Plans are nothing; planning is everything.—Dwight D. Eisenhower

In a previous blog, I discussed the three cornerstones to operational alignment:

Operational Alignment = Process Alignment + Governance Alignment + Transition Alignment

Previously, I discussed process and governance alignment, and this blog will discuss the importance of transition alignment.

To achieve transition alignment, your company must first focus on your internal transition planning.  Your planning should include the transition plan, timeline, and milestones. The plan should show the activities that need to be completed to ensure a smooth transition of services to a provider with minimal or no disruption to the business. This plan should include the in-scope as well as out-of-scope items, and is usually first developed during due diligence.

Your provider will also develop their transition plan that will include scope, strategy, knowledge transfer (KT), work shadowing, training, milestones and delivery acceptance and signoff approaches. This is where transition alignment comes into plan.  At this point in the sourcing journey there are two distinct plans, and the goal of transition alignment is have one plan. It is critical to mutually agree on this one plan. Failure to have an integrated plan is the start of a dangerous path that could lead to disrupting the business, losing time and money, and could ultimately lead to the failure of the transition.

During transition alignment, both parties should take a critical look at all the elements of the plan and identify any risks and their associated mitigation strategies. This integrated transition plan, timeline, milestones and deliverables will ensure both parties stay on course and enjoy the benefits of a successful transition.  A transition cannot be successful without the support and participation of both you and your provider.