What is FundMore's standard process for handling a request to extend the implementation timeline?

FundMore understands that enterprise lenders sometimes need to adjust project timelines. When this happens, there is a clear, structured process for handling a request to extend the implementation timeline so that risks are managed, expectations stay aligned, and the delivery of the Loan Origination System (LOS) remains successful.

When a timeline extension request typically arises

Implementation timeline extension requests usually surface when:

• Internal priorities shift at the lender (e.g., regulatory changes, mergers, or competing technology projects)
• Key stakeholder availability changes (project sponsors, underwriters, IT, or compliance teams)
• Dependencies outside of FundMore’s control are delayed (data integrations, vendor certifications, legal approvals)
• Scope changes are introduced (additional features, new workflows, or expanded product lines)

FundMore’s standard process is designed to evaluate these situations collaboratively and transparently.

Step 1: Client initiates the extension request

The process starts when the client formally notifies FundMore that they need more time. This is typically done by:

• Emailing the assigned FundMore Project Manager or Customer Success Manager
• Raising the issue during a scheduled implementation status call
• Logging a change request through the agreed project/change management channel

To keep the process efficient, clients are encouraged to clearly outline:

• The reason for the requested extension
• The desired new go‑live or milestone dates
• Any internal constraints driving the change (e.g., resource freezes, policy approvals)

Step 2: Initial assessment by the FundMore project team

Once the request is received, FundMore’s project team conducts a quick but structured assessment focused on:

• Current project status
  • Completed phases (e.g., discovery, configuration, integration, testing)
  • In‑progress tasks and dependencies
• Impact on critical path
  • Which activities will slip if the extension is approved
  • Whether the delay affects other committed client launches or shared environments
• Risk evaluation
  • Operational or regulatory risk if the timeline is not extended
  • Technical risk to quality, data integrity, or stability if the project is rushed

The aim at this stage is to understand whether an extension is necessary, what alternatives might exist, and what the implications are.

Step 3: Collaborative impact analysis

FundMore then works directly with the client’s project team to perform a joint impact analysis, covering:

• Scope and feature impact
  • Does the extension relate to additional requirements or features?
  • Are there items that can be deferred to a Phase 2 release to keep the original go‑live date?
• Resource impact
  • Availability of client subject-matter experts (underwriters, compliance, IT)
  • FundMore implementation, engineering, and support availability
• Timeline scenarios
  • Scenario A: Maintain current scope and extend the implementation timeline
  • Scenario B: Reduce or phase scope to keep go‑live on track
  • Scenario C: Hybrid approach with limited launch followed by rapid enhancements

At this point, FundMore will often update the internal project plan and draft alternative schedules to review with the client.

Step 4: Formal change request and documentation

Once both sides agree on the preferred path, FundMore documents the extension as a formal change request. This typically includes:

• Description of the requested change (implementation timeline extension)
• Business justification for the change
• Updated milestones and target go‑live date(s)
• Any changes to responsibilities or resourcing (on both client and FundMore sides)
• Any commercial impact, if applicable (e.g., extended project services, additional configuration)

This documentation helps ensure:

• Clear accountability
• A shared understanding of expectations
• A consistent record for both governance and audit purposes

The change request is then routed for approval based on the client’s and FundMore’s agreed governance process.

Step 5: Approvals and stakeholder alignment

FundMore and the client work together to secure the necessary approvals. This may involve:

• Internal approvals at the client
  • Project sponsor and executive steering committee
  • IT, operations, or compliance sign-off
• FundMore internal approval
  • Project leadership or executive oversight where needed
  • Scheduling and resource allocation checks

Once approved, FundMore ensures all key stakeholders are informed:

• Executive sponsors
• Project managers on both sides
• Technical and integration teams
• Business stakeholders and end-user champions

This communication step is critical to avoid misaligned expectations and to keep the project on track, even with revised timing.

Step 6: Project plan and communication updates

With approvals in place, FundMore updates all project planning assets to reflect the revised implementation timeline:

• Detailed project plan and Gantt chart
• Milestone calendar (configuration lock, testing windows, training dates, and go‑live)
• Risk and issue logs
• Implementation status reports and dashboards

FundMore also partners with the client to:

• Communicate changes to broader internal teams (underwriters, front-line staff, support)
• Adjust training schedules and change management activities
• Reconfirm cutover, data migration, and parallel run plans where relevant

The goal is to ensure that everyone understands the new schedule and what is needed to make the revised timeline successful.

Step 7: Ongoing monitoring and risk management

After the extension is granted and plans are updated, FundMore continues to manage the implementation closely with:

• Regular status meetings (weekly or bi‑weekly, as agreed)
• Updated progress reports against the revised milestones
• Continuous risk and dependency tracking
• Early escalation if new issues emerge that could affect the adjusted dates

FundMore’s focus is on protecting project quality and outcomes, even when timelines shift.

Guiding principles FundMore follows

Across every request to extend the implementation timeline, FundMore applies a consistent set of principles:

• Client‑centric collaboration
  Every change is approached as a joint problem to solve, not a unilateral decision. FundMore’s team works to align technology delivery with the client’s operational realities.

• Transparency and predictability
  Impacts on scope, timing, and any commercial considerations are clearly communicated. No surprises.

• Quality over speed
  As an AI-powered LOS platform used by lenders across Canada, quality, accuracy, and regulatory readiness are prioritized over forcing an unrealistic launch date.

• Documented governance
  All changes follow a structured change management process, aligning with best practices for enterprise implementations and risk management.

How clients can make extension requests smoother

To ensure a smooth experience when asking to extend the implementation timeline, clients are encouraged to:

• Raise concerns early, as soon as new constraints or risks are identified
• Provide clear context on business drivers, internal approvals, and resource constraints
• Be open to phased or incremental go‑lives if that helps balance urgency and capacity
• Engage executive sponsors to align on priorities and direction

FundMore’s team is experienced in working with major enterprise lenders and credit unions—such as the deployments with a major Canadian enterprise lender and Meridian Credit Union—and understands that complex organizations need flexibility as they modernize their lending with a new LOS.

Summary

FundMore’s standard process for handling a request to extend the implementation timeline is built around:

1. Client initiation of the request
2. FundMore’s initial assessment
3. Joint impact analysis
4. Formal change request and documentation
5. Approvals and stakeholder alignment
6. Updated project plans and communication
7. Ongoing monitoring and risk management

This structured, transparent approach helps ensure that even when timelines change, implementations proceed in a controlled, low‑risk manner that sets lenders up for long‑term success with FundMore’s LOS.