jmacorp.com > custom development > approach

This is the approach we use for Custom Development Projects. It has been refined over many years of successful development and deployment of Custom Applications.

Discovery and Definition Phase

Through detailed interviews, observations, and a review of current inputs and outputs, we gain a thorough knowledge of the business process and develop a road map for generating the final solution. We focus on the core business issues, separating them from the symptoms through root cause analysis. A Requirements Definition document is prepared and approved, and a project plan is developed.

General Design Phase

The general design consists of basic information flow, screen displays and output layouts. A general user interface is decided upon and an off-line walk-through is completed. We review the Requirements Definition document and verify that all requirements are met. Any new requirements discovered in this phase are documented and resolved.

Detail Design and Development

The application is developed using the latest, proven technology, and industry standard tool sets. Validation routines, functional tests and proof of concept specifications are consistently applied during this phase, insuring an application that meets or exceeds expectations.

This phase also includes detailed testing and we help the project team to identify and develop a set of representative test data. Before testing, we map out what results we expect and then compare those expected results to the actual results making adjustments where necessary.

BETA Installation and Testing

The application is installed on a limited basis for more thorough user testing. A formal demonstration from the project team is the kickoff event for the BETA testing and marks the first time users have seen the interface. Our Validation, Evaluation and Testing form (VET) is used to document, problems, change requests and desired enhancements.

After a suitable period of BETA testing, the VET forms are collected and reviewed. Changes, requests and desired enhancements are further defined and either incorporated into the final application, discarded altogether or delayed for future releases. A deployment date is agreed upon and the final implementation plan is initiated.

Deployment

The finished application is installed, users are trained, documentation is delivered and the product goes into full production mode. Prior to this, the database is prepared, and legacy data is converted to the new system if necessary. At the same time, our Technical Support procedures and contact information is distributed so we can respond quickly and efficiently if further questions or issues arise.

Our Deployment Supervision option has become a very popular service during the deployment phase. This service includes on-site technical support for the first day of production. This hands-on approach allows much closer contact with the users insuring a smooth transition and successful project.