A structured document outlines a systematic approach for moving from an existing software system to a new or upgraded one. It serves as a roadmap, detailing the steps, resources, and timelines involved in the migration process. For example, a company upgrading its customer relationship management (CRM) system would use this type of plan to detail the data migration, user training, and system testing procedures.
The value of such a plan lies in its ability to minimize disruption and risk during software implementations. It fosters a controlled environment, ensuring business continuity and data integrity. Historically, the absence of this planning has resulted in costly errors, data loss, and project delays. A well-defined approach mitigates these potential problems and improves overall project success rates.