LogicStop employs a best practices approach to its consulting engagements to consistently deliver the highest quality of services. LogicStop recognizes that when properly implemented, these practices deliver a cost savings for management involved in developing a Microsoft .NET solution. However, significant up-front planning is required to properly implement a custom-based solution to achieve these benefits. LogicStop’s phased delivery approach provides risk management to better assure that the intended benefits are attained. The LogicStop’s phased approach, tailored to the needs of XYZ company, is described below.
Phase I: Requirements and Design
To successfully deploy and achieve the intended benefits of the XYZ company web application, the XML and PDF files designed originally by XYZ to pass information to the web application for the XYZ users must be clearly understood. The Requirements and Design phase is used to collect information about these needs then apply them to the design and architecture of XYZ's web application. A kick-off meeting between a LogicStop Solutions Consultant, a LogicStop Project Manager and XYZ MIS personnel will initiate this phase.
The XYZ representatives at this meeting should include stakeholders who can provide LogicStop with any additional development objectives that need to be achieved during this engagement. Key project stakeholders from XYZ will be asked to provide detailed information about their IIS and SQL Server environments, if necessary. XYZ data development representatives should also provide LogicStop with a data design model for the queries for which the web application web application is to be based. Any preliminary documentation about the look and feel of the web application should also be shared at this time with all stakeholders present to insure a successful delivery. As a deliverable shortly thereafter, LogicStop will produce and deliver Application Design Document for the web application based on the meeting’s proposed design specifications. Any new SQL queries, XML file changes or workflow designs are required for the XYZ web application will be documented from this meeting, along with any assumptions.
Phase II: Development Effort
After XYZ agrees to the proposed Application Design Document, LogicStop will produce and deliver a web application based on the Application Design Document’s specifications. Once LogicStop provides this web application based on the requirements from XYZ, it is important that no changes be made to the SQL Server queries, database tables, XML file schemas or PDF files that may invalidate the information already gathered and the current ASP.NET development being carried out by LogicStop. The incentive is to avoid additional cost and time to XYZ through necessary re-planning and redesign. Any necessary changes to the information initially discussed during the Requirements and Design phase in development that differs from the original queries drafted during the kick-off meeting will be shared with management at XYZ and require approval to modify the web application design unless otherwise specified during the Phase I.
Phase III: Pilot Implementation
A test lab that represents the environment at XYZ is also essential to a successful deployment. This lab will be used to validate the design of the web application in a non-production environment, and provide validation of any necessitated future changes or enhancements. Once the web application development is complete, a pilot should be conducted to validate the new web application either in the test lab or in a non-production environment at XYZ. LogicStop will recommend the web application be included in any larger-scale pilot project deployment for the client during this phase. LogicStop will assist in determining the deployment methods of the interface based on XYZ's recommendations; as well as, document any assumptions or dependencies based on the initial design.
Phase IV: Deployment Planning and Execution
LogicStop will assist XYZ in developing a deployment plan for the web application with input from XYZ MIS personnel. This plan will incorporate the proven web application ASP.NET application into a baseline implementation schedule, if a larger-scale baseline implementation schedule already exists. LogicStop will be available to assist in the identification of risks and critical success factors to mitigate risks and bring a successful completion of the project objectives. During this phase, the LogicStop Solutions Consultant will work with designated XYZ MIS personnel to provide hands-on experience with the deployment of the enhancements and ongoing knowledge transfer.
Phase V: Quality Assurance and Project Closeout
Quality Assurance involves a quality review, the solicitation of XYZ feedback and the definition of next steps. Project closeout is achieved when XYZ agrees that the terms of the SOW have been met. LogicStop will then provide XYZ management with a Project Closeout Form for signature.