Are you currently working with software where you face constant limitations? Do you have your business processes well-defined, but your software can't support your company's needs? The following is an excerpt from How to Plan a Successful Custom Software Project. While SaaS companies develop one-size-fits-many applications, every software project is unique. There is no magic wand or general methodology for a universal type of software solution. Each project needs to be treated individually, thinking through dependencies and stakeholders.
Developing a Unique Approach
How are processes done today? Are your current processes manual and labor intensive? What functionalities are you missing? Are you using one single software platform? Do you have multiple software applications that you're trying to get to work together? Before you can start a software project, you need to first understand how the business operates.
- What type of business are you in?
- What problems do you face in your business?
- What is the ideal situation for your business processes?
- Are you planning significant staff growth?
- Are you planning to expand into new territories or new locations?
Next, develop a unique approach and methodology specifically for your company. Rather than focusing only on time and budget, break your needs down further.The business analyst, the software architect, and the UI/UX specialist will create a working prototype for the software so you can understand and see the full functionality of the software. Your main point of contact will review the business requirements document (BRD) and make sure everything is captured. Key stakeholders from your sales, marketing, and production teams should also be involved.
Creating a RACI Chart
Figure out who your single point of contact will be for the company -- the person who coordinates your internal stakeholders, similar to an onsite project manager. With this complexity, consider creating a RACI chart that defines who's Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed.
- Responsible - Those who do the work to complete the task.
- Accountable - The one who ensures the prerequisites of the task are met and who delegates the work to those responsible.
- Consulted - Those whose opinions are sought, typically subject matter experts.
- Informed - Those who are kept up-to-date on progress, often only on completion of the task or deliverable.
This document will include responsibilities such as reviewing, advising, and approving.To learn more about completing high-quality custom software projects on time and on budget, download your copy of How to Plan a Successful Custom Software Project.