12.2 THE LAUNCH

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Implementation truly starts with the launch of the program. This is the point when you use the commitment from the management for implementation and you demonstrate to the organization that you are in a position to carry out that implementation.

You need publicity for the program if you are to attract customers, so you should make the launch an event in some way. We have already discussed this when talking about planning the launch so all I will say at this point is that you should now put those plans into effect.

We may be talking about nothing more than a memo to department heads or we may be talking about a road show. Whatever, make sure it happens.

The one other thing that you may need to consider relates to your Metrics Coordination Group. So far this group has acted as the steering committee for the development of the initiative, a sounding board for possible solutions. Effectively, they have been the recipients of information and they have provided feedback on that information. They have also, hopefully, provided requirements data but this has been prompted and driven by the metrics team. As you enter the implementation stage this group should become much more proactive.

The Metrics Coordination Group now needs to own the program: it is the custodian and should be the focal point for metrics in the organization. This is a different situation to that which has existed during the development of the program when you and the other members of the metrics team will have provided that focus and the drive that fuels the program.

As part of your launch event you may like to hold a "final" meeting of the Metrics Coordination Group and during that meeting target individuals within the organization that will form a new group. You can also draft new terms of reference for the group which will need to be ratified by it. If you have chaired the Metrics Coordination Group during program development then it is now time to hand that role over to someone within the software development function. If you are very lucky, the Systems Development Director will take on that responsibility.

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