postimplementation

Postimplementation refers to the period following the deployment of a project, product, or system during which performance is monitored to confirm outcomes, ensure benefits realization, and support a transition to steady-state operations. It focuses on validating whether project objectives were met, stabilizing operations, and capturing lessons for future initiatives.

Key activities in postimplementation include a post-implementation review (PIR) to assess scope adherence, budget and schedule performance, user satisfaction, system reliability, and actual versus planned benefits. Benefits realization management tracks realized benefits against the business case, updates the benefits register, and informs ongoing investment decisions. Stabilization and support activities transition the project into operations, covering bug fixes, maintenance planning, documentation, training, and the readiness of support teams. Change management continues to address user adoption, communications, and governance to maximize utilization.

Timing for PIRs varies but is commonly conducted after a defined period post go-live, such as three to six months, or after full deployment. Outputs typically include a PIR report, lessons learned, action plans, revised performance indicators, and an updated benefits register. The postimplementation phase contributes to governance by informing decisions about scaling, modification, or retirement of the solution.

Common challenges include attributing benefits to the project, ensuring data quality, maintaining stakeholder engagement, and managing organizational change. Best practices advocate planning the PIR during project initiation, defining success criteria, collecting data continuously, and using an independent reviewer to corroborate findings.