If you're an executive planning to invest in new computer systems or are looking at building a custom software application, here are three words of advice. prioritize, prioritize, prioritize! Too many projects begin with a wish list, everything anyone could possibly want in the new system or application. This is a recipe for disaster.
We won't bore you with an explanation of the Titanium Triangle (you know, the three variables in any project. scope, money and time). What you already know is that time and money are always limited. If your project scope is a wish list, you're initiative is DOA (Dead-On-Arrival).
You can take control and guarantee success by being agile.
It can be done. Features, functions and capabilities can be managed in such a way that the business derives the maximum value from the project. The secret is to�
Once you've got the things that matter under control, the rest is much easier. Your project will have laser-like focus and a clear direction. All the inevitable decision points that arise will take less time and argument. The project will come in on budget and on schedule. Wouldn't that be nice for a change?
Reduce the risks and control the outcomes.
It's all about being lean and agile. By asking probing questions, we can help you and your staff zero in on what really matters to your business. We'll get you to consider trade-offs. For example, is a particular feature worth dramatically increasing the size of your database and thus slowing down the entire system?
By making tough decisions early in the process, the entire effort will be smoother and much less risky.
We do this using Joint Requirements Planning (JRP) sessions. These are half-day or full-day planning meetings where key decision makers gather to make decisions. Our role is to facilitate and lead you to the right conclusions for your business.
Whether you are planning to buy a commercial off-the-shelf software package, build a custom software application or create a central information repository, requirements planning is critical. Explore. Plan. Execute. Verify. You'll be more successful!
It's a matter of being clear and concise.
We'll provide you with a clear "Vision Statement", a brief and targeted description of the goals for the project.
You'll also receive clearly documented requirements grouped by priority using just three categories, essential, important, useful. Together the vision statement and the requirements document serve as a roadmap for the project.
If you like, we can even create a Storyboard for your application. Storyboards consist of a set of screen mock-ups that depict how the application will function and what the flow through the menus will be. Storyboards can be invaluable in showing the user community the new workflow.
So what are you waiting for?
Requirements can be assessed and documented in as little as one day. Storyboards and large projects with many user groups and workflows will take longer.
Want to know more about Joint Requirements Planning? Read our article called "Joint Requirements Planning Works!".
Any major initiative involves many people and many elements. Seemingly simple needs can become enormously complex as you assess the situation and uncover cause and effect relationships.
For example, an operational group may want to scan documents and store the scanned images electronically rather than rely on paper filing. Their goal is to reduce cost and speed transactional processing.
But, another group may be retrieving those paper documents periodically to gather demographic information. How are they to do that when the "paper trail" is eliminated and their computer systems have not been upgraded?
Yes, these kinds of situations do arise. Probably, more frequently than you would ever guess.
Proper requirements planning can inform, educate and prepare you for what lies ahead.
Start your project off on the right foot. Know what you're getting into.
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