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  OPI News- Summer 2011
 
Create Effective Business Software in one word .... Teamwork
teamwork
We've written plenty of business software and used lots of different methodologies and technologies but the one thing that has been absolutely essential is teamwork. This article will help you assemble a team that will successfully build your business software application. Your business is unique and requires custom software for your needs and chances are that no one on this planet has created the same software you are about to create. Custom software gives your employees and customers just what they need without burdening them with extra steps and superfluous data. This precise matching of software and business application gives you the effeciency you need to grow your business effectively focused in the direction you choose. No one (certainly not myself with 35 years of software development experience) can develop business software by themselves. You need a team. The whole team must have the knowledge and experience to create and implement your software.
Just to be clear. We're talking about functional software. We're not talking about a web site that looks like a brochure. It may very well be a web site but we're talking about sites which will significantly assist your operation and your customers.
Once upon a time there were computer people and non-computer people. Nowadays, everyone should know enough about the business aspects of computers and software. So the team should be quite diverse. The team must have business management and operational expertise as well as technical prowess to develop and implement the software. You should understand the whole process. Don't worry about the technical stuff but certainly understand how you want it to work and what it means to your operation and your customers. The team must understand a) the business from your company's perspective as well as your customer's perspective. b) The scope and goals you want to accomplish by implementing the software and c) have the technical ability to create it, implement it and maintain it.
 
While some of the people on the team may have worked together, it is unlikely that the entire team has worked together. It is much more effective to put together the team for each project than having a group using the same resources for any given project within your organization. A typical business does not have the need for a group which is capable of putting together all that is needed. Why would it? Well, unless maybe you are in the software development business. If so, why are you reading this article. You should be writing one! You need to hire a software development group which fills the gaps of your organization and will guide you through the process. You need to understand the entire process and certainly set the scope and goals. Ultimately you need to be in the drivers seat to be certain that it all works the way that makes sense for you organization and your customers.

 
Teamwork cont.

Here is the team you'll need:

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Project Manager - Someone who has experience developing and implement software.

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Directors - Decision makers who know the problems, goals, objectives and constraints & can define the scope  of phase 1 (this version  and phase 2 (next version) and phase 3 (future version) 

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System designer - Define the functionality of the system in terms of Input, Process and Output (IPO).

 
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Graphic designer - Create the visual aspects of the system and coordinate with photographers as necessary.

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Database Administrator - create and configure the database and handle the conversion from the old system.
 
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Programmers - write the software code

 
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Testers - provides feedback for each functional piece as it is being developed - never trust a programmer!

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Debugger - Digs deeper and determines the real cause of issues found by the tester and coordinates with the programmers.
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Quality control - A user who can test from start to finish and verify it's working correctly and document issues and train users as necessary.
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Systems Engineer - Configures the host server

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Beta Testers - Users who provide feedback on operational issues and propose enhancements for the next phase

It is important that all team members take ownership in the implementation of the system.  A more diverse team assures you the input you need from every aspect of the company.
Software group must provide a base level of SaaS along with the knowledge to manage the development process, configure the database, determine and apply the business rules and create the custom forms and reports needed for your application.
Your involvement from start to implementation will assure that the project stays on track and also you will know when it's time to implement the version and go live. It is best to implement the smallest piece that is practical and productive. Breaking the project into several phases is important.  Get further faster! Since you have a business to run and you are creating this software, it is important that you stay focused on your goals and priorities.
In summary, your team must cover all the bases. The software development group must fill in all the gaps of your organization. You should be involved every step of the way and understand all of the software functions at the business and operational level. Stay focused on the important goals and keep the scope of this phase practical so it will be implemented effectively in a timely fashion.

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  Optimal Contacts:
Steve Cantor 901-277-6095 cantors@optimalprocess.com
Alan Zellner azellner@optimalprocess.com
Jason Haley 901-323-4200 jason@optimalprocess.com 		 
     
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