postimplementatiereviews

Postimplementatiereviews are formal evaluations conducted after a project, system, or process has been implemented to assess whether intended benefits were realized and to determine the ongoing value delivered to the organization. They examine outcomes such as performance against objectives, user adoption, operational impact, and alignment with the original business case. While the term is common in governance contexts, it may be written in different languages and adopted in various organizational practices.

Purpose and objectives include validating benefits realization, checking alignment with strategic goals, identifying gaps or unintended consequences, and documenting lessons learned. PIRs provide evidence to inform ongoing investment decisions, corrective actions, and future program design.

Scope typically covers benefits realization, costs and ROI, system reliability and performance, data quality and integration, process changes, training effectiveness, support and maintenance, and stakeholder satisfaction. They may also assess risks, compliance, and the performance of vendors or implementation partners.

Process generally begins during project closure or early in the benefits realization phase. Data collection combines quantitative metrics (KPIs, ROI, adoption rates) and qualitative inputs (interviews, surveys). Analysis compares actual results with baselines and the original business case to identify drivers of success and reasons for shortfalls. A formal PIR report and an action plan are produced.

Timing and governance suggest PIRs are conducted several months after go-live to allow benefits to materialize, though timing depends on the nature of the benefits and organizational pace. They are often overseen by the PMO or an independent reviewer, with executive sponsorship and oversight.

Outcomes typically include a PIR report, a lessons-learned register, and an agreed set of improvement actions and follow-up milestones to inform future initiatives.