A representative group is selected
A range of roles, devices and connectivity conditions is represented in the pilot. Acceptance criteria, support responsibilities and issue-reporting channels are defined before it begins.
Normal and exceptional scenarios are tested
Invalid codes, unsolicited requests, replacement phones and unavailable factors are evaluated alongside successful sign-ins. Recovery is assessed under the expected verification policy so that access is not restored through an uncontrolled path.
Findings are incorporated into the rollout plan
Observed failures, unclear guidance and support requirements are recorded. After corrections are made, subsequent groups are scheduled for phased activation. The sign-in experience continues to be reviewed after rollout.
How are acceptance criteria defined?
In a proposed pilot, office sign-in, remote access and administrator access are tested separately. Completion time, unsuccessful attempts and support requests are recorded for each scenario. A successful sign-in alone is insufficient: failure causes, recovery and guidance are also evaluated. Acceptance thresholds are defined according to application sensitivity and support capacity rather than a universal target.
Expansion or pause of rollout
An approval owner and pause conditions are defined before expansion. A group unable to enroll because of device restrictions is held back until the issue is resolved. Policy changes and affected accounts are documented for controlled rollback; blanket MFA removal is not treated as a routine remedy. Failed scenarios are repeated after correction and the outcome is added to the pilot report.
Reference and scope
This planning guide is applied in accordance with organizational policy and documented system capabilities.
NIST SP 800-63B-4 — Authentication and Authenticator Management