| Risk | Mitigation Strategy |
|---|---|
| Business & User Experience Risks | |
|
User Rejection
"This new system is too different/complicated"
|
Pilot groups first - Start with 3-5 power users who help design the experience. Continuous feedback loops during wireframing and development. Gradual transition - users can fall back to old system during parallel operation periods. Champion network - early adopters become internal advocates. |
|
Productivity Drop
"I can't get my work done as fast"
|
Parallel operation periods - 2-3 weeks where both systems run simultaneously. Just-in-time training during pilot phases. Quick wins built in - new system eliminates duplicate data entry from day one. Support during transition - dedicated help during first 30 days. |
|
Training Insufficient
"I don't know how to use this"
|
Role-specific training - Sales, Ops, and Service teams get focused sessions. Hands-on practice during pilot periods with real data. Documentation and quick reference guides. Internal champions provide peer-to-peer support. |
| Financial Risks | |
|
License Cost Overlap
"We're paying for both old and new systems"
|
Defined shutdown dates - Sherpa eliminated at Day 90, E-automate at Day 150-180. Parallel periods limited - maximum 3 weeks overlap per system. ROI visible quickly - elimination of duplicate data entry provides immediate value. License cost elimination tracked - clear savings milestones. |
|
Timeline Slippage
"This will take longer and cost more than planned"
|
Agile 2-week sprints - early detection of issues. Parallel development - wireframes for next module start while current module is in pilot. Modular approach - if one module delays, others can proceed. Regular stakeholder demos - transparency prevents surprises. |
| Technical Risks | |
|
Data Loss
"We'll lose customer/order/financial data"
|
Real-time bidirectional sync during parallel operation. 30-day rollback safety net - old systems kept accessible after shutdown. Data validation checks at every migration step. Backup and recovery procedures tested before any cutover. |
|
Integration Failures
"The systems won't talk to each other"
|
API integration built first - foundation phase establishes all connections. Testing with real data during development phases. Fallback procedures - manual processes identified for critical operations. Staged rollouts - prove integration works before full deployment. |
|
Rollback Required
"What if we need to go back to the old way?"
|
Old systems maintained for 30 days after each cutover. Data sync continues during safety period. Rollback procedures documented and tested. Clear criteria for rollback decisions established upfront. |
| Strategic Risks | |
|
Executive Buy-in Lost
"Leadership changes priorities mid-project"
|
Regular progress demos - tangible results every 2 weeks. Early wins highlighted - show immediate value from consolidation. Cost savings tracked - document license eliminations and efficiency gains. Stakeholder involvement in design decisions builds ownership. |
|
Key Person Unavailable
"What if our main contact/expert leaves?"
|
Knowledge documentation - capture institutional knowledge early. Multiple stakeholder involvement - don't rely on single points of contact. Cross-training during pilot phases. Gradual transition approach allows time to adjust if key people change. |
We understand this is about people, not just technology. Every decision in our approach prioritizes your team's ability to do their jobs effectively. The parallel operation periods, pilot groups, and gradual transitions are designed specifically so no one gets left behind. We're not just building software - we're ensuring your people have the tools and support they need to be successful.