Creating a Pilot Plan

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The pilot sets the tone for the full deployment, so it is important that you plan carefully, communicate well with the participants, and evaluate the results thoroughly. Creating a plan for your pilot helps you think through the issues and set expectations for everyone involved.

If you have multiple pilots, you might have multiple pilot plans. For example, each subteam might have their own pilot and write their own plan. Your pilot plan should include the following:

  • Scope and objectives

  • Participating users and locations

  • Training plan for pilot users

  • Support plan for the pilot

  • Communication plan for the pilot

  • Known risks and contingency plans

  • Rollback plan

  • Schedule for deploying and conducting the pilot

When you have your pilot plan ready, ask IT management and management from the participating business units to review and approve the plan before you proceed.