Implementing customized software solutions, such as Microsoft Power Platform CRM solutions, the project kick-off meeting helps set the stage for a successful project. This pivotal gathering brings together key stakeholders from both the consultancy and client side to align their visions, establish rapport, and lay the foundation for a collaborative journey. In this article, we look at the six essential elements of a project kick-off meeting, shedding light on the significance of each item.
1. Project Overview?
At the heart of any successful project lies a shared understanding of its purpose. The purpose of reviewing the project overview is to ensure that all project team members are on the same page. With a common understanding of why the project is being undertaken, we can align our efforts toward a common goal and foster a sense of purpose and motivation among team members.
2. Team Introductions
In this segment, we, the consultancy, introduce our project team, usually comprising the Project Manager, Business Analyst, Delivery Lead, one or more Developers, and Testers. Equally important is acquainting ourselves with the client-side team, including the project’s Executive Sponsor, client-side Project Manager, and relevant Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). This introduction fosters relationships, establishes open lines of communication, and sets the stage for effective collaboration.
3. Reviewing the High-Level Plan
A project without a plan is like a ship adrift at sea. During the kick-off meeting, we outline the high-level plan, indicating which features we intend to work on during which sprint and align the sprints to a calendar. In addition to the high-level plan, we identify all the stat holiday staking place during the project and any planned vacation days by the project team.
4. Risk Register with Mitigation Plans
Every project carries inherent risks, and the kick-off meeting is an opportune time to address them. By discussing known risks and defining a risk mitigation strategy, we proactively manage potential hurdles. This transparent discussion instills confidence and demonstrates our commitment to delivering a quality solution while minimizing disruptions. The risk mitigations we propose also help to identify the project governance structure.
5. Walkthrough of the Project Approach
In an agile environment, effective project management is key. During this segment, we outline the agile meeting rituals that will govern each sprint. We also discuss how we will leverage Microsoft Azure DevOps to manage the project’s backlog, sprint board, test plans, build/release strategy, and repository. This walkthrough ensures that everyone is familiar with the project’s management processes, fostering transparency and alignment.
6. The Next Steps
For the last step of the kick-off meeting, we focus on the immediate actions that will propel the project forward. These next steps typically involve (1) collaborating on the environment and user setup, as well as (2) scheduling all the agile meetings.
By clarifying responsibilities and establishing a clear path forward, we set the stage for a smooth and efficient project execution.
Happy software engineering!
About Purely CRM
For close to a decade our Purely CRM team has been laser-like focused on delivering CRM solutions built solely on Microsoft Dynamics 365 CRM, combined with Power Apps and the Microsoft Power Platform. We’ve expanded our team immensely in the past years to help better serve our clients and partners. Most recently we merged with Endeavour Solutions, a top Microsoft ERP, CRM, and Cloud consulting firm to further expand our talented team of CRM consultants.
Our core focus is on large mid-market and enterprise CRM Design & Development projects, Staff Augmentation, and CRM Support. When needed we can also tap upon our peers at Endeavour for Dynamics 365 Business Central ERP to provide an All-in-One Cloud ERP-CRM. We provide services to clients Coast to Coast across the United States and Canada. We do not use resources overseas.
Reach out to explore our track record, rates, skills, and approach to discover how we can collaborate and drive YOUR SUCCESS.
