| Purchasing Custom Software |
Page 3 of 3 What to Bring to the Development Table Most valuable to developers are insights into how the application will look and function. “What really helps are wire frame designs and page layouts,” says Chomko. “Wire frames are simple diagrams (these can be completed with a tool like Visio or even a simple pencil and paper) that include the layout of the page, information you would like included on the page, and links or buttons that will be on the page. Descriptions of what will happen when the links or buttons are clicked are very helpful in understanding the ‘events’ that can occur on a page.” Chomko suggests another aspect vital to the early development process: the creation of a site map, representing the pages that are part of the application, created in Visio or even PowerPoint. He also suggests that if you are currently utilizing any existing solutions (a database tool like Microsoft Access) it is helpful for developers to review working copies, as it helps to determine the scope of the project. Finally, give thought as to who will have access to the application and how. Planning for security roles early in the process is important because it affects the entire application. Custom Software Expectations When you set out to buy a custom software solution, the specifications you outline are the baseline from which the developers start working. Create detailed specifications and you'll get a better representation of your initial ideas. Create a rough outline and you'll most likely receive a deliverable that is not exactly what you had in mind. The lesson here should be that good results require participation from both sides. “If you care about the results, then you have to be involved through the process or empower a trustworthy employee to make sure it meets your expectations,” says Chomko. “It is imperative that those interacting with developers [are] familiar with the goals and requirements of the system … developers are not mind readers and need to be given exact details on how your business works.” The way to ensure that you receive the software that will work for you, your enterprise and your consumers is to understand the scope of your own project. Specifications that fit the bill typically include detailed modeling, for example, block flowcharts. When designing specifications, it's imperative to consider flexibility and scalability to accommodate for future growth and unexpected changes to the system. A great deal of care should be spent setting out specifications for the project that takes these issues into consideration as well as the design, function and security of the software application. |
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