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Methodology
While our process follows a typical 4 stage approach,
we have adapted each step in order to handle the unique
issues that arise in enterprise integration implementations,
including:
- Designing user interfaces that are intuitive, adhere
to standards of usability, and achieve optimum utility.
- Developing a solid enterprise architecture.
- Implementing the architecture with standard protocols,
specifications, languages, tools, and best-of-breed
products.
- Connecting effectively with existing systems to
leverage investments organizations have already made.
- Designing and building reusable functionality.
Our delivery process follows a rigorous, milestone-based
project approach and disciplined engineering process honed
during two decades of successful software development.
Our evolved process has been the foundation of our solid
delivery results where last year, for example, we delivered
projects with an average customer satisfaction rating
of over 95%.
Our Development Process
ActiveTools employs a four-phase development process to
provide a framework for success: Define, Design, Develop
and Deliver. Each phase can be adapted to the unique needs
and requirements of an individual project. Each phase
also builds upon the deliverables of the previous phase.
Our methodology represents a consistent and reliable approach
to minimize any associated risks and to effectively deliver
the project to meet your business objectives.
Define
The primary goal of the Define phase is to thoroughly
detail the requirements for your solution. We examine
your business objectives, user needs and both technical
and business constraints. An important aspect of this
is gaining a thorough understanding of your current
systems and processes so that they can be effectively
leveraged in the final solution. We then work with already
defined requirements and specifications to properly
represent user demands. We employ a constraints-based
methodology to narrow requirements to fit budget, time,
and other constraints of the business. The end result
of this phase is a conceptual model of the solution
that defines the high-level technical modules and user
interactions.
ActiveTools will work with you to understand your business
and define a common vision for your project. Together,
we will identify critical information necessary for
the successful deployment of your solution.
Design
During the Design phase, our teams will evolve
the key elements of the conceptual model to create a
design that integrates the interface, core architecture,
and database layer. We develop detailed workflow and
technical recommendations, which include a confirmation
of our product selection and a definition of our custom
developed modules. Our user-centred methodology helps
diverse business and technical teams converge on a solution.
We lay the technical foundation with a well-defined
enterprise architecture. This architecture will consist
of an enterprise services layer that facilitates system-to-system
communications and eliminates direct and inflexible
coupling between enterprise systems. Through the process
of abstraction, we decouple and model sub-systems or
services that are prone to change or customization so
that they can be more easily maintained independently
without affecting other components.
Develop
We start the Develop phase by completing detailed specifications
for interface, software development, and technical environments.
These specifications are used as blueprints for the
development team to produce project deliverables. Once
the blueprints are completed, the team will move into
coding and implementing the solution. We use standard
methodologies, protocols, specifications, and languages
for all development activities. We employ an iterative
"build" approach to our development activity
that breaks the work into distinct sub-projects each
with detailed design, development, and quality assurance.
Completing the process is a full end-to-end system test
that helps ensure zero defects throughout.
You can count on a high level of communication between
our project leads and your key stakeholders so that
you always have a firm grasp on progress of development.
When the system has been fully tested and reviewed by
our quality assurance analysts, key stakeholders from
your team will review the application and provide sign-off.
Deliver
In the Deliver phase, the fully tested and approved
application is sent to the production environment, and
all software, hardware, training and documentation are
delivered. While our technical team works to set-up
your solution, our consultants and technical writers
will be working with your teams to train them on the
key functions. We do not consider our work complete
until the solution is operating according to your requirements
and specifications.
To know more about how ActiveTools can partner with
you in your next software endeavor please send an email
to info@activetools.biz or call 1-877-TRY-ACTIVETOOLS.
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