We use a two or three-step process to ensure your custom software meets your expectations and comes in on budget. We refer to these steps as: Meet and Discuss, Refine and Define and the final step, Estimate and Schedule (for many projects, the third step is unnecessary or informal).

Meet and Discuss

The Meet and Discuss phase involves what its name implies. During this phase, we’ll meet several times (usually over the internet, but if logistically possible, we like to meet once in person) and work to understand your current infrastructure and discuss your goals for the project.

We’ll also discuss the two methods we use for developing custom software, the Fixed Scope/Fixed Price method and the Cost +Plus method (you can read about them HERE).

Additionally, we’ll try to ascertain your investment desires for the project. Where it is possible to choose, would you rather invest additional time to save money or invest additional money to reduce the amount of time you personally invest in the project. Armed with this information, we enter phase two.

Refine and Define

The Refine and Define phase always concludes with a proposal, consisting of an estimate and project timeline. For two possibilities, the estimate will be for the project itself and in one case, the proposal will be for the Estimate and Schedule phase.

When it is determined that the project will be completed using the Cost +Plus methodology or it will be developed using the Fixed Scope/Fixed Price and the scope is easily defined, the Refine and Define stage ends with a proposal for the project itself.

If however, the project will be developed using the Fixed Scope/Fixed Price methodology and the scope is complicated or not completely defined, the Define and Refine stage will end with a proposal for creating the requirements, specifications and in most cases, the wireframes (a visual mock-up) for the project.

Estimate and Schedule

For many/most projects, we don’t have a formal Estimate and Schedule phase. For most projects, the proposal, with estimate and timeline is delivered at the end of the Refine and Define phase.

This is reserved for those projects which will be developed using the Fixed Scope/Fixed Price methodology and which do not have simple and/or clearly spelled out list of requirements and specifications.

If you have been thinking about creating an extra-net for your company, a new mobile application, a new, modern web ecosystem for the front end or simply want to discuss what is possible, please don't hesitate to give us a call… remember the Meet and Discuss phase is free of cost or obligation. Give us a call today at 410-215-7356.