Five phases. One accountable plan.
The engagement plan begins with the workflow, its risks, and the people who will operate the result. The sequence, timing, environments, and commercial terms follow from that scope. Modernization work can use the same phases, with decision and migration controls made explicit.
- Scope
Discovery, in writing
We establish the workflow, decision owners, current constraints, and the evidence needed to judge the work. The scope records assumptions, acceptance checks, and client inputs.
- ✓ Written brief
- ✓ Risk and data review
- ✓ Scope proposal
- Validate
Test the uncertain parts first
When the work carries material technical or operational uncertainty, the plan can include a bounded prototype or review before a broader build is approved.
- ✓ Prototype or review
- ✓ Decision record
- Build
Build with visible checkpoints
The working rhythm, collaboration tools, environment access, and review cadence are agreed for the engagement. Checkpoints make scope and acceptance visible as the work evolves.
- ✓ Working increments
- ✓ Review record
- ✓ Staging plan where needed
- Integrate
Integrate and prepare operations
Integration, access controls, observability, documentation, and release readiness are designed for the systems and operating owners involved.
- ✓ Integration plan
- ✓ Runbook where scoped
- ✓ Release checks
- Handoff
Handoff with clear ownership
Documentation, walkthroughs, source access, post-launch support, and maintenance responsibilities are defined before release rather than assumed.
- ✓ Handoff materials
- ✓ Ownership record
- ✓ Support plan where scoped
What we define before work starts.
The engagement agreement records the actual delivery and operating commitments.
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Named delivery team
The proposed team, roles, and accountable decision makers are identified in the engagement scope.
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Shared working record
The engagement identifies the planning and delivery records that both parties can inspect.
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Review cadence
Review checkpoints and decision gates are agreed around the work rather than implied by marketing language.
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Source and access plan
Repository, data, and environment access are specified alongside the security and ownership boundaries.
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Support boundaries
Response channels, hours, and post-release support are commercial terms agreed in writing for the project.
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Decision gates
Material uncertainty is surfaced early so a client can decide whether to proceed, change scope, or stop.