Secure the ability to operate the system
The first task is an access and ownership inventory. Source repositories, hosting, domain registration, DNS, databases, certificates, email services and external accounts may be controlled by different people.
We identify missing access and dependencies before treating a handover as complete. The aim is appropriate business control, not copying credentials into an uncontrolled document or changing everything on the first day.
Understand the running version
A folder of code is not necessarily the version deployed to production. We compare the available source, configuration and database with the live application, then establish how a new release can be built and tested.
Where the original developer can participate, a structured walkthrough can save considerable uncertainty. We focus on undocumented rules, scheduled jobs, known faults and the journeys whose failure would interrupt business.
A useful handover inventory
- Repositories, build requirements and deployment steps.
- Database structure, backups and restore arrangements.
- Third-party components, licences and vendor subscriptions.
- Integrations, scheduled tasks and notification services.
- Access roles, account owners and credential-rotation arrangements.
- Known faults, planned work and operational contacts.
Each important item should have an owner and a status. An incomplete handover can still be managed if its gaps are visible and prioritised.
Stabilise before making ambitious changes
A takeover is a poor moment to combine an untested release with a hosting move and a major redesign unless there is a compelling reason. We first establish a reliable baseline and recovery route.
From there we can distinguish urgent faults, routine support and larger modernisation work. This helps avoid replacing a working application simply because its history is unfamiliar to the new team.
What to arrange with the outgoing supplier
Ask for a planned transfer of code, documentation and business-owned accounts, with time for questions. Intellectual-property and contract questions may need separate professional advice; technical possession alone does not establish ownership rights.
Send the application URL, technology, available access and the deadline for the handover. We can scope the assessment and explain what is known, what remains uncertain and what must happen before support responsibility changes.
The handover should also identify infrequent tasks, such as annual renewals and periodic reports, before responsibility changes.
Common questions
What if the previous developer is unavailable?
Discovery can still be possible, but missing source, access or documentation changes the effort and risk. We identify those constraints before promising continuity.
Should we immediately change hosting?
Not automatically. First understand the application, dependencies and recovery route. A move may be appropriate later or urgent if the current arrangement is failing.
Can you guarantee that nothing is missing?
No. We can document the inventory, verify the available material and identify gaps. Hidden dependencies sometimes appear only in less frequent business processes.