# strata19.manage_work_item
URL: /documentation/reference/tools/manage_work_item



{/* GENERATED FILE — do not edit. Sources: src/mcp/facade/tool-projection-registry.ts (availability) + describe() in src/mcp/facade/facade-tools.ts (prose). Regenerate: pnpm exec tsx scripts/docs/site/generate-tool-reference.ts */}

## What it does [#what-it-does]

Capture/refine a change, bug, feature, or decision as a draft work item in the LOCAL work graph. Also queries it: focus\_queue, next\_human\_action, blast\_radius, conflicts. NOTE on action="update" status="building": this transition is GATED — it silently leaves status unchanged (with an explanatory note) unless declaredScope AND acceptanceConditions are supplied, either in this SAME call or in an earlier one on this item; supply both up front to avoid the no-op. NOTE on action="delete": this is a SOFT delete — it sets status to "cancelled", never removes the row; a later action="get" still returns the item (as cancelled), and action="list" still returns it when includeDiscarded is true.

## When to use it [#when-to-use-it]

**Use when:** "track this before I forget" · "capture this so it doesn't get lost"

**Also use when:** the FIRST time a concrete change/bug/idea is described — save immediately with partial info

## When not to use it [#when-not-to-use-it]

a pure hypothetical; work in an EXTERNAL tracker; needs a HUMAN to provide/decide/review — use strata19.manage\_task

## Availability [#availability]

|           |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                |
| --------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Tier      | Everyday                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       |
| Lifecycle | Live                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           |
| Taught by | `strata19-coordinate-multi-repo-work`, `strata19-execute-task`, `strata19-fix-failures`, `strata19-library-placement`, `strata19-manage-a-plan`, `strata19-orchestrate-project-activity`, `strata19-project-context`, `strata19-resolve-a-decision`, `strata19-run-an-inquiry` |