Developing custom software is a very complicated and often hard to understand process. It is filled with difficult to understand technical concepts, processes that are hard to value and pitfalls that often impact project timelines and budget. This document will explain the construction and implementation efforts that are critical to the software development process.
Construction The software construction stage is where software developers begin the “writing of code”, configuration of system components and integration to any other systems.
Rollout/System Implementation The implementation stage is when the constructed software is placed into production and the organization begins using with real transactions, processes and output.
The software construction process consists of the iterative activities below:
Pre-coding/Platform Setup
Construction/Development process:
User Acceptance/Testing (UAT):
The Rollout or System Implementation process is where the system is actually placed into production to be used by Client and associated Team Members. Typically, the system implementation process follows the steps in the order below:
Training: Although the UAT process (defined above) should have covered most of the training necessary, there still may be final end-user training for those not included during the UAT process.
Policy/Process documentation: As important to training on how a system functions, is the need for any supporting policy or process in support of the new system.
Workflow: New systems almost always adjust an organization’s workflow because automation tends to improve efficiencies of impacted users.
Data Conversion: This part of the system implementation process is often the most critical, stressful and timing dependent than other aspects.
Cutover: Cutover is the timing of numerous efforts and essentially the event of moving to the full production use of a new system.