Hand Over Products is a critical activity within the Closing a Project Process in PRINCE2 7. This activity ensures that all project deliverables are formally transferred to the appropriate recipients, typically the customer or operational teams who will maintain and use the products going forward.
…Hand Over Products is a critical activity within the Closing a Project Process in PRINCE2 7. This activity ensures that all project deliverables are formally transferred to the appropriate recipients, typically the customer or operational teams who will maintain and use the products going forward.
The hand over process involves several key elements. First, the Project Manager must verify that all products have been completed and meet the agreed quality criteria as defined in the Product Descriptions. This verification ensures that what is being transferred actually fulfills the requirements specified at the project's outset.
Second, the operational and maintenance arrangements must be confirmed. This means ensuring that the receiving party has the necessary resources, skills, and documentation to support the products after the project closes. Training may need to be provided, and support arrangements should be clearly established.
Third, acceptance must be obtained from the customer or user representatives. This formal acceptance confirms that the products are fit for purpose and ready for operational use. The acceptance should be documented and signed off by the appropriate stakeholders.
The hand over also includes transferring all relevant documentation, including user manuals, technical specifications, and any warranties or guarantees. Outstanding items or known issues should be clearly communicated and documented in the End Project Report.
PRINCE2 7 emphasizes that the hand over should be planned throughout the project, not left until the final stages. Early engagement with operational teams helps ensure smooth transitions and reduces the risk of rejection or problems during hand over.
The Project Board must approve the hand over arrangements, and the customer should confirm satisfaction with the products received. This activity is essential for achieving a controlled project closure and ensuring the project's benefits can be realized by those who will use the delivered products.
Hand Over Products in PRINCE2 7 - Complete Guide
What is Hand Over Products?
Hand Over Products is a key activity within the Closing a Project process in PRINCE2 7. It involves the formal transfer of the project's deliverables (products) from the project team to the customer or operational environment. This ensures that the end users or support teams can effectively use, maintain, and support the products going forward.
Why is Hand Over Products Important?
The importance of this activity cannot be overstated for several reasons:
1. Ensures Business Value Realization - Products must be handed over properly so the business can start realizing the expected benefits.
2. Confirms Acceptance - It provides formal confirmation that the customer accepts the products as meeting their requirements and quality expectations.
3. Enables Operational Support - Support teams need proper handover to maintain and troubleshoot the products effectively.
4. Reduces Risk - A structured handover minimizes the risk of products being rejected or unsupported after project closure.
5. Completes Project Accountability - It marks the point where responsibility transfers from the project to operations.
How Does Hand Over Products Work?
The handover process involves several key steps:
1. Verify Product Completion - Ensure all products have been completed according to their Product Descriptions and have passed quality checks.
2. Obtain Customer Acceptance - Secure formal sign-off from the customer confirming products meet the agreed acceptance criteria.
3. Transfer Documentation - Provide all necessary documentation including user guides, maintenance procedures, and support information.
4. Train End Users - Ensure appropriate training has been delivered to those who will use or support the products.
5. Update Configuration Records - Ensure configuration management records are updated and handed over.
6. Archive Project Records - Store project documentation appropriately for future reference.
Key Considerations During Handover
- Products may be handed over in stages throughout the project, not just at the end - Outstanding items or known issues should be documented and communicated - Support arrangements must be in place before handover occurs - The Project Board must be satisfied that handover is complete
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Hand Over Products
Tip 1: Remember the Timing - Handover occurs during the Closing a Project process, but partial handovers can occur at stage boundaries or during the project when products are ready.
Tip 2: Focus on Acceptance - Questions often test whether you understand that customer acceptance is a critical part of handover. Products are not truly handed over until accepted.
Tip 3: Link to Benefits - Understand that handover enables benefits realization. Questions may ask why handover is necessary - connecting it to business value is usually correct.
Tip 4: Know Who is Involved - The Project Manager facilitates handover, but the customer or their representatives formally accept products. The Project Board confirms handover is satisfactory.
Tip 5: Documentation Matters - Remember that handover includes more than just the physical product. Training, documentation, and support arrangements are all part of a complete handover.
Tip 6: Configuration Management Connection - Be aware that handover involves updating and transferring configuration records to those responsible for ongoing product maintenance.
Tip 7: Watch for Premature Closure Traps - Exam questions may present scenarios where someone wants to close the project before proper handover. The correct answer typically emphasizes completing handover first.
Tip 8: Phased Handover Recognition - Some questions test understanding that products can be handed over progressively throughout the project lifecycle, not only at final closure.