Hand Over Products is a critical activity within the Closing a Project Process in PRINCE2 7 that ensures all project deliverables are formally transferred to the appropriate operational or maintenance environments and customer organizations. This activity confirms that the intended recipients are r…Hand Over Products is a critical activity within the Closing a Project Process in PRINCE2 7 that ensures all project deliverables are formally transferred to the appropriate operational or maintenance environments and customer organizations. This activity confirms that the intended recipients are ready and able to accept responsibility for the products created during the project.
The purpose of handing over products is to verify that all acceptance criteria have been met and that the customer acknowledges receipt of the deliverables in a satisfactory state. This includes ensuring that all required documentation, training materials, user guides, and support arrangements are in place before the transfer occurs.
Key aspects of Hand Over Products include confirming that operational and maintenance arrangements have been established, ensuring that support agreements are active, and verifying that staff who will use or maintain the products have received adequate training. The Project Manager must obtain formal sign-off from the customer or users to confirm their acceptance of the products.
During this activity, any outstanding items or known defects should be documented and agreed upon with the receiving parties. A list of follow-on action recommendations may be created to address minor issues that do not prevent acceptance but require future attention.
The Project Manager works closely with Team Managers and the customer to coordinate the handover timing and logistics. This ensures minimal disruption to business operations while facilitating a smooth transition from project delivery to operational use.
Successful completion of Hand Over Products demonstrates that the project has delivered its intended outputs and that these outputs are now integrated into the business environment. This activity provides evidence that the project has fulfilled its obligations regarding deliverable transfer, which supports the overall closure decision made by the Project Board when authorizing project closure.
Hand Over Products in PRINCE2 7 - Complete Guide
Introduction
Hand Over Products is a critical activity within the Closing a Project process in PRINCE2 7. This guide will help you understand its importance, mechanics, and how to approach exam questions on this topic.
What is Hand Over Products?
Hand Over Products refers to the formal transfer of the project's outputs (products) from the project team to the customer or operational environment. This activity ensures that the products created during the project are properly accepted and that the receiving party takes responsibility for their ongoing use, maintenance, and support.
The handover can occur in stages throughout the project (phased handover) or as a single event at the end of the project. The approach depends on the nature of the products and the needs of the customer.
Why is Hand Over Products Important?
1. Ensures Formal Acceptance The handover process confirms that the customer has formally accepted the products and acknowledges they meet the agreed specifications and quality criteria.
2. Transfers Ownership and Responsibility Clear handover ensures that operational teams understand their responsibilities for maintaining and supporting the products going forward.
3. Enables Benefits Realization Products can only deliver their intended benefits once they are in use. Proper handover facilitates the transition to operational use where benefits can be realized.
4. Reduces Risk Formal handover documentation protects both the project team and the receiving organization by clearly defining what was delivered and when responsibility transferred.
5. Supports Project Closure The project cannot be properly closed until products have been handed over and accepted.
How Does Hand Over Products Work?
Key Activities:
• Verify Product Completion - Confirm all products meet their quality criteria and have been approved
• Prepare Handover Documentation - Compile user manuals, training materials, support documentation, and maintenance schedules
• Conduct Training - Ensure operational staff are trained to use and maintain the products
• Obtain Formal Acceptance - Get sign-off from the customer confirming acceptance of the products
• Transfer Support Arrangements - Ensure support mechanisms are in place and operational teams understand how to access them
• Update Configuration Records - Ensure the final state of products is recorded accurately
Inputs to Hand Over Products: • Project Product Description • Product Status Account • Completed and approved products • Quality Register entries confirming product acceptance
Outputs from Hand Over Products: • Acceptance records • Updated configuration records • Handover documentation
Roles and Responsibilities
Project Manager: Coordinates the handover activities and ensures all products are transferred with appropriate documentation
Senior User: Confirms acceptance of products on behalf of those who will use or benefit from them
Project Board: Authorizes project closure once satisfied that products have been handed over appropriately
Team Manager: Ensures specialist products include necessary operational documentation
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Hand Over Products
Tip 1: Focus on Formal Acceptance Remember that handover is not just about physical transfer - it requires formal acceptance and sign-off. Look for answer options that emphasize documentation and confirmation.
Tip 2: Connect to Senior User Role The Senior User typically plays a key role in accepting products. If questions ask about who should accept handover, consider this role first.
Tip 3: Understand Phased vs. Final Handover PRINCE2 allows for products to be handed over during the project, not just at the end. Questions may test your understanding of when phased handover is appropriate.
Tip 4: Link to Quality Theme Products should only be handed over after quality criteria have been met. Questions may combine handover concepts with quality management principles.
Tip 5: Remember the Documentation Handover includes supporting materials such as user guides, training, and maintenance information. Questions may ask what should accompany product handover.
Tip 6: Consider Benefits Management Products are handed over to enable benefits realization. In scenario questions, think about how handover supports the transition to benefits being achieved.
Tip 7: Watch for Timing Questions Handover occurs during Closing a Project, but preparation begins earlier. Be aware of when handover planning should start versus when actual transfer occurs.
Common Exam Scenarios
• Identifying when products are ready for handover • Determining who should accept products • Recognizing what documentation should accompany handover • Understanding the relationship between handover and project closure authorization • Deciding whether phased handover is appropriate in a given scenario