The five stages
| Stage | What happens | You sign off |
|---|---|---|
| D1 · Discover | Walkthroughs with process owners, transaction sampling, systems and data review (DMAIC Define and Measure) | Current-state maps, issue and control-gap log |
| D2 · Design | Root-cause analysis, future-state processes, FMEA-ranked controls and approval limits, fit-gap against Zoho, automation roadmap (DMAIC Analyse and Improve) | Future-state maps, fit-gap, solution outline |
| D3 · Document | SOPs, RACI charts, delegation of authority matrix | SOP pack, RACI, DoA |
| D4 · Deploy | Configuration, migration, workflows, integrations, user acceptance testing | Test results, migration reconciliation, go-live checklist |
| D5 · Drive | Training, hypercare, first month-end close, adoption review and process measures (DMAIC Control) | Adoption review and handover |
Built on Lean Six Sigma
The 5D stages follow the logic of DMAIC, the Lean Six Sigma improvement cycle, and we use FMEA to rank process risks before deciding where controls go. The difference is that 5D carries on into documentation and a live Zoho system, instead of stopping at recommendations.
Why process comes first
Most failed ERP projects configure the software around today’s workarounds, then blame the software. By the time we open Zoho, every step, owner, approval limit and report has already been agreed, so configuration is faster and there are fewer change requests after go-live.
A typical 90-day first phase
For a Zoho One or Zoho ERP rollout, the first phase usually runs about 12 weeks:
| Weeks | Focus | 5D stages |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 | Map and diagnose: RACI gaps, highest-risk handoffs ranked with FMEA, current-state processes | Discover |
| 4–6 | Design and configure: redesign the priority processes with DMAIC, then build the technology around the new handoffs | Design, Document, start of Deploy |
| 7–10 | Test, train and migrate: role-based training, parallel run, validation, go-live | Deploy |
| 11–12 | Stabilise and control: confirm the improvements hold, hand over with periodic process reviews | Drive |
Groups with more than one entity follow the same logic, plus a standardised chart of accounts, defined intercompany handoffs and consolidated reporting.
Governance
Every engagement has a weekly check-in, a shared plan and issue log, and a steering review at the end of each stage.
Frequently asked questions
Can we skip stages?
Who needs to be involved from our side?
How do you price a 5D engagement?
General information only, not legal, tax or software licensing advice. Zoho features, editions and prices change, so confirm the current position with Zoho or with our team before you commit. See our disclaimer.
