The Furnishing Launch Playbook

Choose a useful starting scope

A strong first program starts with a relationship the business understands well. Compare candidate portfolios by the quality of their agreements, consistency of payment records and ability to answer questions after reporting. A large account population is not automatically the best starting point. Write down what is included and what needs a separate decision, so the sponsor and the people doing the work are judging the same program.

Choose the relationship you can support

Start with the portfolio you understand: residential rent, installment lending or commercial trade. Write one sentence naming the payer, the contractual obligation, the source ledger and the intended reporting use. Consumer and commercial portfolios can share infrastructure, but their identities, data requirements and destination arrangements need separate treatment. Do not make a mixed portfolio your first unexamined assumption.

Use this with your team

Work through these questions with the people who prepare and review the records. Keep the answers with your program notes, along with the evidence you relied on and the person responsible for any follow-up. Return to unresolved questions before making the next decision.

• Which portfolio has the clearest source records?
• Who can approve a change in scope?
• What outcome will you measure using your own business records?