Building custom software is a collaboration, and a clear process makes that collaboration work. While there are exceptions, we generally find the steps below to be the most effective way of working together.
The Process We Find Effective for Working Together
- Initial Investigation — We start with high-level conversations about what you want to accomplish and whether custom software — and Techlancer — is the right fit for the solution. If required, we execute an MNDA to protect each other’s interests, then hold a series of remote meetings to dig into your goals in more detail.
- Demo and Rough Estimate — Our developers review everything gathered in those meetings and brainstorm ideas for a suggested solution. We take the time to build a demonstration of our ideas for your review and present it alongside a very rough estimate of cost and time.
- Current Process Evaluation — If you like our ideas and are comfortable with the estimated time and cost budget, we move into a review of your current processes and applications: the systems you use, the obstacles your staff face, and the improvements you want from a new application. Our software developers meet with your key employees — in person if needed — to observe the ins and outs of your day-to-day operations and note opportunities for improved efficiency. This becomes the basis for the project’s scope of work.
- Final Estimate — If we’ve hit the mark, we work with you to finalize the scope of the project and present a firm estimate.
- Software Development — We assemble a project team from our in-house developers and schedule the work. Development runs in weekly or biweekly sprints, with progress demonstrations for your stakeholders along the way — so you can give feedback and watch the application take shape.
- Training — We train your staff on how to use the application, listen to their feedback, and make reasonable adjustments when they’re helpful.
- Testing — Throughout development our team performs both manual and unit testing. As we approach the finish line, we schedule training sessions with your team in preparation for User Acceptance Testing (UAT), giving your people the chance to confirm the software functions as intended.
- Go Live — We roll out the application in your live environment, and our team stays on until the transition is a success.
- Warranty and Ongoing Support — We provide post-delivery support with alerting and failure notification. Your software is warrantied for the length specified in your proposal, and we offer ongoing support to all of our custom software clients.
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