Discovery Checklist

BPM–HCM Discovery Checklist

Use this checklist to ensure the Discovery phase is executed consistently and that all required artifacts and decision points are completed before transitioning to design/configuration or providing a recommendation to executive leadership.

A) Intake-to-Discovery Setup

  • Confirm request scope and Discovery sponsor
  • Build initial Discovery project plan (objectives, timeline, interview list, deliverables)
  • Identify required stakeholder groups (functional + operational + compliance + analytics)
  • Create repository location for Discovery artifacts (notes, logs, drafts)
  • Schedule Kickoff & Alignment meeting

B) Kickoff & Alignment

  • Deliver Discovery overview (what it is / what it is not)
  • Confirm scope boundaries and assumptions to validate
  • Confirm interview targets and scheduling window
  • Confirm decision points and expected deliverables
  • Capture initial risks/dependencies and update plan

C) Current-State Mapping & Data

  • Document As-Is process (roles, steps, approvals, exceptions)
  • Identify known bottlenecks and rework points
  • Request baseline data/metrics (if applicable) and validate assumptions

D) Interviews

  • Prepare interview guide (core + role-based add-ons)
  • Assign facilitator and note-taker for each interview
  • Conduct interviews (30–60 minutes) using structured approach
  • Complete Interview Notes Template for each participant
  • Capture evidence (examples, reports, screenshots) where available
  • Track follow-ups and additional stakeholders to interview

E) Synthesis

  • Create consolidated themes and evidence summary
  • Identify gaps (current vs. desired outcomes)
  • Identify constraints (policy/compliance/security/system/capacity/timing)
  • Draft initial requirements (functional/non-functional) and priorities
  • Update risk & dependency log with owners

F) Discovery Team Review & Analysis

  • Prepare Discovery Team Review packet (themes, constraints, options)
  • Facilitate review session with structured decision discussion
  • Confirm what moves forward vs deferred to future optimization
  • Assign next-phase ownership using RACI
  • Update Decision Log with outcomes and owners

G) Executive Recommendation

  • Draft executive one-pager (decision requested + options + recommendation)
  • Validate compliance/policy implications with appropriate owners
  • Validate feasibility constraints with functional teams/WSS as needed
  • Submit for sponsor review and finalize go/no-go recommendation

H) Close Discovery / Transition

  • Confirm Discovery success criteria met
  • Ensure required artifacts are completed and stored
  • Update ticket notes/status to reflect Discovery conclusion
  • Transition to next phase (Design/Configuration) or defer/close with rationale
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