Short answer
A discovery phase is a short, paid engagement at the start of a CRM project to document current processes, requirements, data and integrations, and produce a solution design, roadmap and firm estimate before committing to full implementation.
Discovery Phase explained
Discovery typically includes stakeholder interviews, process mapping, a review of the current system and data, integration inventory, and a prioritized requirements list. The output is a design and plan that reduces risk and makes the implementation estimate reliable. Some firms run a two-phase approach: discovery first, then a separate implementation decision.
Skipping discovery is a leading cause of CRM projects running over budget.
How Vantage Point helps: we run fixed-scope discovery engagements that end in a clear design, roadmap and estimate you own.
Frequently asked questions
Why pay for discovery?
It turns assumptions into a tested plan, so the implementation estimate is accurate and the project starts on solid ground.
Can discovery be credited toward implementation?
That depends on the partner and agreement. Ask how discovery fees are treated if you proceed.