Which stage of the automation implementation should access requirements be clearly defined and communicated?

Access requirements should be clearly defined and communicated during theKickoff,Business Case and Technical Validation, andSolution Designstages of the automation implementation. Each of these stages plays a unique role in ensuring that the correct technical access is available to avoid delays and roadblocks in development and testing.

In theKickoffstage, the Implementation and Client Teams initiate discussions around what environments and applications will be used and the potential access needed.

During theBusiness Case and Technical Validationstage, thesolution architectidentifies the specific access requirements for applications, systems, and tools that the automation will interact with, as well as access toStudioandOrchestratorfor developers and robots.

In theSolution Designstage, access requirements are revisited in detail to finalize the technical design and ensure that developers and infrastructure teams have what they need to begin work.

Failure to define access early can lead to project delays, extended UAT timelines, or failed deployments. Therefore, proactive communication and planning around access are essential components of successful automation delivery.