A single overlooked dependency can stall Day 1 operations. Use the following checklists—grouped by function—to confirm every critical system, data flow, and control is tested, signed-off, and ready before close.
IT & Infrastructure
- ERP: final cut-over rehearsal completed; batch jobs and interfaces validated.
- CRM: customer data migrated; user authentication verified; dashboards refreshing.
- HRIS and Payroll: employee master loaded; parallel payroll reconciled; tax IDs active.
- Network: new IP ranges live; VPN tunnels for TSAs operational; monitoring dashboards green.
- Identity & Access: new domain in production; MFA enforced; legacy trusts removed.
- Backup & DR: full restore test completed; RPO/RTO targets met; off-site replication enabled.
- Cybersecurity: endpoint protection deployed; SIEM ingesting logs; incident-response playbook updated.
Finance & Treasury
- General Ledger: chart of accounts open; posting periods set; close calendar distributed.
- AP & AR: supplier and customer masters validated; invoice templates re-branded; EDI feeds tested.
- Bank Accounts: new accounts funded; signatories registered; payment-file formats certified.
- Working-Capital Peg: baseline agreed; true-up mechanism documented; reporting template loaded.
- Tax Engines: indirect-tax codes configured; statutory reports generated without errors.
Supply Chain & Operations
- MRP/Planning: demand forecasts loaded; supply schedules aligned to new entity codes.
- Warehouse Management: bar-code scanners pointed to standalone database; pick-pack-ship flows tested.
- Logistics: carrier rate tables updated; waybill printers connected; customs codes validated.
- Quality & Compliance: SOPs reissued under new entity; certificates, permits, and ISO numbers on file.
Commercial & Customer Support
- Pricing and Discount Tables: migrated and spot-checked; promotions aligned to carve-out SKUs.
- E-commerce / Portal: DNS switchover completed; SSL certificates installed; test transaction authorised.
- Call-Centre Scripts: updated FAQs loaded; IVR routing reconfigured; agents briefed.
- SLA Dashboards: real-time metrics visible; escalation paths confirmed.
HR & People Operations
- Payroll Funding: cash call scheduled; payroll vendor test file accepted.
- Benefits: insurer eligibility files transmitted; helpline staffed.
- Facility Access: badges issued; turnstile readers updated; visitor procedures revised.
- Manager Toolkits: Day 1 talking points, org charts, and escalation contacts distributed.
Legal & Compliance
- Licences and Permits: transfer certificates received; numbers updated on websites and packaging.
- Contract Novations: customer and supplier consents logged; repository updated.
- Data-Privacy: processing-activity register amended; new privacy notices published.
- Board Governance: inaugural board meeting scheduled; resolutions for banking and signatory authority passed.
Sign-Off Protocol
- Each functional lead completes checklist items and attaches evidence.
- PMO reviews evidence and tags status Green / Amber / Red.
- Day 1 Command Centre accepts only Green items; Amber escalates to Steering Committee; Red blocks go-live.
Having every box ticked before legal close is the difference between a seamless Day 1 and an emergency war-room. Use these checklists as your non-negotiable readiness gate.
