Wrapping your head around all the preparations necessary to release new software can be daunting. It’s no small project and, if you’ve never been through the process before, it can be extremely easy to forget a step to check, miss a bug that needs fixing, skip a perspective that needs considering, etc. These mistakes can be disastrous to your project. Even if you are familiar with the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and have worked on software releases in the past, every software release is different and each project is unique. Perhaps you have led a project in another organization and you feel comfortable running the steps because of the experiences you’ve had. This doesn’t mean, however, that you’ll be able to finish your next project with the same level of ease. Every project, every team, every organization, and every situation is different. There are a lot of factors that weigh into the success of a project. So, the question is, is it time for a SDLC plan to get your software released?
Well, if you have no formal software development plan (or if you have one that you aren’t 100% confident in), it is almost certainly time to bring someone on to get an SDLC plan in motion. Getting on track and working with someone who has experience can mean the difference in developing and releasing your project in six months vs six years. Or maybe three years vs it never actually coming together. It all depends on the project and the ability you and your organization have to stick to the program.
What outside help can bring your business is proven experience with software development methodologies. This is the key to getting your software developed, on track, and released.
For instance, our founder, Jim Nagy, has designed and implemented multi-phase software release processes that allowed for a more proactive approach. In one intstance, he directed team collaboration to facilitate communication, and he streamlined the workflow to create an on-time deadline-sensitive release cycle. With the improved process in place, Jim and his team were able to consistently design, develop and innovate new industry-changing software features and successfully release seven new products into the market. Revenue for the division increased year over year, and the division turned a profit for the first time – setting the foundation for continued growth.
In another example, a pharmacy benefits management company needed to replace several legacy software applications with better technology in order to stay competitive. Jim developed and executed a five-year project plan; as part of this master strategy, Jim converted three existing software packages into a single Windows-based application he developed for small, independent pharmacies, large chain drugstores, and high-volume mail-order pharmacies.
At times, it can be difficult to bring on extra help to a project. The key is finding someone that you know is well versed in SDLC projects of many shapes and sizes, someone who is experienced in both main categories (Agile vs Waterfall) of the SDLC methodology, and someone who can confidently come into an organization and tell you what you need to hear vs what you want to hear to get things moving and accomplished.
If you’re interested in learning more about how we can help with your project or if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us here or comment below!
Also, if you want some more information on SDLC here are a few articles to get you started:
Building Custom Software Solutions: SDLC – Applied Best Practices
SDLC: What You Need to Know About Developing Custom Software Solutions
