There’s a certain magic to a date on the calendar. A birthday, a holiday, a big event – it creates focus, excitement, and a sense of “this is really happening.” The same goes for a go-live date when you’re introducing a new business system.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: It’s just a date. But setting a go-live date is more than just picking a spot on the calendar. It’s a statement of intent. It’s the moment your team shifts from planning to doing. And, whether you’re switching to a new finance system or moving away from spreadsheets that are older than some of your staff, that date can make all the difference.
Why a Go-live Date Matters
Let’s start with the basics. A go-live date is the day your new system becomes the one you actually use. Not the one you’re testing. Not the one your consultant is still tweaking. The one you log into on Monday morning to run your business.
Setting that date early creates direction. It turns “we’re thinking of changing systems” into “we’re going live in October.” Suddenly, people have something to aim for. Tasks get prioritised. Training gets booked. Decisions get made. It gives everyone – your team, your supplier, even your accountant – something to rally around.
What Can Drive the Date?
Sometimes, the decision is easy. Maybe your old system is being switched off in December. Or your current subscription runs out in a few months and you don’t fancy paying for both. Maybe you want to start a fresh financial year in a new setup. Or you don’t want the complications of working out your quarterly VAT statement from two systems. These are great drivers – they give the go-live date real meaning.
Other times, it’s more about momentum. You’ve been talking about this new system for months. You’ve had the demos. You’ve nodded through the proposals. Now it’s time to draw a line in the sand and get it done.
Whatever the reason, picking a date helps avoid the endless cycle of “we’ll start soon” that can drag on for… well, forever.
Be Realistic, Not Optimistic
Here’s where the psychology kicks in. It’s easy to pick a date that sounds great in theory – “Let’s go live in four weeks!”. But if that doesn’t give enough time for setup, training, testing, and general hand-holding, you’re setting yourself up for stress and disappointment.
A good go-live date is realistic and achievable for everyone involved. That includes your internal team (who still have day jobs), your implementation partner (who probably isn’t working on just your project), and anyone else who needs to support the change. It should allow for a bit of wriggle room – because something always pops up that takes longer than expected.
The Slippery Slope of the Slipping Go-live Date
There’s nothing wrong with moving a go-live date once if there’s a good reason. But when dates keep slipping, motivation fades fast. Teams lose focus. Key decisions get parked. That early momentum disappears. Before you know it, the project’s stalled, and what felt like a smart, strategic change starts to feel like a never ending drain on time and energy.
Plus, if your go-live keeps slipping, it might be a sign that something bigger needs addressing – unclear ownership, lack of resource, or maybe the scope needs simplifying.
In Summary
A go-live date isn’t just a date. It’s a motivator, a milestone, and a little bit of pressure that keeps things moving. The key is to choose it wisely – one that’s meaningful, realistic, and achievable. Then, treat it with the respect it deserves.
Because when everyone’s working toward the same finish line, amazing things can happen.
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