Glossary · Turnkey
What is a turnkey project?
Definition: A turnkey project is one in which the provider delivers a complete, working solution and takes care of all the technical work involved.
In a turnkey software or automation project, a single team is accountable for everything: process analysis, design, development, integration with existing systems, infrastructure, testing, training, go-live and later evolution. The company does not buy separate parts that it then has to assemble, but a working result and one point of contact who answers for it.
The client's role is limited to what only it can contribute: explaining how it works, validating on real cases that the solution does what it needs and starting to use it. It suits companies without an in-house technical team dedicated to this kind of project, or those that would rather their IT department did not carry the development and operation.
It is worth checking that the proposal covers every block of work; if one is missing, such as integration or ongoing maintenance, someone in the organisation will have to fill the gap. Turnkey does not mean losing control: the client should know where the solution is hosted, who has access to the data and what documentation it receives. It contrasts with buying a licence and configuring it yourself.
Example: a company commissions the automation of its customer orders; the provider analyses the process, builds the solution, connects it to the ERP and puts it live, while the order team only takes part in interviews and validation.