Phase 0 is the structured programme/project preparation that finishes before the software implementation formally kicks off. It spans every decision and activity needed to arrive at a signed-off scope, funding, vendor, implementation partner and mobilisation plan, so that the very first configuration workshop can start without delay or re-work.

Many HR technology failures stem from poor decisions or skipped steps during Phase 0. With 42% of HR tech implementations failing after two years, the seeds of failure are sown when organisations rush through Phase 0 under vendor, systems integrator (and often senior stakeholder) pressure to start implementation quickly.

Phase 0 encompasses five critical stages: understanding what you want through design thinking, selection preparation, vendor selection, implementation partner selection, and implementation readiness. Getting Phase 0 right transforms early steps from a rush to get the latest shiny tech into value engineering, to establish the foundations of a transformational HR tech programme.

TL;DR

Phase 0 is where HR tech success or failure is determined - before implementation begins. It's the comprehensive pre-implementation methodology that prevents expensive disasters by ensuring the right problem, right vendor, and right implementation partner are selected before consultants start configuring software.

What Is Phase 0?

Everyone blames the implementation team when HR tech fails. They're usually wrong. Most failures happen before implementation even starts - during the critical Phase 0 stage where organisations make decisions about scope, vendor selection, and implementation planning without proper methodology.

Phase 0 is the definitive framework for HR technology project preparation. Developed from 30+ years of industry experience across vendor, consultant, and client perspectives, it addresses the fundamental truth that the wrong problem, bad vendor choice, and botched implementation planning are difficult and often expensive to fix once implementation begins.

Why Phase 0 is Critical: The Failure Statistics

42% of HR tech implementations fail or aren't fully successful after 2 years (Josh Bersin)

Yet organisations continue making the same mistakes:

  • 84% of recent HR projects were unsuccessful (UNLEASH study)
  • Only 42% of SaaS licences are actively used (Productiv)
  • 36% of buyers likely to switch vendors at contract renewal (PwC)

The cost? Billions wasted annually on failed HR technology projects.

The Phase 0 Methodology

The SelectionWise methodology guides organisations through the often complex and interrelated steps needed to ensure HR technology project success. Rather than rushing into vendor demos and implementation, it provides a structured approach to understanding your real problems, evaluating solutions objectively, and preparing thoroughly for implementation.

The methodology breaks down into five essential stages, each with specific activities, decision points, and outputs that build upon each other. From initial problem definition through to implementation readiness, every step is designed to prevent the common pitfalls that cause 42% of HR tech projects to fail.

View the SelectionWise 5-Stage Methodology

Phase 0 vs. Traditional Approaches

Traditional Vendor Selection:

  • Rush through requirements gathering
  • Focus on vendor demos and feature lists
  • Make emotional decisions based on sales presentations
  • Start implementation while still organising

Phase 0 Methodology:

  • Comprehensive user driven design approach
  • Evidence-based evaluation beyond demonstrations
  • Value engineering focused on business outcomes
  • Implementation starts only when fully prepared

The Vendor and SI Incentive Problem

Vendors and systems integrators have strong incentives to rush through Phase 0. Their revenue comes from software subscriptions and implementation services - not from helping you make better decisions. They encourage quick vendor selection and immediate implementation start because:

This is why getting independent, expert guidance during Phase 0 is crucial for project success.

Implementation Readiness: The Final Phase 0 Component

Don't let the subscription clock tick while you're still getting ready. Critical readiness activities include: