Handing-Off

Handing off the control plan is a very important step in the process. You need to turn the plan over to the process owners and sponsors in a manner that helps them to own the output.

The reason for a hand-off could be

• completion of the project, in which case the plan would be handed over to the process owner
• personnel changes, in which case you need to make sure that the new process owner is properly brought up to speed

Hand-off requirements include the following:

• Integrating the control plan – You should connect the plan to existing documentation sets, such as your ISO records. You could also make it part of a periodic review process, which should occur at least annually. These reviews should ensure that the control plans are still in play, that they’re valid, and that they are being followed as intended.
• Securing understanding and agreement – This includes ensuring agreement regarding what was done and how it will be maintained.
• Establishing a documentation process – This is done to keep the control plan robust and relevant.
• Updating work instructions – This applies to instructions for everybody who was affected by the control plan. Make it a part of standard visual work and standard operating procedures. Error-proofing measures and all of those things are critical to making the control plan and the results you can generate from it as long-lasting as possible.