Module 25 · Advanced · 9 min read
The cutover plan and checklist
You will be able to: Build a cutover timeline from T-14 days to T+1; Complete a go-live checklist with owners; Set go/no-go criteria.
- Read not done yet
- Self-check: not taken not done yet
- Lesson complete not done yet
The cutover plan is the minute-by-minute script of the move to live. It is built from the rehearsals and owned by the project manager, with one named person for each task.
| When | Activity | Owner |
|---|---|---|
| T-14 days | UAT signed; go-live date confirmed; freeze on configuration changes | Project manager |
| T-10 | Training finished; competence checklists signed | Consultant |
| T-7 | Second migration rehearsal reconciled; printers tested on every till | Consultant, technical |
| T-3 | Production server installed, licence ready, users created, backup destination tested | Technical consultant |
| T-1 | Communication to staff, customers, suppliers; old system freeze time confirmed | Sponsor |
| T-0 | Final extract, load, reconcile, sign, go/no-go | Team |
| T+1 | Staff start; consultants on site; first-day issue log | All |
Go-live checklist
| Item | Where | Done by |
|---|---|---|
| Company profile, fiscal years, tax codes verified against the workbook | Settings | Consultant |
| Test transactions removed | Settings, Reset Company Data (takes a verified backup first; keeps users, settings and company profile) | Consultant |
| Data Mode is Live | Settings, Data Mode (Live/Demo) | Technical |
| Licence activated and Seats & Limits checked; Zeyto Edge restarted | Settings, License | Technical |
| Opening balances posted and reconciliation signed | Accounting, Openings | Accountant |
| Users and roles created; strong passwords; POS PINs | Settings, Users & Permissions and Security Policy | Consultant |
| Daily automatic backup on; off-computer copy; one restore test | Settings, Backup | Technical |
| Printers, labels and paper tested on every PC and till | Settings, Printers and Templates | Technical |
| Remote access set up where agreed | Settings, Remote & Mobile Access | Technical |
| Old system set read-only and archived | Client IT | Client IT |
| Support contacts and escalation list issued | Handover pack | Project manager |
Go/no-go criteria
- UAT signed with no open severity 1 or 2 defects.
- Opening balances reconciled and signed by the accountant.
- At least 90% of users trained and signed on their checklist.
- Backup taken and restore-tested.
- Support rota for the first two weeks confirmed.
A no-go that saved the launchAt T-1 the restore test of the first backup failed because the backup drive had a permissions problem. The team fixed the drive and repeated the restore the same day. If this had been found after go-live, a day of live data would have had no safe copy.
Watch outDo not activate the licence and then wipe the computer. Restore first, activate second, and keep a copy of the licence key from the customer portal.
Practise in the demo
- Draft a cutover timeline for your own imaginary client with owners and a go/no-go time.
- Open Settings, then License and Backup in the demo and identify the checklist items they support.
- Open https://demo.zeyto.app/demo-app/ and sign in with the demo login. This is a public demo with sample data, so nothing you do there affects a real business.
Public demo company, sign in as admin / demoAdmin123. Data refreshes nightly.
Key takeaways
- The cutover plan is built from rehearsals, with an owner and time for every task.
- Remove test data, set Live mode, activate the licence, post openings and test the backup.
- Go/no-go uses stated criteria, not feelings.
Check yourself
4 questions on this lesson. Not timed, not the exam, and you can try again. Score 60% or more, and read the lesson, to complete it.
1. Which action belongs to the cutover steps for activating a renewed licence?
2. Which TWO items belong on the go-live checklist?
Select all that apply.