demotion-audit

A tool demotion audit determines when a software tool should be demoted by evaluating usage, ownership, and maintenance costs. It applies class-specific triggers to decide if a tool moves toward retirement, Hold, or further demotion.

A demotion trigger is a class-specific condition evaluated during a governance audit to determine if a tool should move from its current rung. Triggers are applied after gathering facts on usage, ownership, and maintenance costs.

To estimate maintenance costs for ongoing governance, run a demotion audit to surface hidden support burdens. The audit delivers a Demote or Hold verdict alongside explicit transition requirements and a maintenance-cost estimate.

To start a tool demotion audit, initiate the workflow for a target tool to determine its current rung. The three-phase process gathers facts, applies rung-specific demotion triggers, and generates transition requirements.

A Demote or Hold verdict includes explicit transition requirements and a surface-level maintenance-cost estimation. This guides handoffs and planning by revealing the necessary steps and ongoing support burdens for governance.

Yes, a demotion audit is useful for policy enforcement across rungs. It applies class-specific demotion triggers to evaluate tools consistently, preventing hidden support burdens and ensuring structured retirement planning.