Post-close success depends less on strategy and more on disciplined execution. Effective post-close IT integration execution ensures that Day One stability, synergy capture, and value-creation initiatives stay on track beyond the first 100 days.
1. Introduction – Why the First 100 Days Matter
- The first 100 days set the tone for execution, credibility, and momentum
- IT is integral to almost every value-creation initiative
- Without a structured plan, it is easy to drift into reactive mode
- At DealTech Advisors, we use a phased outcome-driven IT playbook
2. Guiding Principles of a Strong 100-Day IT Playbook
- Focus on stability first, then optimization
- Align IT goals with the investment thesis
- Bias toward action and measurable outcomes
- Look beyond survival and build for scale
- Establish ownership and accountability early
3. Days 0–30: Stabilize and Gain Control
Primary Objectives:
- Business continuity
- Visibility into the environment
- Risk reduction. See also Technology Risks in Private Equity Acquisitions
High-level areas:
- Confirm Day One IT readiness
- Secure access and identities
- Validate infrastructure and applications
- Baseline cybersecurity posture
- Build complete hardware/software inventory
- Establish governance and decision rights
4. Days 31–60: Optimize and Align
Primary Objectives:
- Improve efficiency
- Reduce friction
- Align technology with business priorities
High-level areas:
- Address critical technical debt
- Rationalize applications and vendors
- Improve support model
- Standardize processes
- Define target-state architecture
- Build integration and modernization roadmap
5. Days 61–100: Enable Growth and Value Creation
Primary Objectives:
- Scale operations
- Enable data-driven decision-making
- Position for future add-ons or exit
High-level areas:
- Implement priority modernization initiatives
- Strengthen cybersecurity maturity
- Improve data quality and reporting
- Enable automation where ROI is clear
- Prepare for add-on integration readiness
6. Metrics That Matter in the First 100 Days
- System uptime
- Security findings closed
- Reduction in manual processes
- Application rationalization count
- IT cost visibility
- User satisfaction / ticket trends
7. Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Trying to modernize everything at once
- Ignoring security
- Underestimating technical debt
- Lack of ownership
- No clear roadmap
8. How DealTech Advisors Supports the 100-Day Journey
- IT Due Diligence → Day One readiness → integration → value creation
- Playbooks, templates, and execution support
- Acting as an extension of the deal and operating team
9. Closing Thought
- The first 100 days are about creating control and momentum
- Structured IT execution accelerates value creation
- Firms that plan early outperform those that react