SDLC: Helpful Tips to Make a Great Project from Scratch

Complexity knows no size. Be it a plane, laptop, sensor or a chip – the unit cannot function if some part doesn’t fit the system. Similarly, obscure product vision may ruin the project, regardless of its scale. See below how we verify every detail so that the project runs smoothly.

We start from blurring the line between a Client team (CT) and the Qulix team (QT). Why is it so important? The two never oppose each other; rather, they combine their efforts to reach top potential. However, it is also true that the two have their distinct tasks to tackle. Follow through our processes.

PROJECT ESTIMATION

Three main words any customer wants to hear are workload, timeframe and costs. These are also the three whales for our Proposal Package. Before we move to this part, there will be a crucial task for CT to manage, i.e. prepare the input data. A detailed description of what is going to be The Asset for your company (not simply an asset) will lay a solid basis for our analysis and consequently, for an exhaustive feedback. This leads us to the part where QT shows what it has in its pockets.

Normally, the Proposal Package consists of:

1. a General Proposal (specifying costs and possible discounts, timeline, execution methodology, resources, risks and mitigation strategies, technical vision, etc.)
2. Requirements Matrix, and
3. a Project Plan

What if the CT cannot provide a full picture of their project? Instead, they are ready with a rough draft. Our Business Analysis Team extends it and translates common language into Software Requirements. These are further outlined to our technical experts and Proposal Package is sent to the CT.

The CT accepts/revises the Proposal Package and the next phase is initiated. Should the client decline the Proposal Package with no revision in mind, the case is mutually terminated.

PROJECT INITIATION

Confidence is a must when it comes to business. Signing a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) makes it more than just a principle for both parties. A detailed NDA helps the teams delineate the area of ownership over the resulting knowledge. Moreover, this is the first task to be handled collectively. You may also want us to adhere to confidentiality policies even before the project initiation. In this case, we are ready to execute an NDA earlier.

Additionally, the initiation phase is the right time to assign contacts from both parties. This enables you to freely interact with QT and monitor each cycle progression. Your guidelines also ensure us that a correct physical enclosure is given to your project vision, not ours. Our contact team usually consists of a Project Manager, Project Manager Backup and Project Supervisor. You can reach the team via e-mail, Skype, MSN, Mobile, whichever is preferable to you. We kindly expect that our clients will pay equal attention to the contacts as well.

Before we start the job, Qulix recommends switching to a test mode. Launch a pilot with us! This will be a trial version of our future communication, which is more effective than a regular opening meeting. You’ll get deeper comprehension of our processes and see how reliable and easy outsourcing can be. In addition, QT will also be ready technically for larger and more complex projects to expect from you later on.

PROJECT EXECUTION

No task is easy for an expert. One process for a client, is a chain of processes for a developer. The work stream will be easier for you to track if divided into stages, such as:

• Requirements clarification

Implementing your best initiatives requires clarity. Each new step uncovers challenges that could not be foreseen during the estimation phase. Those can be viewed very clearly after building the UX Design/Wireframes.

• Technical & Functional prototyping/ Architecture design

At this point we are going full blast entering the prototyping zone. By now, we are able to show you how your system will look and feel. It can be a technical prototype (demonstrating basic custom controls or the technology in use) or a functional prototype (the minimum scope of functionality). Basically, we also prepare a Software Architecture Document (SAD) describing a general structure of the solution, approaches and technical decisions selected for your task.

• Running & Testing

The product is almost ready to be implemented. However, the Testing Team (TT) sees no traces of the final delivery. The running and testing performed by the TT implies a continuous cycle of verification and validation procedures. Actually, among the described stages, this one is the longest and most effort-consuming.

• Acceptance testing & Support

However detailed a set of tests may be from our part, it’s always crucial that the system comes through a scrutinous check at the client’s site. QT will provide you a full-cycle support to ensure the system operates properly. In case you think the product is not ready for a productive operation, Qulix will make the corresponding adjustments. See the process overview in the picture below.

RISK MANAGEMENT AND REPORTING

Risks always arise during the life span of the project. Our processes have been tailored to this demand of custom development. As a result, the product quality is not compromised. Risk management and reporting allow you to stay on the loop of all the meaningful events and landmarks. As a rule, at Qulix we provide the following reporting options:

• Weekly project status report
• Report on project plan/Updated project plan
• Defects report/Fixing dynamics
• Other option at client’s discretion

Firstly, fair reporting and risk management implies stronger ties with a client. Secondly, both teams will be able to impose beneficial changes at any product stage. In this scenario you are the main decision-maker of the project. This eliminates any unfavorable tradeoff between reality and expectations.

CONCLUSION

Let’s preview the final outline. It shows the tasks and responsibilities the two parties handle throughout the cycle.

Should your communication practice with your current contractor fundamentally differ from that portrayed above, the problems with the final product will most likely occur. The issue may not be in the competence of your contractor. The client all too often forgets that collaboration is the key for success. Efforts should be distributed evenly from both parties. In this context, let’s go through the pillars of effective business communication:

• See the value of the product for your business. Are you ready to actively invest your time and money? Are you applying data-driven decisions alone?
• Share your concerns regarding the current processes of your contractor. In case you need 5 testing cycles don’t settle down with 3 your contractor provides on a regular basis.
• Be attentive. A contractor needs your time to outline his/her vision of the project.
• Learn from other’s experience and be prepared to switch your route. Columbus did find India, except that it was America. Trust your guide, some mistakes never pay off.
• Speak your mind. Feedback matters! As you probably see from our outline.
• Make sure you both see the same target. It’s crucial for the parties to be on the same page.
• Indulge! Enjoy what you’re doing. Your project is a brick the future of technology is built from.

Whether you’re a beginner, average or an experienced project leader, we advise you not to perceive the project too generally or try to control its every aspect. As long as we combine our efforts, the chances for positive outcome double.

We hope you find this article helpful. Contact us at request@qulix.com and discover even more.