Executive Summary
One-paragraph overview describing the problem, proposed solution, and primary business outcome the initiative will deliver; written for leadership.
A consistent template reduces ambiguity during review, speeds approvals by focusing reviewers on quantifiable outcomes, and creates an auditable record of decisions and assumptions.
The Business Use Case Cymbal Template is used by cross-functional teams to summarize need, impact, and cost for a proposed initiative.
Reviewers include finance, security, legal, and the executive sponsor who must authorize funding or proceed decisions.
Senior leader who owns the business case and sponsor funding decisions; provides strategic context, prioritizes outcomes, and signs approvals once reviews are complete.
Project lead or business analyst responsible for completing sections, collecting estimates, tracking reviewer comments, and updating the record through approvals and post-implementation review.
One-paragraph overview describing the problem, proposed solution, and primary business outcome the initiative will deliver; written for leadership.
Clear statement of measurable goals such as revenue lift, cost reduction, or compliance improvement with baseline and target metrics.
Defines in-scope features, out-of-scope items, key milestones, and expected deliverables to prevent scope creep during implementation.
List of sponsors, owners, approvers, and key contributors with contact details and decision authority.
Estimated one-time and recurring costs, assumptions underlying estimates, and dependencies that could change the cost profile.
Principal risks that threaten schedule, budget, or outcomes plus planned mitigation actions and risk owners.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Routing Order | Sequential approver list with conditional branching for optional reviewers. |
| Authentication | Email link or SMS code for signer verification; stronger options for sensitive approvals. |
| Notifications | Automatic reminders at defined intervals until signed or declined. |
| Storage Location | Save final PDF and audit trail to secure repository or records management system. |
Use a platform that supports PDF/Word forms, audit trails, and secure access controls when completing and routing this template.
Submit initial draft to stakeholders within seven business days of request.
Allow five business days for finance and security review by default.
Expect final decision within ten business days after reviewer sign-off.
Begin work after signatures and any required procurement actions are complete.
Retention periods begin on the signed effective date of the template.
The team documented a remote leasing workflow to reduce in-person signings.
Leadership used the template to standardize patient intake automation.
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Limited |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Envelope Cap | No cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | Varies | Varies | Varies |