Independent Enterprise Application Consulting Company 

Cutover & Go-Live

Velcom ERP > Cutover & Go-Live

Production Cutover & Go-Live

Introduction

The Production Cutover & Go-Live phase marks the final milestone in the enterprise application implementation lifecycle. It ensures a seamless, controlled transition from legacy systems to the new digital platform, balancing operational continuity with risk mitigation. This phase focuses on readiness, execution precision, and stabilization – ensuring a successful, sustainable Go-Live experience.

Production Cutover & Go-Live

Production Cutover

  • Strategy
  • Runbook Preparation
  • Risk & Contigency Plan
  • Infra & Security Readiness

Mock Cutover

  • Trial & Dry Run
  • Functional/ Technical/
    Data Reconciliation
  • Formal Sign-off

Go-Live Execution

  • Final Dataload & System Activation
  • Communication & Change Management
  • Issue Tracker Management
  • Success KPI review

Production Cutover planning ensures a structured, step-by-step transition from legacy to production systems. It defines all cutover tasks, timelines, dependencies, and fallback strategies.

Cutover Strategy Development

  • Define cutover scope – modules, data, and environments transitioning.
  • Develop detailed cutover objectives emphasizing zero business downtime.
  • Establish entry/exit criteria to ensure completeness of pre-Go-Live activities.
  • Define coordination mechanisms between IT, business, and infrastructure teams.

Cutover Runbook Preparation

  • Create a Cutover Runbook detailing task sequences, owners, and dependencies.
  • Include infrastructure readiness, access controls, and communication flow.
  • Conduct dry-run sessions to validate sequencing and handovers.
  • Obtain PMO and Steering Committee approval before execution.

Risk & Contingency Planning

  • Document rollback scenarios and recovery procedures.
  • Identify manual workarounds for critical business processes.
  • Define escalation matrix and governance for decision-making during cutover.
  • Conduct business continuity simulation to validate preparedness.

Infrastructure & Security Readiness

  • Validate server, database, and network stability.
  • Ensure backup, failover, and disaster recovery mechanisms are active.
  • Verify user access provisioning, firewall configurations, and security compliance.

Mock cutovers replicate the Go-Live process in a controlled test environment to identify gaps, validate timing, and ensure readiness.

Trial Runs & Dry Runs

  • Execute at least two mock cutovers simulating real Go-Live activities.
  • Perform data loads, validation, and reconciliation across systems.
  • Track duration and dependencies to refine the final schedule.

Functional Reconciliation

  • Validate transactions across Finance, HR, SCM, and CRM modules.
  • Compare pre- and post-migration balances, employee data, and open transactions.
  • Document results, exceptions, and corrective actions.

Sign-Off Readiness

  • Conduct final readiness workshops involving all stakeholders.
  • Obtain formal Go-Live approval from Cutover Manager, PMO, and Business Sponsors.

Go-Live execution involves activating the production environment, monitoring system performance, and ensuring smooth operational continuity.

Final Data Load & System Activation

  • Perform final data migration as per approved sequence.
  • Validate opening balances, user access, and interface connectivity.
  • Enable production parameters and initiate live transaction processing.

Communication & Change Management

  • Issue Go-Live communication to all stakeholders and users.
  • Activate 24×7 Command Center for initial support.
  • Conduct daily monitoring calls with project and business teams.

Monitoring & Issue Management

  • Track transaction throughput, system performance, and integration jobs.
  • Maintain Go-Live Dashboard capturing incidents and resolution status.
  • Escalate critical issues through established governance channels.

Success Metrics & Validation

  • Measure 100% data accuracy, 95% transaction success, <5% critical defects.
  • Review Go-Live week performance metrics and stakeholder satisfaction.
  • Capture lessons learned for continuous improvement.
DeliverablePurpose
Cutover RunbookComprehensive task sequence for execution and monitoring.
Mock Cutover ReportsValidates readiness and timing before Go-Live.
Go-Live DashboardMonitors live transaction success and performance metrics.

Outcome of the Production Cutover & Go-Live Phase

By the end of this phase: