Måldatum

Måldatum, or target date, is a term used in Swedish and Norwegian business contexts to denote the date by which a task, milestone, or objective is intended to be completed. It serves as a planning and coordination reference and is typically set during the project planning phase. It differs from the actual completion date and from hard contractual deadlines; while a deadline is a fixed constraint, a måldatum may be revised in response to changes in scope, risk, or resources.

In practice, måldatum helps align efforts, allocate resources, and track progress. It is commonly used in project management, procurement, and logistics to indicate when deliverables should be ready. In software development and product releases, it marks the planned release date, while in construction and manufacturing it guides scheduling and handoffs. Because plans can evolve, a måldatum is often updated as risks are identified or assumptions change.

For effective use, måldatum should be realistic, well-documented, and owned by a specific person or team. It should align with the project scope and milestones and be clearly communicated to stakeholders. When the date is threatened, organizations typically adjust the måldatum to reflect revised plans, while tracking the actual completion date and any deviations.

Related terms include slutdatum or end date, and förfallodatum or expiry date, which denote fixed or expiry-related deadlines rather than planned completion targets. The concept emphasizes planning and forecasting within project and operations management. The word derives from the Swedish combination of mål (goal) and datum (date).