HR practice detail
Six phases, in full.
Not because process is the goal, but because disciplined execution prevents the failures we have seen too many times. It grew up in enterprise HR delivery — and it now governs everything we ship, from client systems to our own products and research.
Diagnose
Understand the current state, define success criteria, and identify risks before committing to a plan.
Activities
- Stakeholder interviews and requirements workshops
- Current-state system and process documentation
- Gap analysis against target state
- Risk identification and initial mitigation planning
- Success criteria definition with measurable acceptance
Artifacts produced
- Stakeholder map
- Current-state assessment
- Requirements document
- Risk register (initial)
Design
Document everything before building. Configuration decisions, integration specifications, data mappings, and security model - all written down and approved.
Activities
- Configuration design aligned to requirements
- Integration specification and sequencing
- Data mapping with transformation rules
- Security and access model design
- Test strategy and scenario development
Artifacts produced
- Configuration workbook
- Integration specifications
- Data mapping document
- Security model documentation
- Test plan
Build
Iterative configuration and development with regular checkpoints. No surprises at the end.
Activities
- System configuration per approved design
- Integration development with error handling
- Data migration scripting and dry runs
- Unit testing of components
- Regular demo and feedback cycles
Artifacts produced
- Configured system (non-production)
- Working integrations (test environment)
- Migration scripts with validation
- Unit test results
Prove
Testing happens here, not in production. User acceptance, integration testing, parallel runs, and reconciliation.
Activities
- User acceptance testing with business users
- End-to-end integration testing
- Parallel payroll runs with reconciliation
- Performance and load testing (if applicable)
- Defect triage and resolution
Artifacts produced
- UAT sign-off
- Integration test results
- Parallel run reconciliation reports
- Defect log with resolution status
Launch
Cutover execution with go/no-go checkpoints. Rollback plan ready. Data validated. Integrations verified.
Activities
- Cutover rehearsal in production-like environment
- Go/no-go checkpoint with stakeholders
- Data migration execution with validation
- Integration activation and verification
- Hypercare support during initial operations
Artifacts produced
- Cutover plan with timing and owners
- Rollback procedures
- Go-live checklist
- Data validation reports
- Hypercare log
Harden
Transition to steady-state operations. Monitoring, runbooks, and knowledge transfer so your team owns it.
Activities
- Monitoring implementation and threshold tuning
- Runbook development for operations and incidents
- Knowledge transfer sessions with internal team
- Handoff documentation and sign-off
- Post-implementation review
Artifacts produced
The same set delivered by Post-Go-Live Hardening, listed in full there.
Risk posture
Four positions we hold.
Ownership is explicit
Every decision, risk, and deliverable has a named owner. Ambiguity in ownership is a project risk we eliminate early.
Controls before velocity
We establish checkpoints and approval gates. Moving fast without controls creates technical debt and audit exposure.
Change is managed
Scope changes go through a defined process. Impact is assessed, documented, and approved before implementation.
Decisions are auditable
We maintain decision logs with rationale. When someone asks why something is built a certain way, there is a documented answer.
Standard artifacts
What you are left holding.
Every engagement ends with documents your team owns, not a consultant who remembers how it works.
Requirements Document
DiagnoseDefines what needs to be built
Configuration Workbook
DesignDocuments all system settings
Data Mapping
DesignSource-to-target field mapping with rules
Integration Specifications
DesignTechnical specs for each integration
Test Plan
DesignScenarios, data, and acceptance criteria
Cutover Plan
ProveSequenced activities with timing and rollback
Reconciliation Reports
ProveProof that data matches expected state
Operations Runbook
HardenDay-to-day procedures for steady state
Monitoring Checklist
HardenWhat to watch and when to escalate
Next step
Questions about our process?
If you are evaluating whether this method fits your program, ask. We would rather talk it through than have you find out mid-engagement.
We reply within one business day