ERP Go-Live Readiness Assessment Checklist
The go/no-go decision is the highest-stakes moment in any ERP implementation. A premature go-live can cripple operations for weeks, while unnecessary delays erode stakeholder confidence and inflate project costs. Panorama Consulting reports that 26% of ERP projects experience significant operational disruption at go-live, almost always due to incomplete readiness assessment. This checklist provides the structured validation framework your steering committee needs.
Technical Readiness Validation
Technical readiness encompasses system performance, data quality, integration stability, and infrastructure capacity. Each area requires quantifiable acceptance criteria—not subjective assessments. Performance testing should simulate 150% of expected peak transaction volume, and all integrations must complete three consecutive error-free cycles before sign-off.
- Load testing passed: system handles 150% peak concurrent users with response times under 3 seconds
- Data migration validated: 100% of critical master data reconciled with zero financial discrepancies
- Integration stability: all interfaces completed 3 consecutive error-free full-cycle runs
- Disaster recovery tested: full system restore completed within the defined RTO (Recovery Time Objective)
- Security audit passed: role-based access controls validated, segregation of duties conflicts resolved
Business Readiness and User Preparedness
Technical perfection means nothing if end users cannot perform their daily tasks in the new system. Business readiness assessment validates that training has been effective, workarounds for known gaps are documented, and support structures are in place. A minimum of 95% of end users must demonstrate proficiency on their role-specific transactions.
- End-user training completion: 95%+ of identified users completed role-based training with assessed proficiency
- UAT sign-off: all critical business scenarios passed with formal sign-off from business process owners
- Workaround documentation: published procedures for all known gaps with target resolution dates
- Floor support plan: super-users identified and scheduled for first 2 weeks across all shifts and locations
Organizational and Operational Readiness
Go-live readiness extends beyond the ERP system itself. Customer and supplier communications, updated SOPs, regulatory filings, and external system dependencies all require validation. The hypercare plan must define escalation paths, support coverage hours, and rollback triggers before the steering committee makes its go/no-go decision.
- Hypercare plan approved: 24/7 support coverage for first 2 weeks with named escalation contacts
- Rollback criteria defined: specific measurable triggers that would initiate a return to the legacy system
- External communications sent: customers, suppliers, and banks notified of system transition and any process changes
- Regulatory compliance confirmed: tax configurations validated, financial period setup verified, audit trail active
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