Day 1 is a key stepping stone to ensuring that an integration delivers maximum value and minimum disruption. It requires a clear focus on critical items, communication with all stakeholders and interim processes that ensure it is “business as usual”.
Given the inherent stresses that will occur across all stakeholders, it can be a challenging time for your teams if they do not have successful integrations experience (and sometimes even if they do), a clear detailed Day 1 plan is essential.
You should understand and deliver clear, relevant Communications, with all stakeholders. These stakeholders will be concerned about the impact on their own businesses (suppliers and customers), and their jobs. Good communication will ensure they support your business during integration and beyond.
Functions such as Finance, HR, IT, Procurement, Facilities have to ensure that systems run, items flow in, processes and controls are in place and the lights will stay on Day 1 and beyond.
Sales and Marketing, are responsible for ensuring a seamless Day 1 for the sales force and customers alike. Taking immediate action on risks and ensuring growth can start.
Day 1 tools and checklists should be used to ensure good, reliable, stress tested detailed Day 1 plans are in place, ensuring all objectives are met.