ERP Pilot Deployment
ERP Pilot Deployment & Weekend Cutover: Rolling Out at Scale with Controlled Risk
Project Overview
As part of the enterprise ERP transformation program, I contributed to the pilot rollout strategy and the execution model used to deploy the first production-ready versions after ~2.5 years of build and integration. The objective was to validate the ERP + custom front-end in real operating conditions, starting with pilot sites in the Paris region close to HQ and core project teams.
Business Need & Initial Challenges
Rolling out an ERP in a live, multi-site environment required business continuity and high data integrity. The main risks included operational disruption, incomplete migration, broken interfaces with legacy tools, and insufficient change readiness at the branch level.
The deployment approach therefore combined strict readiness gates (Go/No-Go), controlled scope (pilot agencies), and an industrialized cutover process designed for minimal downtime and fast stabilization.
My Role & Responsibilities
I participated in the executive steering and Go/No-Go readiness reviews, bringing technical and delivery visibility to ensure decision-making was based on concrete criteria (functional coverage, integration stability, data readiness, operational preparedness).
I also contributed to pilot site selection workshops, ensuring the chosen agencies matched key criteria such as functional perimeter, operational complexity, and representativeness, while remaining close enough to HQ to enable rapid support and governance.
Solution Design & Implementation
The deployment model relied on a structured sequence:
- Pilot Site Selection: define selection criteria (scope, size, constraints) and validate with business stakeholders.
- Go/No-Go Governance: readiness gates with executive alignment, delivery evidence, and operational sign-off.
- Weekend Cutover: full freeze window to execute the final data migration, consistency checks, and interface validation.
- Monday Go-Live: restart activity with the new ERP + front-end, supported by on-site / remote assistance.
- Hypercare: stabilization period with structured incident triage, prioritization, and corrective actions.
Tools, Technologies & Environment
- ERP: SAP
- Deployment Scope: Pilot agencies (Paris region first)
- Key Activities: Data migration, integration validation, operational readiness
- Governance: Executive steering, Go/No-Go checkpoints, hypercare process
Project KPIs & Delivery Metrics
- Cutover model: full weekend migration + restart Monday morning
- Quality focus: interface stability and data consistency as non-negotiables
- Rollout method: pilot validation before scaling to additional sites
Results & Business Impact
The pilot deployment approach reduced rollout risk by validating the end-to-end chain (ERP, front-end, and connected tools) in real operations. The weekend cutover strategy enabled a controlled transition with a clear recovery plan and a structured stabilization phase.
This deployment foundation was essential to scale safely to the broader network, ensuring confidence from business teams and executive stakeholders.
Skills Developed
- Program Delivery: rollout governance, Go/No-Go facilitation, hypercare structuring
- Operational Excellence: change readiness, pilot design, field deployment coordination
- Technical Leadership: integration validation mindset, data migration risk management
- Stakeholder Management: executive reporting, cross-functional alignment, decision support
Knowledge & Key Learnings
I learned how to de-risk enterprise deployments through controlled pilots, evidence-based governance, and a disciplined cutover playbook. The experience reinforced that successful ERP rollouts are as much about operational readiness and change management as they are about technology.
Why This Experience Matters for My Next Role
This project demonstrates my ability to operate in high-stakes environments where delivery reliability, governance, and cross-functional execution are critical. It directly supports my positioning for Senior Product Manager, Product Lead, or Head of Product roles working on platform rollouts, enterprise transformations, and complex stakeholder ecosystems.
