds and a release information addendum when a new known issue emerges post-launch. Close the loop with a concise feedback mechanism and a change list summary that executives can scan alongside the version number and release date.

Proposal Kit can help teams assemble cohesive release packages that pair notes with migration guides, compatibility appendices, and terms and conditions. Its document assembly and extensive template library support consistent change history across product lines, the AI Writer can write supporting materials like known issues summaries, and automated line-item quoting can outline rollout services and training costs, accelerating approvals.

Writing the Project Release Notes Worksheet document

Company Name

Project Release Notes

Project Build ID

Project Build Name DATE: Current Date.

Hardware & Minimum System Requirements:

Minimum System Processor:

Minimum System Memory:

Disk Space Required:

Operating System(s):

Required Software: Release Description:

General Description of Release/Purpose

Installation and Configuration Notes:

Upgrade and Hardware Notes:

Version Compatibility:

Bug Fixes:

New Features and Enhancements:

Release Support Information:

Insert support contact information for this release here.