Every integration needs to end. Managing the End-State Transition can be just as important as managing the rest of the integration.
What is End-State?
The point in the integration when the:
- Bulk of planned integration activities have already been accomplished
- IMO processes can be ramped down and dedicated IMO personnel scaled back or redeployed
- Remaining open integration work streams and issues can be transitioned to a normal operation’s function
How to hand off remaining activities:
- Document deadlines and deliverables associated with the remaining open items
- Provide access to all documentation on the project
- Provide a list of all contacts and stakeholders involved in the project
- Provide a full understanding of what has to be done, by when, and by whom.
- Make sure people have an understanding of the negative implications if the remaining tasks get delayed
If end-state handoffs are not processed properly, the IMO often gets blamed. Don’t let poor end-state planning ruin an otherwise well-executed integration.
Best Practices
- Define end state for each function prior to plan development
- Run the integration as a separate project, apart from day-to-day operations
- Develop formal end-state transition process with clear roles and responsibilities
- Determine deliverables associated with remaining open items
- Communicate what open items have to be done, by when, and by whom
- Document the handoffs of open items to normal operation’s functional leads...