|
Critical Design Associates employs a proven methodology to ensure successful management of customer expectations. When the below listed project specific processes are followed and implemented successively, Critical Design Associates can ensure customer satisfaction and provide adequate support for the customer’s technical environment and business processes. This criterion is applicable to any implementation and follows “best practices” as provided by most software and hardware vendors. Each phase of the methodology is described in brief below:
|
Analysis |
 |
The analysis phase is the most critical component of any engagement. During this phase
Critical
Design Associates works toward developing and defining the requirements and managing expectations
for the entire project. It is typical during this phase to develop a detailed document outlining
the existing environment since any subsequent projects may require changes to the existing
environment. Risk mitigation is identified and documented via the recommendations sections of this
phase’s final deliverable document. This phase can also include a Proof of Concept where basic
ideas and system functionality can be quickly validated and tested in a lab environment prior to
moving forward with a design. The analysis deliverable is used as the initial reference point for
all subsequent phases.
Design |
|
The design phase encompasses several processes, which are considered best practices for developing
a solution. The tasks associated with this phase include hardware and software selections as well as
a strategy for integrating together all of the required components. System functionality and architecture
are defined and documented based upon the requirements gathered during the analysis phase. The deliverable
for this phase provides a detailed description of the proposed solution. The design deliverable is used as
the primary point of reference for all subsequent phases.
Build and Test |
|
The build and test phase encompasses the processes of building the hardware and application architecture
to support the proposed solution based on the design deliverables. System functionality is tested and verified
during this phase to ensure a successful production rollout. The deliverables for this phase typically
encompass some step-by-step procedures for deploying the environment.
Production Rollout |
|
The production rollout phase is where “live” users access the new environment. Typically,
this occurs in at least three phases:
Pilot
The pilot phase encompasses a small production rollout for the purposes of collecting initial use
feedback and to refine the final production rollout prior to full deployment. During the pilot phase
user feedback and performance related statistics are collected. The deliverable for this phase typically
represents the results of the pilot on a functional level, based on user feedback and any other statistics
collected.
Production Deployment
During this phase of the project, the final production system is completely deployed to the entire end
user community.
Knowledge Transfer and Turnover
During this phase of the production rollout, Critical Design Associates transfers knowledge to the onsite
staff through interactive meetings and presentations. At this time all project deliverables are presented in
binder format.
Ongoing Support |
|
The support phase is implemented upon request in the event modifications are required to support changes
in the environment or in the event that support staff is unavailable. Support is also available in the event
of any production downtime situations. The deliverables for this phase typically reflect documentation of the
incident encountered and any steps taken to resolve the issue.
Advanced Training |
|
Critical Design Associates also delivers advanced onsite and offsite training for the technical team as
required. This phase encompasses the delivery of official curriculum items from the respective vendor or
custom developed training as required.
