What Is It?
Whatever project produces – it must be integrated somewhere. Successful integration needs some action.
Who Does It?
Integration Manager, assisted by Acceptance Test Manger and integration team cooperates closely with Project Manager, Communication Manger and Documentation Manager.
Why Is It Important?
Only successful integration in all three dimensions: product, business process and people lead to the successful project closing. Any of those missing may depreciate significantly the whole enterprise.
What Are the Steps?
Plan and prepare carefully all three dimensions. Secure that the Communication and Documentation are actualized and all Tests are passed. Then initialize the implementation. Proceed if migration is feasible. Final Acceptance and lessons learned close to the process.
What Is Work?
Considerable effort is the good planning and preparation of all three integration dimensions. Dependence on test results (quite a work itself!) causes unpredictability and leads to reworking of plans, preparation, communication and documentation updates. Careful implementation shall be assisted by timely matching gradual controlled migration. Put significant manpower in people integration. Care about lessons learned from each single step.
How Do I Ensure That I Have Done It Right?
Product is in the scope of the project, so its integration is casually well done. Less attention is paid to business process integration – so take care about it. It may be complicated and time-consuming. The people perception is the key to successful project closing – so put it in focus of your efforts. It takes long and depends strongly on successful communication. You must overcome all negative changes: anxiety, uncertainty, anger, and uncontrolled external information influence. Work on people positive attitude – than even minor deficiencies will be tolerated, and your project perceived as a success.