Implementation Waves
Organize associations into phased rollouts for controlled, manageable onboarding
Overview
Implementation waves allow you to organize associations into groups for phased rollouts. This enables you to:
- Control the pace of onboarding by migrating associations in manageable batches
- Learn and improve by incorporating lessons from earlier waves into later ones
- Allocate resources effectively by planning implementation schedules
- Track progress across multiple waves simultaneously
What is an Implementation Wave?
An implementation wave is a named group of associations that will be onboarded together during a specific time period. Each wave has:
- Name - A descriptive label (e.g., "Wave 1 - Pilot", "Q1 2025 Rollout")
- Description - Additional context about the wave's purpose or scope
- Go-Live Date - The target date for cutover to TownSq
- Status - Current phase: Planned, In Progress, Completed, Failed, or Rolled Back
- Associations - The set of communities assigned to this wave
Creating Implementation Waves
From the Dashboard
- Navigate to Implementation Waves in the main navigation
- Click Create Wave
- Enter wave details:
- Name: Choose a clear, descriptive name
- Description (optional): Add context about wave scope or goals
- Go-Live Date (optional): Set target cutover date
- Status: Typically starts as "Planned"
- Click Save
Best Practices for Wave Planning
Start Small
- Begin with a pilot wave of a manageable number of associations to validate your process
- Choose associations with varying complexity to test edge cases
Group Strategically
- Consider geographic proximity for easier coordination
- Group associations with similar operational models
- Balance wave sizes to avoid overwhelming your team
Plan Buffer Time
- Allow time between waves for issue resolution
- Schedule waves to avoid conflicts with peak operational periods
Set Realistic Go-Live Dates
- Account for data preparation, testing, and validation time
- Include buffer time for unexpected delays
- Coordinate with association managers and key stakeholders
Assigning Associations to Waves
Individual Assignment
From an association detail page:
- Locate the Wave Assignment section
- Select a wave from the dropdown
- Click Save
Bulk Assignment
To assign multiple associations at once:
- Go to Portfolio Management (Associations page)
- Select associations using checkboxes
- Click Actions → Assign to Wave
- Choose the target wave
- Click Confirm
Viewing Wave Assignments
On the wave detail page, you can:
- See all associations assigned to the wave
- View association count
- Filter and search within the wave
- Export the association list
Wave Statuses Explained
Planned
- Wave has been created but work hasn't started
- Associations are being identified and assigned
- Data collection may be in progress
In Progress
- Active onboarding work is underway
- Data is being prepared, validated, and migrated
- Operational setup is being configured
Completed
- All associations have been successfully onboarded
- Cutover to TownSq is complete
- Post-migration validation is finished
Failed
- Critical issues prevented successful completion
- May require remediation before retry
- Used for tracking and process improvement
Rolled Back
- Wave was completed but subsequently reversed
- Rare occurrence, typically due to critical data issues
- Associations returned to previous system
Managing Wave Progress
Wave Detail Page
The wave detail page provides:
- Summary statistics - Total associations, completion percentage
- Association list - All communities in this wave with status indicators
- Timeline view - Key dates and milestones
- Operational setup status - How many associations have completed configuration
Tracking Readiness
For each association in a wave, track:
- Data availability - Are all required fields mapped and available?
- Operational setup - Is banking, billing, insurance configured?
- Validation status - Have data quality checks passed?
Wave Workflows
Typical Wave Lifecycle
-
Planning Phase
- Create wave with target go-live date
- Identify candidate associations
- Assess data readiness
-
Preparation Phase
- Assign associations to wave
- Collect source data
- Map fields and document availability
- Configure operational settings
-
Validation Phase
- Run data quality checks
- Verify operational setup completeness
- Conduct stakeholder reviews
-
Migration Phase
- Execute data migration
- Perform cutover activities
- Update wave status to "In Progress"
-
Completion Phase
- Validate migrated data
- Confirm operational systems are functioning
- Mark wave as "Completed"
-
Post-Migration
- Monitor for issues
- Document lessons learned
- Apply improvements to next wave
Tips for Success
Communication is Key
- Notify association managers well in advance of their wave
- Set clear expectations about timeline and requirements
- Provide regular status updates
Document Everything
- Use field mapping notes to track data availability decisions
- Record operational setup configurations
- Maintain a change log for process improvements
Learn and Adapt
- Review each wave's outcomes before starting the next
- Adjust your approach based on what you learn
- Share knowledge across your team
Monitor Closely
- Track progress daily during active waves
- Address blockers immediately
- Celebrate milestones with your team
Related Resources
- Portfolio Management - Managing your association data
- Field Mapping Notes - Documenting data availability
- Operational Setup - Configuring association settings