The human side.
WHAT TO AGREE BEFOREHAND
What is being released When Who performs it Who verifies Who to contact if something goes wrong
WHAT TO PREPARE
The change list The rollback plan A message for users, if the change is visible
WHAT TO CHECK BEFORE STARTING
That someone is available afterwards That no other change is happening simultaneously That backups are current
WHAT TO ANNOUNCE
Internally, before and after.
WHAT TO DO DURING
Follow the documented process Record anything unexpected
WHAT TO DO AFTERWARDS
Verify Watch for a period Confirm completion
WHAT TO AVOID
Releasing when key people are unavailable Releasing several things at once to save effort Deciding to proceed despite a failing check
THAT LAST POINT
A failing check is information. Overriding it is how incidents begin.
WHAT TO RECORD
What was released, when, by whom, and the outcome.
