The transition.
WHAT TO DECIDE
The cutover date and approach What happens to the old system What the fallback is
WHAT CUTOVER APPROACHES EXIST
- Direct: old system stops, new starts
- Parallel: both run for a period
- Phased: by module or location
WHAT PARALLEL RUNNING PROVIDES
Confidence, and a fallback.
WHAT IT COSTS
Double work, which staff resent and perform badly.
HOW LONG TO RUN IT
The minimum that gives confidence, typically one period.
WHAT TO PREPARE BEFORE CUTOVER
Final data migration and verification Opening balances agreed User accounts and permissions Support arrangements A communicated plan
WHAT OPENING BALANCES REQUIRE
Agreement with your accountant, and reconciliation.
WHY THAT MATTERS ENORMOUSLY
Everything after depends on starting correctly.
WHAT TO AVOID AS A CUTOVER DATE
Period end Peak trading When key people are unavailable
WHAT TO PLAN FOR THE FIRST DAYS
Intensive support, on site where possible Reduced other commitments Rapid response to problems
WHAT TO EXPECT
Problems nobody anticipated.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Criteria for reverting, and who decides.
