Platform migrations can be one of the highest stress points within business transformation - whether implementing an HR and Payroll system, migrating a funds platform, implementing a replacement finance system or ERP. In all cases clarity of purpose and good governance is required. We have been called in to several major programmes which have stalled due to a failure of one or both of these key elements, requiring a reassessment of priorities and compromises being made. Key lessons can be learned from this experience to mitigate future risks.