CWS-CARES Public Library
Implementation Readiness: Preparing Counties for Go-Live
As CWS-CARES Version 1 (CARES V1) approaches Go-Live, counties across California are progressing through a series of critical readiness activities that ensure staff, processes, and local systems are prepared for the transition. Implementation readiness is a core pillar of the Project’s approach, complementing training, Organizational Change Management (OCM), Business Process Re-Engineering (BPR), and technical onboarding efforts presented in prior issues.
This month, we are highlighting how the Project and county partners are working together to evaluate readiness, identify risks early, and strengthen confidence through structured checkpoints and clearer visibility into the tasks that matter most.
Readiness Checkpoints: Building Transparency and Alignment
The Readiness Checkpoint structure is designed to provide counties, Project teams, and leadership with timely insight into progress and potential risks. Each checkpoint expands on the previous one by incorporating new validation inputs, updated completion percentages, and more refined task-level analysis.
For upcoming checkpoints, the Project plans to:
County readiness is measured through a series of criteria mapped across Training, OCM, Implementation Management, Technical Readiness, and Data Quality Implementation Disciplines. These tasks represent the foundational work that counties must complete to ensure a smooth transition into CARES V1.
Each county reports progress through regular touchpoints with their Implementation Leads. Completion updates flow into the Project’s readiness tracking tools, where they are compiled into dashboards and materials reviewed during formal readiness checkpoints. This structured approach mirrors the Project’s broader emphasis on planning and phased rollouts, as demonstrated in Production Simulation (Prod Sim) activities and stakeholder briefings.
Looking Ahead
As we enter the final stretch before CARES V1 Go-Live, the Project remains committed to providing clear information, timely updates, and strong partnership with counties across the state. Implementation readiness is a shared effort rooted in accuracy, transparency, and ensuring local Organizations have what they need to succeed.
Thank you to all county partners for your continued engagement, insights, and dedication throughout this milestone year. Your feedback continues to shape how we support you on the path to Go-Live.
Originally published in the CWS-CARES Explorer.
This month, we are highlighting how the Project and county partners are working together to evaluate readiness, identify risks early, and strengthen confidence through structured checkpoints and clearer visibility into the tasks that matter most.
Readiness Checkpoints: Building Transparency and Alignment
The Readiness Checkpoint structure is designed to provide counties, Project teams, and leadership with timely insight into progress and potential risks. Each checkpoint expands on the previous one by incorporating new validation inputs, updated completion percentages, and more refined task-level analysis.
For upcoming checkpoints, the Project plans to:
- Increase visibility into individual critical path tasks and dependencies
- Highlight key areas where counties may need additional support
- Capture county-reported context that explains whether progress reflects true readiness or is influenced by external constraints
- Strengthen the objectivity and accuracy of readiness narratives shared across the state
County readiness is measured through a series of criteria mapped across Training, OCM, Implementation Management, Technical Readiness, and Data Quality Implementation Disciplines. These tasks represent the foundational work that counties must complete to ensure a smooth transition into CARES V1.
Each county reports progress through regular touchpoints with their Implementation Leads. Completion updates flow into the Project’s readiness tracking tools, where they are compiled into dashboards and materials reviewed during formal readiness checkpoints. This structured approach mirrors the Project’s broader emphasis on planning and phased rollouts, as demonstrated in Production Simulation (Prod Sim) activities and stakeholder briefings.
Looking Ahead
As we enter the final stretch before CARES V1 Go-Live, the Project remains committed to providing clear information, timely updates, and strong partnership with counties across the state. Implementation readiness is a shared effort rooted in accuracy, transparency, and ensuring local Organizations have what they need to succeed.
Thank you to all county partners for your continued engagement, insights, and dedication throughout this milestone year. Your feedback continues to shape how we support you on the path to Go-Live.
Originally published in the CWS-CARES Explorer.