How do you plan a phased rollout?
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Large rollouts on a single date fail more often than small, sequential ones. Here’s how to break them down without losing coherence.
- 6 steps
- Total time: 8 h
- Preparation: 4 h
- Result: An implementation plan with deliverables people notice
Required tools
- Prioritized requirements — The order is based on what is most urgent.
Split
1.Make the first delivery small enough to be completed within two months
Putting something into real-world use creates momentum in a way no project plan can. It also provides feedback while changes are still inexpensive to make.
2.Divide by process, not by function
One complete process in use is worth more than half the functionality in three processes. Users should be able to complete the task in the system.
3.Write down what is missing
For each delivery, specify what will wait until the next one. This tempers expectations and prevents the scope from quietly expanding.
Keep up the pace
4.Set fixed delivery points
Every six to eight weeks. A regular cadence provides predictability and prevents a single delivery from consuming the entire project.
5.Evaluate after each delivery
What was used, what was not used, and what people asked for. This should guide the next round—otherwise, it is not iterative, just divided into parts.
6.Include training in every delivery
Training delivered all at once at the end is forgotten before the system is put into use. Provide training on each feature as it is delivered.
Discussion
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