Build, extend or productize?

Understand what is changing

Describe the required outcome and the constraints in the existing landscape. Establish whether the need is specific to one operating process, a variation of an existing capability or a recurring problem shared across contexts.

Decision checklist

• Existing capabilityCheck what the current platform can support through its intended configuration and extension points.
• Business variationIdentify rules and journeys that are specific to the organization.
• RepeatabilityCompare the underlying operating problem across more than one context.
• Connections and ownershipConsider integration dependencies, data ownership and support responsibility.
• Change impactAssess which users, processes and shared capabilities would be affected.
• Delivery boundaryDefine a focused first release, its limitations and the approach for future changes.

Expected output

Write a short decision brief explaining the problem, the available approaches and the reasons for the preferred direction. Separate confirmed needs from assumptions. Review the brief with the people who own the process and the systems that will be affected before turning the decision into a delivery plan.