Application Packaging Workflow
If you've ever been involved in an IT divestiture, migration, or acquisition, chances are high you've encountered the need to package (or re-package) company applications. This process ensures that software is standardized, secure, and ready to deploy across your user base. However, if not managed properly, application packaging can quickly become a major bottleneck in an otherwise well-planned project.
💡 Already experienced with application packaging? Skip to the bottom section titled "Workflow Pre-Requisites" for practical implementation steps and the visual guide.
Purpose and Audience
This document is a roadmap for application packagers and project managers involved in enterprise-level software deployment initiatives. Too often, time is lost due to missing structure or inconsistencies in how packages are handled. This guide and the accompanying workflow are intended to:
It’s designed for both newcomers and seasoned IT professionals who want to be prepared for packaging efforts in large-scale events.
Author Background
With over 25 years in IT consulting—often assisting companies through acquisitions, migrations, and divestitures—I’ve learned firsthand how vital it is to keep application packaging efforts on track. While I’m not an application packager myself, I created this workflow during a past project while backfilling a role to help move things forward.
This guide exists to help you do the same.
What Is Application Packaging?
In today’s Zero Trust environments, companies commonly lock down which applications are allowed within their infrastructure. To enforce this securely and efficiently, applications must be "packaged".
Application packaging refers to the process of creating a standardized, deployable bundle of all necessary files, configurations, and dependencies required to install and run an application across systems in a consistent way.
Packaging Can Include:
Benefits of Application Packaging:
BENEFIT DESCRIPTION
Standardization -> Ensures consistent installation across all systems
Simplified Deployment -> Reduces manual intervention during software rollouts
Security Compliance ->Prevents unauthorized or outdated applications from being installed
Scalability -> Easily deploy software to hundreds or thousands of systems
Reduced Overhead -> Less troubleshooting, less end-user disruption
Real-World Example:
An IT team creates a Microsoft Office package with the correct version, licensing, and configuration settings, then deploys it company-wide using SCCM or Intune — avoiding manual installs and ensuring consistency across environments.
Why Problems Happen
When companies face major transitions (acquisitions, mergers, etc.), there's often a mandate to package all software used within the business. This may involve dozens—or even hundreds—of applications, each with:
And the reality is: most organizations don’t have a large internal packaging team. When outsourcing becomes necessary, inconsistent packager skills can further complicate progress. That’s why I created this workflow-driven system — to move packages forward even if someone gets stuck.
Application Packaging Workflow
Attached below is the actual visual Application Packaging Process and Workflow, broken down into functional lanes from intake to completion. It’s designed to answer the question:
“What do I do next if I get stuck?”
Rather than waiting days for clarification or updates, this process outlines exactly where each task or person fits — and how to escalate when needed.
Workflow Pre-Requisites
Before this workflow can operate effectively, a few key foundations must be in place:
1. Packaging Repository
A centralized directory with:
2. Master Software List
A source-of-truth document provided by the company. It should include:
3. Packaging Schedule
This is the project calendar. No application should be scheduled unless all required packaging artifacts are collected. You can’t bake a cake without the ingredients.
4. Packaging Schedule Manager (PM)
A technical project manager who:
5. Clear Escalation Path
Every team member must know:
6. Daily Troubleshooting Calls
These are daily check-ins to:
7. Defined Reporting Process
A clear system for logging:
Final Thoughts
This workflow was built with one purpose:
Keep things moving.
If one packager gets stuck, another can pick up where they left off. If a step fails, there’s an immediate escalation plan. No guessing. No delays.
Let me know if you spot any gaps in the process or workflow diagram (attached below). Your feedback will make it even better for others facing the same challenges.
🧠 Pro Tip Use this as a repeatable template for future migrations or divestitures. Once your environment is standardized, this workflow will continue to pay dividends long after the project ends.
NOTE: Right-click image -> select "Open image in new tab" for an enlarged, readable version.
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