Discovery Checklist

Summary

This checklist provides the standard BPM-HCM steps to plan, execute, and close the Discovery phase. Use it to ensure required interviews, documentation, synthesis, analysis sessions, and executive recommendation materials are completed. Following this checklist supports automation readiness, reporting accuracy, and governance expectations.

Body

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.

Jump to Section
Setup Kickoff Current State
Interviews Synthesis Team Review
Exec Recommendation Close/Transition Back to Top

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

Details

Details

Article ID: 1541
Created
Mon 2/9/26 8:55 PM