Below, we describe some of the typical project processes. Most projects will include elements of all of these processes, although of course, to varying degrees.

 

	ANALYSIS We will work with you to analyze your current situation and to identify various means to attain your goals. This phase is generally non-technical in nature and involves discussions of current and desired business practices and operating environments. You may have done much of this work already.
	DESIGN Having decided on the project's goals, we will design one or more systems capable of attaining those goals. We will explain these designs to you, and describe the advantages/ disadvantages of each. Often, we can quickly produce system prototypes that allow us to demonstrate on a computer screen exactly how the system might look and function - these can be very useful focal points for further discussions.
	DEVELOPMENT This is the 'programming' phase. All of our programs are developed using the highest professional standards. This ensures that the programs work correctly, and that they are easily modifiable in case your requirements should change at some later stage. All our clients are given full access to the source code of the programs so that they have full control. We also provide system documentation explaining how the system works. This again ensures that the client remains "in the driving seat".
	TESTING Before any critical software is released, it is important for it to be fully tested. We will work with your users to perform the required level of testing. This can often involve doing 'dry runs' of processing through the system. For example, a selection of Customer Orders may be chosen to be processed through the system to ensure that they are handled correctly.
	USER TRAINING In our experience, the 'people' issues surrounding the implementation of a new system can be as important as the technical issues. Your staff must be receptive of the new system for it to be deemed a success. To ensure this, we recommend that staff be involved in the design and testing of the system, and that they receive full training before the system is implemented.
	IMPLEMENTATION Some of the issues that may need to be addressed here include: configuring servers, networks and PC clients; transferring existing data into the new system and administering system security (creating user accounts and allocating system privileges).
	SUPPORT In business, few things remain constant. New laws, practices or opportunities may require you to modify your working practices. Or you may later have new ideas to extend the functionality of the system as originally built. Our systems are built assuming that future change will happen, and we'll be there to help when it does.