100-Day IT Integration Playbook
A week-by-week action plan for securing, stabilizing, and transforming the technology stack after acquiring an SMB. Built from real post-close engagements across dozens of acquisitions.
100 Days
Full integration timeline
30+ Actions
Specific tasks with owners
$28,000-$98,500
Estimated total investment
Why the First 14 Days Matter Most
Phase 1: Secure & Stabilize
Days 1-14
Day 1: Security Lockdown
- Change all admin passwords (domain, firewall, cloud accounts)
- Disable terminated employee accounts
- Verify backup systems are running and test a restore
- Document who has physical keys, alarm codes, and server room access
- Confirm cyber insurance policy is active and covers new ownership
Risk if skipped: Disgruntled ex-employees retain access. Ransomware hits an unpatched system before you even start.
Days 2-7: Discovery & Documentation
- Complete hardware inventory (servers, workstations, switches, firewalls, printers)
- Map network topology and internet connections
- Inventory all software licenses and verify transfer rights
- Document all vendor relationships and contract renewal dates
- Identify any shadow IT (personal devices, unauthorized cloud apps)
Risk if skipped: You can't protect what you don't know exists. Undocumented systems are the #1 source of post-close surprises.
Days 8-14: Critical Security Deployments
- Deploy EDR/MDR on all endpoints (replace consumer antivirus)
- Enable MFA on all admin and cloud accounts
- Configure email threat protection (anti-phishing, DMARC)
- Review and update firewall rules
- Set up security monitoring and alerting
Risk if skipped: The average time-to-breach is 16 hours after initial compromise. Every day without EDR is a gamble.
Phase 2: Optimize & Train
Days 15-60
Days 15-21: User Onboarding & Access
- Set up new owner/management accounts with proper permissions
- Implement role-based access control (RBAC)
- Configure single sign-on (SSO) where possible
- Standardize password policy across the organization
- Create IT onboarding/offboarding checklists for future hires
Risk if skipped: Over-provisioned accounts are the top identity threat. Principle of least privilege prevents lateral movement.
Days 22-35: Infrastructure Optimization
- Replace end-of-life hardware (servers older than 5 years, PCs older than 4)
- Migrate from on-prem email to Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace if needed
- Implement proper backup strategy (3-2-1 rule: 3 copies, 2 media types, 1 offsite)
- Address technical debt: outdated operating systems, unsupported software
- Optimize network performance (bandwidth, Wi-Fi coverage, VPN)
Risk if skipped: Every month of delay increases remediation cost by 15-25% as hardware ages and vulnerabilities compound.
Days 36-60: Training & Process
- Launch security awareness training for all employees
- Conduct first phishing simulation (establish baseline click rate)
- Create IT policies: acceptable use, data handling, incident response
- Document standard operating procedures for common IT tasks
- Set up help desk / ticketing system for IT support requests
Risk if skipped: 82% of breaches involve the human element (Verizon DBIR 2024). Training is the highest-ROI security investment.
Phase 3: Transform & Scale
Days 61-100
Days 61-75: Strategic Technology
- Evaluate ERP/LOB applications for scalability and integration
- Assess cloud migration opportunities (cost vs. on-prem)
- Implement business continuity / disaster recovery plan
- Set up compliance framework if required (HIPAA, PCI, CMMC)
- Review and renegotiate vendor contracts with new ownership leverage
Risk if skipped: Technology that worked for a lifestyle business may collapse under growth. Scalability gaps cap your exit multiple.
Days 76-90: Automation & Efficiency
- Identify manual processes that can be automated
- Implement monitoring dashboards for key business systems
- Set up automated patching for servers and workstations
- Create reporting on IT health metrics (uptime, ticket volume, security events)
- Evaluate AI/automation opportunities for operational efficiency
Risk if skipped: Manual processes don't scale. Automation in Year 1 creates compound efficiency gains through your hold period.
Days 91-100: Review & Roadmap
- Conduct 100-day IT assessment: compare current state vs. Day 1
- Calculate total IT investment and ROI to date
- Present findings and 12-month technology roadmap to stakeholders
- Set up quarterly technology review cadence
- Plan Year 1 budget for ongoing managed IT services
Risk if skipped: Without a roadmap, IT reverts to reactive break-fix. Proactive management costs 40% less than emergency response.
Total First-Year IT Investment Summary
| Phase | Timeline | Est. Range |
|---|---|---|
| Secure & Stabilize | Days 1-14 | $6,000-$18,500 |
| Optimize & Train | Days 15-60 | $13,000-$48,000 |
| Transform & Scale | Days 61-100 | $9,000-$32,000 |
| Total | 100 Days | $28,000-$98,500 |
Costs vary based on company size, existing infrastructure, and industry compliance requirements. These ranges reflect typical SMB acquisitions ($1M-$10M revenue).
Need Help Executing This Playbook?
PDC manages the full 100-day IT integration for SMB acquirers. From Day 1 security lockdown through Year 1 roadmap, we handle the technology so you can focus on running the business.
Based in High Point, NC - Serving SMB Acquirers Nationwide
Related Resources
QoT Due Diligence Checklist
Pre-close technology assessment organized by the 5 QoT pillars.
Technology DD Cost Estimator
Estimate first-year remediation costs by category with low/mid/high ranges.