Core Research

Engagement options

Standard three-phase program vs a lighter baseline start.

Two paths depending on risk posture, budget, and timeline.

Standard program

  • Structure: Capability Discovery → Capability Pilot → Controlled Cutover Program.
  • Best for: Organizations with executive sponsorship to act on dependency risk.
  • Timeline: 2-3 weeks (discovery) + 4-8 weeks (pilot) + roadmap-led (cutover program).
  • What you get: End-to-end governance with evidence gates at every phase transition.
  • How it starts: Begin with Capability Discovery.

Lighter baseline start

  • Structure: Short execution baseline for one workflow.
  • Best for: Teams that need internal confidence before proposing a larger engagement.
  • Timeline: 2-3 weeks.
  • What you get: Capability control map and stabilization plan for one workflow.
  • How it starts: Start with discovery.

When to pick each path

| Consideration | Standard program | Lighter baseline | |--------------|-----------------|-----------------| | Executive sponsorship | In place | Not yet secured | | Budget | Program-level | Project-level | | Risk tolerance | Ready to pilot | Need proof first | | Desired outcome | Production cutover | Decision-ready artifact | | Timeline pressure | Immediate | Exploratory |

Both paths use the same method, governance controls, and evidence standards. The lighter baseline is a subset of Phase 1.