We've been trying to tighten up the database release process at work. This involves lots of big and small changes including things like using version control software better, documenting database code as well as putting together some default scripts that run with every release.
It occurred to me that even if you have a good process and set of check lists for the release cycle it is still quite easy to miss out on small but ultimately important steps. Things get hectic, last minute changes are made, etc, etc., and the next thing you know you've forgotten a basic, but important, step like creating a database snapshot or disabling scheduled jobs or revoking user access for the duration of the release. There are probably a dozen other small tasks that can be left out.
