ABSTRACT
Planning for software activation begins during project initiation and continues through the Planning, Execution, and Controlling process groups. Activation planning is the activities and planning surrounding the go-live or activation of a software system. A training plan should be part of the project management plan, and it should outline how training will be accomplished and when. The larger and more complex the project, the sooner activation planning should begin. As a general rule of thumb, detailed activation planning should begin approximately two months prior to the activation of a smaller project. A larger, more complex, project could require four to six months. Identification of the specific tasks that are required to activate the new software is an essential step to preparation. Once the project manager and team feel that the checklist is complete, the next step is a test by conducting an activation rehearsal.
