System Deployment Checklist

# System Deployment Checklist

## Purpose
Complete before deploying any new system or major update to minimise disruption and ensure user adoption.

## When to Use
A deployment checklist for rolling out new software or system updates, covering testing, user training, rollback plans, and post-deployment monitoring.

## Instructions
1. Review the template below and familiarise yourself with the structure
2. Replace all [bracketed placeholders] with your business details
3. Customise the tone and formatting to match your brand
4. Save in your preferred tool (Slack or Asana)

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## System Deployment Checklist

### Phase 1: Pre-Deployment Planning (Owner: Project Manager)
- [ ] Deployment scope documented: what is being deployed, what is changing, what is not
- [ ] Stakeholder approval obtained for deployment timeline and scope
- [ ] Deployment date and time confirmed (ideally low-traffic period or weekend)
- [ ] Estimated downtime communicated to all affected users and clients
- [ ] Rollback plan documented with step-by-step instructions and triggers
- [ ] Rollback decision criteria defined (e.g., critical errors within first 2 hours)
- [ ] Support team briefed on common issues and troubleshooting steps

### Phase 2: Testing (Owner: Technical Lead)
- [ ] All features tested in staging or test environment
- [ ] User acceptance testing (UAT) completed and sign-off received
- [ ] Integration testing completed: all connected systems verified
- [ ] Performance testing completed: load times acceptable under expected usage
- [ ] Security testing completed: no new vulnerabilities introduced
- [ ] Data migration or transformation scripts tested and verified
- [ ] Browser and device compatibility confirmed

### Phase 3: User Preparation (Owner: Project Manager)
- [ ] Training materials created (guides, videos, or quick-reference cards)
- [ ] Training sessions scheduled and delivered to all affected users
- [ ] FAQ document prepared covering common questions and known changes
- [ ] Power users or champions identified for peer support
- [ ] Help desk or support channel set up for deployment-related queries
- [ ] Change communication email sent to all users (what is changing, when, and why)

### Phase 4: Deployment (Owner: Technical Lead)
- [ ] Final backup of all affected systems completed immediately before deployment
- [ ] Deployment executed following documented deployment plan
- [ ] Automated tests or smoke tests run immediately after deployment
- [ ] Core workflows tested by technical team on production environment
- [ ] Integrations verified: data flowing correctly between connected systems
- [ ] SSL certificates, domains, and DNS settings confirmed (if applicable)
- [ ] Monitoring alerts configured for errors, performance, and uptime

### Phase 5: Post-Deployment (Owner: Project Manager)
- [ ] "All clear" notification sent to stakeholders confirming successful deployment
- [ ] Users notified that the system is live and ready for use
- [ ] First 24 hours monitored for errors, performance issues, or user reports
- [ ] Support tickets and questions triaged and resolved promptly
- [ ] Post-deployment review meeting held within one week
- [ ] Lessons learned documented and deployment process refined
- [ ] Old system decommissioned or archived after confirmation period

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**Complexity:** advanced | **Setup time:** 25 minutes | **Tools:** Slack, Asana, Notion